Network USB
Hub
A network usb
hub is designed to allow you to add other
usb devices and peripherals to your system, without the
need to connect directly to your PC. This article will
discuss the ins and outs of the network usb hub,
and help you decide what is the best to
buy.
The Belkin Network USB
Hub
Belkin have
been one of the industry leaders in networking usb hubs
for some years, and for that reason, we are going to look
at this product in detail. It works well for home of
small business users, and
due to some great customer reviews, should be high on your
list of considerations when buying a new network usb
hub.
This compact
usb network hub from Belkin is only 165x165x18mm high,
but it packs quite a punch. You have the ability to add 5
usb devices to the units usb 2.0 ports, but even better
than that, you can share them across your entire network.
It also allows you to daisy chain
three additional hubs to allow access to 15 devices in
total.
One thing
that has really come a long way in usb peripherals is
installation. Long gone are the days then it was a hit or
miss affair getting anything to show up over the network.
The Belkin network usb hub is simple to install. A CD
provides the Belkin software, the software allowing you
to specify which computers will have access to the
connected usb devices, and also show you the status of
connected usb components.
If your
router uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, then hub
setup is not even required. You can just plug in the
ethernet cable and you're off! The usb hub actually
simulates a direct usb connection, thus making your
computer think that all the devices are attached to the
computer directly. The unit features some caching
techniques that allow isochronous transfers at maximal
speed.
Ideal for
homes with more than one computer, this works really
nicely to allow everyone in the family to access the
printer or scanner. You could also attach a card reader
to allow the download of photos to a number of computers.
If you have a large usb external hard drive, you and the
family can also backup data and access data
directly.
Features of the Belkin Wireless
Network USB Hub
- 5 USB
ports
- Allows
for multiple users - remember that only one user can
be connected to a device at any
one time
- Supports isochronous transfers at maximal
speed
- Allows
you to daisy chain three additional hubs to allow access to
15 devices
Where To Buy The Belkin Network USB
Hub
Amazon is currently offering the best deal
on the Belkin F5L009 5 Port USB Network Hub, with
a massive $77 off the retail price. Check availability
here and their other network usb hub
products.
USB hubs have
become a great success story in homes and offices around
the world. The network potential of these devices is
great for the low cost involved. If you have a family who
all want to use the computer and the printer, and never
let you get on it, solve the situation by letting them
access the printer from their computer with a
network usb hub.
Sponsored
Links
|