Anyone know of a good Ethernet device to plug in USB devices to the network for use by the computers?

Question

I don't want a computer serving the devices, I want them to be available no matter what computer in my house is running. Just needs to be Ethernet and able to host many USB devices including printers, hard drives.

Answer 1

** Update**



The 2nd one you posted a link to (Silex) seems to actually work- reviews were more positive.



That keyspan server allows the sharing of USB devices.... kinda.



Printer sharing is no problem, but *ONLY* printers can be automatically accessed on the fly. All other USB devices can only be connected to one computer at a time (just like plugging in a cable) and anyone currently using a device must manually disconnect their system before another computer can access it (unplugging the cable)



So they emulate it through software, but they don't really overcome the basic limitations of USB. It basically eliminates cable length problems. Convenient if devices are spread out over a room or you want to avoid crawling under desks, that's about it. It's also much slower (USB 1.1 speeds are the maximum)



No matter which device you opt for, you'll have to physically connect any USB devices you want to use in the future directly, and install the drivers locally beforehand- on EACH computer.



Bottom line: computers are still the only devices which currently have the flexibility to share "whatever" USB thingy is attached to them, in a dynamic fashion. At some point someone will squeeze a fully functional Windows PC with network sharing onto a Flash drive attached to a USB hub and sell it as a standalone device, but it hasn't happened yet.



Check the reviews!



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There is a USB-over-Ethernet module you can buy, but it still requires a PC driving the USB devices, so I don't see how it's that useful. Maybe it requires less overheard than a shared network device.

Answer 2

I don't think it is possible at all. While it's not a big deal to electronically connect USB hub to ethernet card, USB and ethernet are VERY different protocols so you'll not only have to define how they interact at that junction but also to install some specific drivers on your computers to make them understand that this ethernet device actually should be treated as USB. Too much burden with too few advantages, it seems.

Answer 3

You need to setup a home network to share your computer resources such as storage, printers etc... There are a number of ways to setup home network.

1. Wireless

2. Wired



Wireless involves a Wireless router and USB Wireless adapters . These USB wireless adapters need to be attached to all those computers you wish to be a member of your network.



Wired involves RJ-45 ethernet cables, hub, and switch. Wired network creates a mess of wires, and the hardware costs are higher. Maintanance will eat away your budget afterwards.



After setting up the network, just configure your operating systems to facilitate sharing of resources. This can be done by following the instructions in the OS wizard.

Answer 4

Link below hopefully fulfills what you are looking for couldn't find anything else that met with what you want. sorry.