USB Net ShareStation (GUIP201)

IOGEAR's USB Net ShareStation is a palm-sized (about 6 by 6 by 2 inches) device that enables Windows PCs on the network to share USB peripheral devices, including printers, Flash drives, Web cams, etc.

The device attaches to the LAN via a single, auto-sensing 10/100 port; and the peripheral device to be shared then attaches to the device via a single USB 2.0 port (backward compatible to 1.1). Windows PCs (2000/XP/Vista)--via their network connections--can then access the USB devices from anywhere on the network. The vendor states that multiple types of USB peripherals are supported by the device, including multi-function printers, hard drives, flash drives, speakers, Webcams, memory cards and more; though they do warn that some USB devices require direct connections for optimum performance.

While the device contains only one USB port (and thus can connect to only one USB device), it supports connectivity to USB 2.0 hub extensions, and can therefore (through an attached USB hub) support up to 4 USB peripheral devices. The USB Net ShareStation can be attached to both wired and wireless LANs; though again the vendor warns that optimum audio/video streaming performance might not be achieved when connecting through a wireless router. Built-in DHCP support facilitates DHCP-based network addressing.

The device supports Windows Vista Rally technology and ships with a three year warranty. A power adapter and an Ethernet cable are provided in the package.

The USB Net ShareStation is available now with a price of $79.95. Contact IOGEAR for further information.