Finally, there’s a way to get a wireless network that actually does deliver on simplicity. Early this morning Cisco announced the Valet and Valet Plus Home Hotspots, and in doing so they’ve completely revolutionized how we should look at home wireless.

Let’s be clear: Valet is really, really easy to use. I’m used to setting up wireless networks and it’s still a process that I’m usually not too thrilled with. I dislike having to deal with out-of-date setup disks, unresponsive routers, and having to come up with esoteric network names and passwords. After using the Cisco Valet Plus I can safely say that it’s going to be my first choice when someone asks me to setup their wireless network again.

The best part about that? I won’t need to be there. Setting up Valet really is as easy as advertised. To test it I unplugged my current router (an Apple Airport Extreme Base Station) and powered my modem down. The Valet Plus Hotspot comes with a USB key, so I plugged the Hotspot into power and plugged that key in (that’s STEP ONE in the instructions – one of three steps printed right on the box).

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