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 I dislike having to deal with out-of-date setup disks, unresponsive routers, and having to come up with esoteric network names and passwords.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).
I clicked “Connect to your Cisco Valet” (that’s STEP TWO) and the software started right away. THIS is the type of Hotspot setup experience I’ve been looking for; it created a unique (and memorable) network name, and gave me my password (you can change either or both if you’d like) and… that’s it. Network setup. Security in place.
Adding new computers to the network was simply a matter of plugging the USB key in. It works for both PCs and Macs, so my network was set up in under five minutes. All of the typical network hassels I was usually prepared for? I didn’t see a single one.
Valet and Valet Plus are built for families and for people who want an easy setup experience, but that doesn’t mean they’re not powerful. Both models can automatically setup a guest network for you, separate from your own private network, letting you play the good host by offering a secure network connection to your friends and family. They also include parental controls, letting you block sites (individually, or by using keywords and block lists powered by Trend Micro). You can also control wireless access, blocking connections after a certain time for weekdays and weekends. Each device can be granted access independently, so you can keep the connection going to one machine, while blocking connections to computers, game systems, and smartphones on demand.
Valet offers the kind of simplicity that I want to see in my next Home Hotspot – even the name is right on the money – it’s a full service device that connects me to my stuff. I like that – and calling it a Hotspot is perfect too; it delivers the seamless Internet experience you’d expect from a no-hassle Hotspot. If you’re replacing an old or underpowered device (like the routers supplied by ISPs) or you want to wire up your home or dorm, Valet gets my recommendation.
