Manage updates with the Download AppCisco Valet Plus
Manufacturer: Cisco Part number: M20
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Look no further than the Cisco Valet Plus if you want to get a robust wireless home network up and running effortlessly.
Read more
Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Cisco Valet Plus price range: $35.00 - $108.89
- Reviewed by: Dong Ngo
- Reviewed on: 04/08/2010
The good: The Cisco Valet Plus is by far the most easy to use wireless router to date. It also has great range, decent performance, and comes with an effective wireless networking management software for home users.
The bad: The Cisco Valet Plus doesn't support dual-band and it has no USB port for storage or print-serving features.
The bottom line: Look no further than the Cisco Valet Plus if you want to get a robust wireless home network up and running effortlessly.
User reviews
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The easiest setup imaginable!
by kosseff on April 12, 2010
Pros: The setup was a snap - it did it itself
Strong, steady signal so farCons: None so far
Summary: After struggling to set up a Belkin N+ on a DSL connection for a friend, Belkin tech support gave up and so did I. More than 10 wasted hours and ...
Summary: After struggling to set up a Belkin N+ on a DSL connection for a friend, Belkin tech support gave up and so did I. More than 10 wasted hours and no steady connection. I must say that Buy.Com was wonderful about taking it back. So I went to a local Staples and bought the Valet Plus. Staples gives a promise of 15 minutes or less to set it up or they give you a $25 gift certificate. I told the sales guy that I'd be back in an hour to get my certificate.
I erased the Belkin wifi connection in the laptop, inserted the flashdrive that comes with the router into the laptop, turned on the router, clicked on the icon from the flashdrive file that says "connect", waited FIVE minutes. I was rewarded for doing nothing with a banner congratulating me and that I was connected.
Everything worked perfectly including the VPN!
It is one of the few times that a piece of technology has fully lived up to its hype. Way to go, Cisco!12 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I'm a techie moron, and if I can do it...
by hardy2500 on April 14, 2010
Pros: The most simple set-up of any pheripheral I've ever used, and I'm old. You literally just insert the flash drive that comes with it into your computer and simple directions pop up on the screen. Plug in the router, connect it to the modem and done.
Cons: None as of yet.
Summary: I'm a Mac household, and very familiar with 'plug & play'. This router couldn't be easier to set up. No magic numbers to enter. No cute network name ...
Summary: I'm a Mac household, and very familiar with 'plug & play'. This router couldn't be easier to set up. No magic numbers to enter. No cute network name to think up (it comes with a name, but it's easy to change it). No 14 digit number to use as a password. The Cisco software allows easy copying of the flashdrive information onto another flashdrive, so you always have a backup.
As I mentioned, the router is already set up with a name. I don't know if they are all the same but mine was named BigDolphin. When I check the networks that are available under my AirPort icon, there's BigDolphin and BigDolphin-Guest. The primary network is encrypted (password is on the flashdrive), and the 'Guest' network has a different password that any guest would enter from their browser when they try to connect to the internet. You can change either or both passwords, but the benefit of the Guest network is you don't have to give out keys to the kingdom to anyone you allow to use your network: Anything else on the main network (printer, etc) wouldn't be usable/visible by the guest. Plus you can limit the number of guests using the secondary network at any given time from only one user up to ten. And if from time to time you want to change just the Guest password, that couldn't be easier.
This product is so easy to use, it should have an Apple on it.11 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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NOT NAS friendly
by avagodro on May 19, 2010
Pros: Very easy to setup using the Easy Setup Key.
Cons: Web based configuration, for advanced setup, is hard to maneuver. The router has a built in universal plug and play feature, as does my windows home server, but the router doesn't recognize the server.
Summary: I bought this router based on CNET's recommendation, but the router is going back to the store in the morning. My only recommendation is that if all you want ...
Summary: I bought this router based on CNET's recommendation, but the router is going back to the store in the morning. My only recommendation is that if all you want to do is connect computer to the internet using a router, then the Cisco Valet is a good option. However, if you need more advanced features, such as attaching a network storage device to the router, then keep looking elsewhere. I'm not a networking novice, and after spending 3 hours trying to get the router to talk to my Windows Home Server, plus an hour on the phone with Cisco support, we still couldn't get the router to see the server, which was connected to a LAN port. Of course, support said it had nothing to do with their router, but was an issue with the server. I have an old Belkin wireless G router, and immediately after plugging in the server the router detected it. I was setting up the server in under 5 minutes.
Once again, if you need simple routing for multiple computers to the internet, the Cisco Valet may be a good choice for you. But to connect a network accessible storage device, forget it.9 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Over hyped - Parental Controls not effective
by quackquackquack on April 24, 2010
Pros: The product does configure very easily using the USB key - but its really no different from the CD based software tha comes with every other router.
Cons: The parental controls are not an effective filter. Valet does not filter the searches in search engines. If you search for porn images, the search engines will find them. Valet will only block them when you click the image to go to the websites.
Summary: This router is a huge dissapointment. I gave up a perfectly functional Netgear G router with extended range and spent $200 for a Valet Plus (M20) and a Valet Connector ...
Summary: This router is a huge dissapointment. I gave up a perfectly functional Netgear G router with extended range and spent $200 for a Valet Plus (M20) and a Valet Connector to provide internet to a new game computer for 11 yr old son. My #1 concern was internet filtering - so I bought the Valet since it parental controls are a big selling point. My #2 concern was Wireless Range - so I bought the more expensive M20 version.
The Parental Controls are a joke. You can set it to Child or Teen - thats it. It will block out all WEBSITES that are inappropriate to the age setting. Google is an appropriate allowed website - as it should be but the Valet does not filter the search results - so you go to Google Images - type in "porn" and up pops 10,000 porno images - of course if you click on the actual image The Valet will block that link, but it doesn't block the search - so you have to go to Google, and Bing, and etc... setting up Locked Search controls. Do not purchase this thinking that it is a filtered firewall like the kids have in school. Its a half baked concept. For example - AdamAndEve.com is not a blocked site - the Valet thinks its a legitimate shopping site for kids. I navigated to the site by going to Google Shopping and searching the common name for popular toys. The front page of AdamAndEve.com has plenty of graphic photos of adult toys that you would expect Valet to filter. If you click on the Sex Toys tab, Valet will block that. The Valet allows you to block individual sites - up to a total of 8! Why only 8 custom blocked sites - why not thousands? If you are buying this to protect your kids, forget it. Go with Net Nanny or something.
As for range - and the Valet Connector - I am 75 feet from the router and I have two of five bars. The Valet Connector is just a USB wireless adapter plugged into a stand - its nothing special. The Valet Connector cost $75 or so - for this price you'd think the base would be properly weighted - but its not - its just cheap plastic. It has a heavy cord so the cord is always trying to flip the cheap plastic usb adaptor off the desk. Might want to buy some tape to tape it to the desk.
If you are a total computing moron and don't know how to configure Microsoft Word, then this router is for you. If you do not know what USB stands for, buy this product. If you are comfortable using the words router and ethernet, then buy any other product for half the price with double the features. Here is a simple test. If you have any knowledge whatsoever that Unsecured Wireless Network and WPA Encrypted Wireless network are not synonyms, then you will be very disspointed at the functionality of this product for the price. However, if you are tired of fielding tech support phone calls from your retired in-laws - then this might be the product for them.
If you are intimidated by your computer settings or if you have never owned a wireless router, and if filtering is not an issue, then you will probably like this product very much.7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wait before buying this!
by adrianpark on August 17, 2010
Pros: Nice aesthetics
Cons: Sporadic connection
Very slow speeds
Terrible customer serviceSummary: I chose the Cisco Valet Plus router because it received the highest reviews on CNET. When I purchased the product, I found it easy to set up and install on ...
Summary: I chose the Cisco Valet Plus router because it received the highest reviews on CNET. When I purchased the product, I found it easy to set up and install on multiple machines utilizing the supplied the thumb drive. The thumb drive is a cute marketing tool although all it is really being used for is to save your password on an XML file and spare you the trouble of writing it down. Shortly after installing the Cisco software, I lost conenction to the internet. I discovered that my internet connection would come and go, and when it did connect the speeds would be very slow. I logged several hours of calls to Cisco support which were semi-knowledgeable as long as you had some basic knowledge to help them out. Cisco product support sometimes lacked key pieces of information such as the correct IP address for the router, however, being in IT I was able to help them out with this. Product support had me upgrade the firmware and restart my modem and router until I was reconnected. About 15 minutes I lost connection again and called them back. Product support insisted that either something was wrong with the modem or the computer. I explained to them that I had no problems when I connected directly to the modem which would rule out a problem with that device. I also explained to them that I experienced connectivity problems simultaneously with 4 different computers, 2 iphones, and a wireless printer which would rule out a problem with the computer. They had no additional answers on how to fix my router. I reinstalled my old router which was also a Linksys (Cisco) router and instantly had consistent, high speed internet connection. Clearly there is something defective with the Cisco Valet Plus judging by my experience and the many similar experiences recorded by others. The Valet has potential but I would definitely wait until it is out of the Beta stage before purchasing it.
2 weeks after my review I receive a call from Cisco rep and she explained that they reviewed my case notes and the customer service rep provided me with wrong information. I explained to them that I had already returned my router at a loss (restocking fee). The Cisco rep did not offer an apology but asked me if I would consider buying Cisco again. Are they serious?
Updated on Aug 30, 20104 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Better than expected!
by EMJAWJ on April 29, 2010
Pros: Very fast and easy to set-up. I set-up 4 computers, and a HP printer, in less than 30 minutes. Had a slight problem after upgrading to SP3 on a laptop. Called Cisco customer service, they got me up and running in under 10 minutes, they are great!
Cons: None to date.
Summary: I purchased a Netgear RangeMax WPN824, and could not get my computer on the second floor to work. I had zero to 1 bar max. I hooked up the Cisco ...
Summary: I purchased a Netgear RangeMax WPN824, and could not get my computer on the second floor to work. I had zero to 1 bar max. I hooked up the Cisco Valet Plus, and everything worked perfect, and the computer on the second floor has 3-4 bars, with good to excellent readings. I highly recommend the Cisco Valet Plus to anyone that needs a wireless home network, and wants a very easy set-up. As they say, it's a no brainer.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wireless Zen
by muffasamini on June 25, 2010
Pros: The easiest set up imaginable. All the computers and printers set up and connected in less than 30 minutes. Fast speeds, no outages, no stress.
Cons: The inner techie in you will have to relinquish the desire to mess with settings and set up those advanced features you never use anyway. You will need to find your inner tech zen, and simply let the router work beautifully without your meddling.
Summary: This router has made me re-think routers. I am a tech-savvy person, and I know how to use and manage all the various settings and modes of an advanced router. ...
Summary: This router has made me re-think routers. I am a tech-savvy person, and I know how to use and manage all the various settings and modes of an advanced router. I used to always want dual-band, NAT, network storage and all that stuff. However, despite all the messing around with other complicated routers and advanced features, in the end, all I really want to do is get on the internet, reliably, quickly, and stress free; this router does it with aplomb. I'm pretty sure my grandmother to could set this up if she wanted too. Does the inner techie in me rebel at giving up control for the sake of blissful carefree ease? Yes, oh but my, isn't ignorance bliss.
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Sisco Valet Plus fails to connect
by Ernest_CT on April 6, 2010
Pros: Easy to connect via wired PC.
Cons: Complete failure to connect wirelessly.
Summary: Despite hours (yes, literally hours) of time on the phone with customer support, we still cannot connect wirelessly.
Summary: Despite hours (yes, literally hours) of time on the phone with customer support, we still cannot connect wirelessly.
7 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Easy Set Up and Good Performance
by raymond_granaada on November 25, 2010
Pros: Simplicity of set up
Intuitive software makes configuring the router as easy as clicking on some icons
Interface ensures that your network is secure because you don't have to step through the normal confusing configuration steps
Fast download speedsCons: Did not have the extended range in our large home I had hoped for. The bonus room above our garage did not get a signal from our G Linksys router and it still doesn't get one with the Valet Plus
Summary: I have set up routers in the past and despite being reasonably tech savvy for a non technie, I was always somewhat intimidated by all the steps. As a result, ...
Summary: I have set up routers in the past and despite being reasonably tech savvy for a non technie, I was always somewhat intimidated by all the steps. As a result, the network never had all the security protocols in place. With the Valet Plus, I set up three laptops, two desktops, two DVRs and two game consoles, all in about 15 minutes. The set up is really, really easy and Cisco has taken all the mystery and confusion out of the process. You insert the thumb drive, click through the steps and presto, your network is setup. Highly recommended for those not technies who want to set up a home wireless network easily.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Quick, easy setup, decent range and speed
by Elliott Minor on November 16, 2010
Pros: Using Cisco's Easy Setup USB flash drive got me connected in about 10 minutes. No complaints about the speed and range. The Valet Plus seems to be a giant leap in terms of convenience, especially for those with no experience.
Cons: The assigned WPA key has an exclamation point. My wireless multifunction machine has no option for inputting an explanation point. A silly situation. Afraid I'll lose the convenience of Easy Setup if I change the encryption key manually.
Summary: I'm happy with the purchase. It replaces a 10-year-old Belkin Pre-N router, which had great range and speed. The Valet Plus seems to match or surpass the performance of ...
Summary: I'm happy with the purchase. It replaces a 10-year-old Belkin Pre-N router, which had great range and speed. The Valet Plus seems to match or surpass the performance of the old router. Now if it would just make coffee, serve breakfast in bed and shine shoes.
More than decent range and speed as I said initially. Now I'd say excellent range and speed! I solved my wireless multifunction machine problem by connecting to it through the guest network, which has only a simple password, not an encryption string for WPA. So now I've regained wireless printing. I can understand networking experts grousing about this equipment limiting their choices, but for me, at least, it seem to make all the right choices - automatically.
Updated on Nov 17, 20102 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part number: M20
- 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.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Device Type Wireless router - 4-port switch (integrated)
- Enclosure Type Desktop
- Connectivity Technology Wireless ,
Wired - Data Link Protocol Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11n,
IEEE 802.11g,
Fast Ethernet - Frequency Band 2.4 GHz
- Data Transfer Rate 300 Mbps
- Features Anti-malware protection ,
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) ,
URL filtering ,
Domain blocking ,
Parental control - Status Indicators Port status,
Power Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces LAN : 4 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45,
WAN : 1 x RJ-45 Networking
- Networking type Wireless router
Antenna
- Antenna Internal integrated
- Antenna Qty 3
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Cisco products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Cisco
- Address:
170 W. Tasman Dr.
San Jose, CA 95134 - Phone: 800-553-6387
- Email: tac@cisco.com
