Linksys / Cisco Smart Wi-Fi?

[sswilson]

Does anybody have experience with this new set of features?

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi

Just got an email from linksys suggesting that I do a firmware update (initiated by a hyperlink from the email no less..... ;) ) for my model of router. Now that I've verified that I can access the same information through the cisco website (and thus isn't something that's going to install nasty stuff onto my router) it's got me curious. Anybody play with it yet? (I'm thinking about doing it anywise since I never got around to putting tomato onto it in the first place and maybe this firmware update resolves the issues I've been having.)

[BeaverBender]

I only have experience with the Enterprise toolset on their (Cisco's) Security appliances... Not sure if they are the same. Anything specific you are looking at?

[JD]

Isn't this just a re-brand of their initial try? They basically gain full control of your router and can block access to certain websites along with monitoring all your internet usage.

I surely wouldn't opt to install it if they still have those "features".

[sswilson]

Originally Posted by JD

Isn't this just a re-brand of their initial try? They basically gain full control of your router and can block access to certain websites along with monitoring all your internet usage.

I surely wouldn't opt to install it if they still have those "features".

I wasn't aware of the issue(s) with their "initial try", a quick look suggested that these features are standard on their current line of routers and that the firmware update would bring my older E3000 up to the new(er) standard.

I certainly have no interest in cloud computing, but might be convinced that being able to access some of my files from a public account might be useful from time to time. It also looks like they've got some form of scheme to allow remote access to vid cam shots as well.

Guess I'll have to do some more research.

[JD]

I believe it was called "Cisco Connect Cloud". Basically it removes local access to your router and you must access it through the Cisco website over the Internet. They also came down pretty hard and were blocking/filtering "unsafe" websites along with keeping tabs on every website you visited.

I truly hope they solved these privacy concerns, but the fact is, you are letting Cisco have web-access to your router. God only knows what they can do. My router is the last thing I want to be accessible from the Internet.

I know people are weary of using Gmail for that matter, this is 10x worse IMO.