Wi-Fi set-up 'as easy as pushing a button'

Linksys has claimed a revolution in Wi-Fi installation for home networks with the European launch of technology which makes setting up wireless Lans "as easy as pushing a button".

The firm's SecureEasySetup, demonstrated at CeBIT in Hanover, is touted as enabling consumers to "effortlessly" set up a wireless network and activate Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) security with ease.

After a pressing a button on the Linksys router and wireless device (or using the company's access point set-up software on a notebook computer) SecureEasySetup establishes a private connection between the devices and automatically configures the network's Service Set Identifier while enabling WPA security.

According to the Cisco division the technology eliminates existing hurdles to broad adoption of home Wi-Fi products by delivering ease of use and automated security.

"Linksys aims to make the process of setting up and adding devices to a wireless network as simple as possible," said Patrick Lelorieux, EMEA vice president of sales at Linksys.

"A deployment of push-button wireless set-up and security can help to simplify and enhance the user experience when setting up and building a home network."

Linksys plans to offer the first Wi-Fi products with the push-button set up in Europe later this spring.