Linksys has introduced two new 802.11ac Access Points and six new Smart Switches to its business networking line-up. In addition, Belkin International, manufacturer of both Linksys and Belkin branded business solutions, †has unveiled its new PartnerAdvantage Program, combining two previously separate programs†into one program that will help Belkin and Linksys channel partners drive sales, increase profits, and offer incentives.
Dual-Band Wireless-AC Access Points for Business
Linksys has expanded its business networking line-up with two new 802.11ac Access Points—the Wireless-AC1750 and Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Access Points. These new access points allow network administrators, resellers, and businesses to deploy a high-speed wireless network or upgrade their existing wireless infrastructure to the latest 802.11ac technology. Features of the new Linksys Wireless-AC Access Points include:
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac Dual Band support
- Data Rates up to 1200 Mbps – Linksys AC1200 Dual Band Access Point (LAPAC1200)
- Data Rates up to 1750Mbps – Linksys AC1750 Dual Band Access Point (LAPAC1750)
- LAPAC1200 has a MIMO 2X2 configuration
- LAPAC1750 has a MIMO 3X3 configuration
- Support as Powered Device with 802.3at (PoE+)
- Support for up to 16 different SSID’s
- Configurable as a Workgroup Bridge for range extension
- Designed for ceiling or wall mounting
- Industrial-strength Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA, WPA2) security and data encryption
- Advanced security and preventions (802.1X Supplicant, SSID to VLAN Mapping, MAC Access Control, Rogue AP detection)
- Set-up and management through the Web Interface or Simple Network Management Protocol
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- IPv6 support
The Linksys Business Wireless-AC Access Points will be available in April thru major distributors.
- Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Access Point (LAPAC1200): MSRP $329.99 USD
- Wireless-AC1750 Dual Band Access Point (LAPAC1750): MSRP $379.99 USD
Business Grade Smart Switches
Besides the expansion of its access point line, Linksys has also added six new Smart Switches. The new Smart Switch line-up is available in 8, 18, or 26 Gigabit Ethernet-port configurations with or without Power over Ethernet+ to provide power to connected devices such as Wi-Fi access points or IP security cameras. The new Linksys Smart Switches include network management features that are not found in unmanaged switches such as various QoS features and DHCP Snooping to further enhance network performance and security.
The smart switches also include Quality of Service (QoS) features to ensure that traffic is prioritized to deliver the best possible user experience for real-time applications like voice and video along with bandwidth-intensive graphic/video file uploads and downloads. Multiple high-bandwidth trunks between switches enhance availability and redundancy while Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Storm Control features help to control planned or inadvertent cable loops. Network security is also enhanced through port authentication and MAC-based port security, requiring client authentication before any data is passed on.
The LGS308P, LGS318P and LGS326P smart switches support 802.3at (PoE+) standards and provide up to double the power budget per Gigabit Ethernet port while offering 802.3af (PoE) backward-compatibility.
The Linksys Smart (PoE+) Gigabit Switches are rolling out now thru major distributors.
- 8-Port Smart Gigabit Switch (LGS308) MSRP $119.99 USD
- 8-Port Smart Gigabit PoE+ Switch (LGS308P) MSRP $249.99 USD
- 18-Port Smart Gigabit Switch (LGS318) MSRP $229.99 USD
- 18-Port Smart Gigabit PoE+ Switch (LGS318P) MSRP $429.99 USD
- 26-Port Smart Gigabit Switch (LGS326) MSRP $299.99 USD
- 26-Port Smart Gigabit PoE+ Switch (LGS326P) MSRP $599.99 USD
PartnerAdvantage Program
The PartnerAdvantage Program is a new comprehensive channel program that combines the former Belkin and Linksys partner programs into one program. The goal of the new program is to help partners drive sales, increase profit, and better identify and generate new opportunities through sales training, incentives, marketing/sales support, and more.
“Feedback from our Belkin and Linksys partner communities helped shape the new PartnerAdvantage Program.” says Wayne Newton, sales director, Belkin International. “We have tiered the program so that resellers can join the Belkin or Linksys portions of the program or both. If resellers have joined both Belkin and Linksys portions they can combine their sales volumes and take advantage of more rewards and incentives. The program was built so channel partners can grow with the program.”
The Partner Advantage Program is tiered into five categories. As partners move up the program tiers, additional incentives are provided for growing their Belkin/Linksys business and meeting program goals.
All current Linksys CCN and Belkin Partner Advantage members are encouraged to register for the new PartnerAdvantage program to maintain their authorized partner status. There is no fee to join the program. The existing Linksys CCN and existing Belkin Partner Advantage program will be supported for the next few months. Resellers can sign up for the PartnerAdvantage program at:
- www.belkin.com/partneradvantage
- www.linksys.com/business and click on the Partner tab
