PCFormat Forum Archive

Cisco’s cloud vision: Mandatory, monetized, and killed at their discretion

Last week, a number of Cisco customers began reporting problems with three specific Linksys-branded routers. When owners of the E2700, E3500, or E4500 attempted to log in to their devices, they were asked to login/register using their “Cisco Connect Cloud” account information. The story that’s emerged from this unexpected “upgrade” is a perfect example of how buzzword fixation can lead to extremely poor decisions.

According to Cisco, the Connect Cloud gives users “anytime, anywhere” access to their router, delivers free, new apps, and “will keep expanding with new apps to enrich your connected lifestyle.” The E2700, E3500, and E4500 all shipped with the “Automatic Firmware Update” option selected, which is why so many users found themselves asked to authenticate using a different account with no prior warning. Unplugging the router from the wall restored the old login/password function, but only offered a simplified menu structure that removed or obfuscated control of a number of advanced functions.

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Anakha56 wrote:
/Note to self stay away from a Linksys router...

KALSTER wrote:Or make a note to untick the automatic updates box.

In some cases, in order to provide an optimal experience on your home network, some updates may still be automatically applied, regardless of the auto-update setting.

The Terms and Conditions of using the Cisco Connect Cloud state that Cisco may unilaterally shut down your account if finds that you have used the service for “obscene, pornographic, or offensive purposes, to infringe another’s rights, including but not limited to any intellectual property rights, or