USB devices to the network

Anyone wanting to use peripherals simultaneously to multiple computers, in the choice of devices must make sure that they have a network connection. This not only restricts the choices a strong, but also burdened the purses because networkable devices are usually very expensive. A possible alternative solution to the problem offered by the USB Server SX-DS-3000U1 Silex. This makes it possible to make normal USB devices available on the network for all computers.

The SX-DS-3000U1 has an Ethernet port and a USB port. The device is connected to a network cable and the USB device to be made available for all computers are plugged. After the initial establishment of the USB server via software must be installed on all computers a client program called SX Virtual Link. This program is available for both Windows and Mac OS and will list all the USB devices connected to the server and connects them on request with the respective computer. Then, the USB device can be used as if it were physically connected directly to the computer.

The USB-Server can be operated all kinds of devices in principle. Printers, hard drives, or scanners. So you can for example, simply use an external hard drive as a network storage. While the USB device server has only a USB interface, USB hubs, however, up to 15 devices can be connected and operated simultaneously. In the test we have had successful 5 units in operation (two printers, a scanner, two hard disks).

An important caveat is that a device can be simultaneously connected to only one computer. For example, if a printer on the network made available and the printer to a PC dismissed, all other users will have to wait until the connection with the pressure has been disconnected by pressing a button in the software before the printer is assigned to a different computer. The same goes for network storage or other devices. After all, indicates the driver software, which computer a particular device is currently connected, and it will be given the opportunity to send a short message to enable the current user, which then appears on the screen.

The SX Virtual Link software worked in the test well. On Windows there were no problems under Mac OS, the USB device has been detected sporadically only after repeated connection attempts. The program can be optionally configured to allow specific devices are automatically assigned to a PC at startup, or that they must be connected manually. The latter is ideal for workgroups with multiple PCs.

A nice side effect of use of the device server is that the otherwise existing USB restrictions on cable lengths (about 5 feet) are bypassed, as it does not apply to network cables. For a USB device be 15 meters of cable length from the Two nearest computer (like in our test). That would be unthinkable with normal USB cables.

Conclusion
The USB Device Server SX-DS-3000U1 Silex is easy to use, worked well in the test, and for many offices, the USB devices will be made available at several workstations, a recommended purchase. Only the (in such devices, however, usual) restriction with regard to the parallel connection should be noted.