1Apr/105
Cisco-Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
Rating: 4.0 / 5
Price: $119.99
- Networking Equipment Features: 128-bit Wireless Encryption, WEP Security, WPA2 Security
- Computer Platform Compatibility: PC, Windows, Mac
- LED Lights: Power
- LAN Ports: 4
- WAN Ports: 1
- Wireless Standard: 802.11b/g/n
Product Description
Cisco Valet Plus provides a simple way to create your own wireless hotspot. Create a wireless hotspot in your home and connect your laptops, desktops, game consoles, and mobile devices to the Internet. Connect your wired devices to your Valet Plus for faster file transfers and streaming entertainment and get expanded wireless coverage for larger homes.... More >>
Cisco-Valet Plus Wireless Hotspot
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April 1st, 2010 - 12:54
I had a very old Airport base station and was having trouble connecting my DirecTv wireless adapter to it. I figured it was time to upgrade. I did a lot of research online and was worried about not being able to set up a new router using my Mac. I bought this router with high hopes of a quick set up. I was not disappointed. I had 2 Macbooks, a Wii, my TiVo DVR and the DirecTv system all working within 15 minutes. So far signal is great throughout my three story home. The router is in the basement and my husband is on the third floor Skyping away. I highy recommend this for anyone that wants a quick and easy setup with little hassles!
Rating: 5 / 5
April 1st, 2010 - 13:31
Bought the Valet Plus to replace a Linksys G router that occasionally lost signal and that did not offer reliable coverage throughout my (not very big) apartment. Connecting 2 computers went smoothly, and range was definitely improved. Connecting 3rd computer produced error message but seemed to work anyway – attempting to add wireless Canon printer to the network caused another error message and connection failed. Called Cisco Support and was told, basically, that they don’t fix printer problems; I insisted that was nonsense, since the product is sold as a “no-brainer” wireless solution and they had to help make it work. During conversation with service rep, the printer suddenly did recognize the Valet Plus (or vice-versa) and started working. Next day, connected iPhone successfully but printing failed again. This time, Customer Support dug a little deeper and checked the settings on the router. Then they told me I had to get a better driver from Canon since the router will only work with printers enabled for WPA/WPA2 security. When I asked why that wasn’t listed on the box or anywhere else as a technical requirement for the product, the person had no answer – kept repeating that Cisco used “advanced” technology. After that useless call, I tinkered with the printer LAN settings and tried getting it to accept WPA (rather than WPA2) as security protocol. I was able to print again, but don’t have confidence the problem is solved for good. So I have to choose whether to send back the Valet Plus or keep it and hope it works, accepting that I may have difficulty and that Cisco Support is pretty much not supportive at all. Be warned that “plug and play” may not be your experience with this item.
UPDATE: It seems that Cisco takes customer reactions pretty seriously. After posting this review and responding to a Cisco survey in the same vein, I got an email and phone call from a higher-up in the company’s support area. He explained that Cisco has to be careful about offering technical advice about other company’s products (there are liability issues) but agreed that I should not have been given that unequivocal, unhelpful answer. And the Valet Plus has been working well – haven’t had to reset it or fiddle with AirPort settings on computers. Have printed successfully a couple of times, too, so hoping for the best.
Rating: 3 / 5
April 1st, 2010 - 15:52
This is as close to plug and play as a wireless router gets. I was a little apprehensive about purchasing it because there are no product details outside the box. There is also no instruction manual inside but the USB key is prominently displayed. It simply instructs you to plug the USB key into the first computer. An onscreen guide walked me through the set up which consisted of plugging in a few cables. In less than five minutes the Cisco had set up a secure wireless network, a separate guest hotspot and sent me off to insert the USB key in any other computers I wished to connect to the network.
This is the ideal device for the person who just wants their electronics to work and is not interested in details. It is possible to access the configuration screen from the Cisco software or via the IP address but you’re paying for the convenience of never having to look under the hood.
At the end of the process they reveal the name of your network and your password but there are no further instructions. I have not had a guest log on but I understand the process is similar to the login at a hotel. They actually have to open their internet browser and enter the password you provide on a welcome screen. A little more detail would have been nice.
The Valet includes 24 hour live tech support which I consider a big plus. The router has various lighted symbols flashing but none of them are marked. I called to find out what they were and had live assistance in less than a minute. The woman was very pleasant but scolded me when I asked about what looks like a power button in the middle. It seems you could lose your set-up if you press the button.
I have purchased many routers and this is by far the quickest and easiest to set up. The connection speed is also very good.
Rating: 4 / 5
April 1st, 2010 - 18:45
I had been using a 7 year old Linksys router that was impossible to lock. Not wanting to share my wireless connection with my neighbors I saw a review of the Cisco Valet and knew right away this was for me. The packaging is very impressive….reminds me of when I opened my iPhone box, but much bigger. Set up was a breeze, although I read conflicting instructions on how to do it. But I have a hunch it doesn’t matter whether you insert the USB key first or connect the router to your modem before inserting the key.
The Valet recognized my iPhone immediately and all I had to do was type my Valet password (supplied by the Valet) into my iPhone.
Then I put the USB key into my wireless computer and that was a piece of cake. Took about 1 minute to connect to the router.
I guess each router gets its own fancy name….mine is “fancy dolphin”, which I decided to keep. The setup does give you the option to change the name or password, but the instructions said something about having to reset the router manually. And I think you would have to update the USB key if you make changes. I decided not to change anything.
My only issue was trying to register the product with Cisco. On the registration screen it asks for a user name and password. Since I did not have either, it took several tries before I figured it out. You need to go the the Cisco homepage and register a username and password and then come back to the registration page.
One other issue was trying to figure out what the center button does. Our of curiosity I pressed it and it started flashing. Not knowing what was going on I unplugged the power and then back in and it reset it self to normal.
Instruction are all there on the Cisco web site…just in different places.
The router is sleek and easy on the eyes.
I would definitely recommend this product.
Rating: 5 / 5
April 1st, 2010 - 19:38
Wonderful product; true happiness. I needed a new router immediately so paid a little more at our local electronics store vs. Amazon. Set up home network with three PC’s and wireless printer in 20 minutes. Cisco walks the talk when advertising simple setup. The Easy Settup Key goes into the UBS port on every computer. The Setup Key does everything; even gives you the wireless name and password (you can easily change at anytime). A Guest account is also created and you have option of assigning 1-7 guests and access can be turnned on or off at anytime. Questions – Cisco invites you to call them 24/7 and they will solve any problems.
Results – We have 100% strength eveywhere in our two-story home and confident that our neighbors can’t borrow our wireless connection. Definitely recommend the Cisco Valet if you want to easily set up a home wireless network.
Update! When a company provides exceptional customer service, it speaks volumes about their product. After placing a call to Cisco Valet technical support, I was connect within one minute. No being directed to website or being stuck in the “press options” vortex. Technical support spent time explaining all the features and the steps I needed to setup my Canon Wireless Printer (MP560). If a device has wireless capability, it can easily be added to your home network. I know have three laptops and a printer all connected to my network. I learned my son’s Xbox 360 just needs an adapter or bridge to be added to the network. Will be expanding my home entertainment wish list now that I finally understand how to easily bring wireless technology into all aspects of my home. The Valet is a product I highly recommend.
Rating: 5 / 5