It allows virtually any USB device to be connected to a wired or wireless network

Jan 21, 2010 11:37 GMT  ·  By

Adding to the long line of the 'world's first' releases is a new type of device developed by Silex Technology America, Inc. Using its SX-Virtual USB technology and implementation know-how, the company has developed the SX-3000GB, a product that enables users to share up to 15 USB devices over TCP/IP via Gigabit Ethernet. Touted as the world's first Gigabit USB Device server, it provides networking capabilities to MP3 players, web cameras, speakers, monitors and other devices based on the universal serial bus interface.

Among the features of the SX-3000GB is one 10/100/1000Base Ethernet port that can connect to a wireless router for wireless USB networking. A hub can be used to connect up to 15 devices and the bundled “SX-Virtual Link” client software utility enables end-users to graphically manage them on the network, as well as request a “Register Use” to the other user when the target device is being utilized. The device also has two Hi-Speed USB 2.0 ports with support for up to one amp of USB power combined.

“Over the past five years, it has been amazing to learn how creatively our customers have utilized our technology to change the way people interact with many different USB devices,” David N. Smith, president of Silex Technology America, said. “With the SX-3000GB product, as a new best of breed, even more applications will open up with the higher throughput and we will continue to lead the way in USB device networking.”

What is especially convenient about this technology is that the computers utilize the USB devices as if they were locally connected. The computers 'are under the impression' that they are in direct communication with the devices via USB, when, in fact, they are connected over the network to the USB ports of the SX-3000GB.

The product is compatible with Windows 7, Windows XP/2000, as well as Windows Server 2008/2003 and Mac OS 10.6.x/10.5.x.

SX-3000GB has already become available at a price of $99. Product information may be found here.