What do you call this networking device ?

Question

The description below came from a marketing brochure

The world's first CPU-less Windows XP desktop device for multi-user access.

Today's Pentium computers are normally underutilized. so each Microworkstation is programmed to access the host PC's excess computing power. By utilizing XP/2000's multi-user features with Microstation technology, each terminal can operate like a separate PC desktop without noticeably decreasing the overall performance of either the host PC or each terminal. Therefore, each terminal unit can run any application from the host PC independently and securely. Using a standard Fast Ethernet connection, a user can also set-up a wireless Ethernet Bridge. The host PC requires a server OS - any XP home , XP professional or Windows 2000 Professional operating system will work.

Note : Microstation is a brand name

Thank you.

Answer 1

The concept they are describing sounds like a diskless workstation, whcih is nothing new. It would have a CPU running it, all files would come from a central server. This concept has been around for many years. Sounds like a re-bundled product from a "VAR". (Value Added Reseller)



This technique, although workable has proven to be feasable in only limited applications. I work with systems like this all day every day in the POS systems world. Most of these work stations have limited applications and functionality with high demand for administrative controls and security. Network traffic is low in these circumstances, even with many users.



In a productivity based environments (multi-media, graphics, gaming, and document processing), Diskless work stations would drag down the network due to the huge amount of data and traffic on the system. It would be very slow, clunky, and you wouldn't like it. It is not recommended for most applications.

Answer 2

If its developed-in then make certain the On-board LAN is enabled within the bios. If it is a card then check out relocating it to one more slot. If not anything nonetheless comes up beneath Network adapters within the Device Manager then its already lifeless. If there are different instruments with yellow query marks then it perhaps one in every of them and also you simply want the drivers. Keep urgent F10 correct while you energy it up. Go to the subject that offers with peripherals.

Answer 3

it is a router/ wireless home network hub. It is using one computer to direct traffic form satelitte stations. the computer that it is using will in reality be used as a server only. Because once the kids all get online it won't have enough bandwith muchless memory for its own processing.

Answer 4

I am not sure how much of it can be categorized as "hogwash piece of ___" but it is a network terminal, a BOOTP completed dumb/thin terminal hardware.