Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD brings new 802.11ac standard

Linksys announced the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router with 802.11ac technology accompanied by a compatible Universal Media Connector to connect devices such as Smart TVs, Blu-ray players and game consoles at Gigabit speed, wirelessly.

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD Video Pro has the best Wi-Fi performance in the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi router portfolio and, together with the Linksys AC Universal Media Connector, is now available through retail and online stores in Canada.

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD Video Pro, is powered by the industry’s next-generation wireless technology, 802.11ac, delivering powerful performance with Wi-Fi speeds up to 450+1300 Mbps1.

“Designed to meet the explosive increase in video consumption and the rise of Wi-Fi enabled devices in the home, the new Linksys Smart Wi-Fi router with AC technology delivers incredible speed and simplicity while changing the way consumers interact with their electronics and HD content - allowing them to manage their devices remotely using easy-to-use apps on their mobile device,” said Brett Wingo, vice president and general manager, Cisco Home Networking. “We are combining top of the line Wi-Fi performance with unmatched usability and intelligence to deliver a better customer experience.” 

To open this world of opportunities, consumers can create an optional Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account during product set-up. After creation the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account can be accessed securely from any web browser or through the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App on a smartphone or tablet. This enables anytime, anywhere access and control of the home network and its connected devices. A variety of Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Apps are available today and additional apps are coming soon from app developers that have joined the Linksys Developer Community.

To simplify connecting devices to the network, SimpleTap™ has been introduced with the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers. SimpleTap lets consumers connect devices to the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router with as little as one tap of a button or with a quick swipe or scan of a device or tag, making it easier than ever to add devices to their Wi-Fi network. 

As well as adding a new router to the Smart Wi-Fi portfolio, Linksys continues to collaborate with consumer electronics industry leaders to simplify and optimize the connected home experience for consumers. Linksys is excited to announce its partnership with LG Electronics. This partnership will help consumers get the best possible HD viewing experience on their Smart TV in the near future when using video on demand services such as Netflix and YouTube HD, as well as LG’s enhanced “3D World” app that offers popular Disney movie titles.

“As part of LG’s smart device innovation leadership strategy, we’re pleased to collaborate with Linksys to offer consumers the best experience in streaming entertainment at home. While delivering an unparalleled Smart TV experience with our slim-profile CINEMA 3D Smart TVs and the unique LG Magic Remote, we’re also focusing our efforts on simplifying home network connectivity. Using Linksys Smart Wi-Fi routers that also enable superior streaming experiences represents an important first step in a broader relationship between LG and Cisco intended to enhance and simplify end-user enjoyment of a variety of broadband services,” said Samuel Chang, General Manager of Innovation Development, LG Electronics USA.

The consumer opt-in prioritization for LG Smart TVs is designed to maximize the high-definition streaming experience without noticeably affecting connectivity or performance of other connected devices, such as smartphones and smart appliances connected to the home network.

Beyond making products available through retail and online stores, Cisco also collaborates with service providers to offer this type of solutions to consumers. Qatar Telecom (Qtel) in the Middle East is the first service provider globally that is rolling out AC-enabled Linksys Smart Wi-Fi products to its fiber broadband customers. Qtel provides a full range of telecommunications services in Qatar and across its presence in 17 countries.

“We share a vision for the connected home with Cisco Linksys, and see 802.11ac as a key technology for delivering the benefits of this vision for the people of Qatar. With improved range and the capacity to reach Gigabit speeds over Wi-Fi, we will be able to roll-out richer and more agile video services to our customers, enabling them to watch content effortlessly on almost any connected device,” said Waleed Al-Sayed, Chief Operating Officer, Qtel.

Pricing and Availability:

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD Video Pro (model EA6500), is available for $219.99 (MSRP) at Best Buy, and Future Shop.  The complementary Linksys AC Universal Media Connector (model WUMC710) is also now available for $159.99 (MSRP) at Best Buy and Future Shop.