Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems, has unveiled a range of new products designed to enable consumers to setup wireless networks and activate Wi-Fi security features with the push of a button.

17 Dick Smith PowerHouse stores across Australia will offer consumers the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router at a recommended retail price of $159 and the Linksys Wireless-G PC Card at a recommended retail price of $99.

“Linksys is simplifying the process of setting up and adding devices to a wireless network with our new Wireless-G Broadband Router. Consumers can now experience the convenience and freedom of wireless networking at the touch of a button,” said, Graeme Reardon, Linksys regional manager for Australia and New Zealand.

The new wireless networking product offers three key features in a box. It is a wireless access point that allows consumers to connect devices to the network. The device includes a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect wired-Ethernet devices.  The router function ties it all together and lets the whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection, files, and other resources such as printers and hard disk storage space.

Traditional wireless LAN installation is a complicated and time-consuming task, requiring the user to possess the technical know-how to manually enter several settings on each Wi-Fi device. The new product form Linksys claims to simplify installation by automating the processes of configuring new wireless networks and adding devices to existing networks. After a user pushes ta button on the Linksys router and wireless device – or uses access point setup software on their notebook computer – the system establishes a private connection between the devices and automatically configures the network.

Many have tried to make plug and play wireless LAN setup in the home without success and a number of installers we spoke to are skeptical that the new Linksys product will live up to its claims. Only time and a few reviews will tell.