Linksys launches first dualband home entertainment router

The Linksys by Cisco Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router (WRT610N) provides Wireless-N performance in both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, similar to having two N band routers in one device.

CRN spoke to Graeme Reardon, Linksys regional director, A/NZ, to explain how the router works;

What is the need for 5GHz / 2.4GHz dualband networking?

Having a simultaneous Dual-N Band doubles the available wireless bandwidth on your network allowing you to stream large media (video) files on the 5GHz band and use the 2.4GHz band for traditional data transfers, surfing, email etc.

When would you use the 5GHz spectrum and 2.4GHz?

5GHz is ideal for streaming media/video and provides more than seven times the number of non-overlapping wireless channels, which means it is clearer and static free.

The 2.4GHz is better used for the older network devices like print servers, cameras, older PCs or notebooks, to access the network.

The idea of the 5GHz and 2.4GHz together in one product provides a solution that achieves full Wireless-N network speeds on both bands at the same time.

Who is this router suited to and how does it fit into the home?

A router such as the WRT610N is useful for someone who wants to simultaneously stream audio and video traffic to their Digital Media Adapter using the 5GHz band.

At the same time, others can share the same internet connectivity for other purposes, like emailing, surfing etc, using the 2.4GHz band.

How does the network know to use the 2.4Ghz band or the 5Ghz band?

The network performance prioritises media such as High-Definition video without the need for manual configuration. Consumers can also customise their network to give priority to certain devices like gaming consoles over devices.