The Valet router is a new Cisco wireless router aimed at making the setup of a wireless home network as easy as possible. One of the issues that Cisco and many other router manufacturers face is a high rate of return due to what consumers perceive as complicated setup instructions that are hard to follow. Not only does this result in many routers being returned, but it also results in consumers not correctly configuring them, which in turn leads to home networks that have no security features enabled.

Cisco hopes to change all of this with their Valet wireless routers, a device that has been developed in tandem with the team responsible for creating the Flip pocket video camera, a video cam known for its simplicity.

The Valet router can’t get easier to setup. The device comes with a set-up key that you insert into an available USB port on your personal computer. Once connected and the router is powered on and connected to your incoming broadband connection, the Cisco software will automatically start and begin the configuration of the wireless home network. It will determine the best settings possible and go so far as to provide you with a generic network name and enable WPA2 with a WPA2 password. Throughout the process, users will be able to customize settings to their personal preferences if the default settings are not acceptable.

Once the configuration has been completed, the Cisco Connect software will save the information onto the key which can then be inserted into other devices to give them network access.

Finally, for those that have kids, parental controls are also available so as to be able to regulate the times that kids can access the Internet as well as what sites are allowed or blocked. If there is one complaint about the Cisco router, it would be the absence of a USB port through which a USB printer or an external hard drive could be connected.

The Valet router with one wireless antenna will retail for $100. For those with a larger home, a dual antenna device is also available and this will run for $150.

Via: NYT