Cisco launches EA series wireless routers (EA4500, EA3500 and EA2700)!
Cisco EA4500, EA3500 and EA2700
Cisco just announced a new series of wireless router! The EA Series consist of three routers: EA2700, EA3500, and EA4500. All the routers sport Basic Parent Controls, Dual N Band, 4 Gigabit Ports, are App Enabled, provide Guest Access and integrated Cisco Connect Cloud. The EA 4500, comes with an integrated DLNA server, aUSB port, and up to 900Mpbs of bandwidth, while the EA 3500 comes with only the USB port and a drop in bandwidth to 750Mbps. Finally the Ea 2700 comes in last with a drop in bandwidth to 600Mbps. Pricing is $199, $139, and $99 respectively.
Cisco also announced that it is working closely with top appliance manufactures to help simplify the integration of TVs, entertainment devices, and home appliances to provider a more enriched user experience.
Personally, I’m a bit intrigued by the Cisco Connect Cloud. This free service will be launched June this year, and very little information was provided on its functionality. I’m also intrigued by the router bandwidth specifications. 900Mbps, 750Mbps, & 600Mbps? I’m very curious to see some real work testing of bandwidth over large distances and through walls; not to mention sustained transfer rates, packet loss, etc. Obviously Cisco has tiered its pricing based on features and bandwidth. If real world bandwidth testing fall short of expected results, I don’t see the point in upgrading from what is currently on the market.
I’m also not particular impressed with the addition of a DLNA server. I have a feeling it will fall very short of the DLNA servers we have available to us. I just don’t see a router being able to transcode on the fly. But we’ll have to wait and see what happens with this feature.
All in all, I think the success of this product comes is dependant on two points, increase bandwidth over longer distances and the Cisco Connect Cloud. I don’t think the DLNA or major appliance integration set these routers apart from what is available now.
The routers are already available for purchasing and Amazon already has the routers listed.
UPDATE! - It looks like Newegg.com is now carrying these routers at the same price as Amazon BUT there is an additional $10 dollar MIR.
I can’t wait to see some of the real world benchmarks and see 3rd party developers like DD-WRT and Tomato get their hands on these new routers.
To read the full press release visit Cisco’s News Room.
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