Monday, November 30th 2009

Sharkoon Readies LanPort ''USB Servers''

by
btarunr
 Discuss (22 Comments)
Sharkoon is out with a unique pair of devices it refers to as LanPort "USB servers". The function of these devices is to let USB ports being shared by computers across a network. The main unit connects to a wired network over a common RJ-45 port (probably 10/100 Mbps), and takes in a 5V DC power input (to power the ports) and gives out USB ports. The LanPort 100 comes with just one USB port, while LanPort 400 comes with four. Any USB device, such as mass-storage (flash drives, external HDDs, PMPs), printers, scanners, etc., can be shared.

The device comes with its own web-interface that lets users configure it, while the bundled software helps handle the configuration, and sets up a layer between the PC and the remotely connected USB devices. The software supports Windows 7, XP, and Vista. Sharkoon's LanPort 100 and LanPort 400 will become available soon and with price-tags of 23 Euro and 37 Euro, respectively.

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22 Comments on Sharkoon Readies LanPort ''USB Servers''

#1
Steevo
Does it support RAID for four thumbdrives? If not then I see no purpose to this.
Posted on Reply
#3
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
SteevoDoes it support RAID for four thumbdrives? If not then I see no purpose to this.
RAID on removable storage is pointless as it is. Actually so is this device. You can plug in USB drives to your PC and keep them as network shares, and share your printer/scanner. The only use I see of this device is that it's better than a dedicated print-server that draws a lot more power, or a machine that has to be kept on throughout office hours, also USB devices that you can't normally 'share' without physically moving it around.
Posted on Reply
#4
Completely Bonkers
This is an excellent device. An always on, plugged into the LAN, 24/7, accessible from any machine. Perfect for SOHO. It's a great way to network consumer devices too. Network scanners cost a fortune. USB scanners are dirt cheap.

I like it. Esp. the picture of the daisy chain to the sharkoon external HDD. You've basically got a NAS right there (albeit without additional services, and zero-security). Oh look, it's got a SD card reader on it too. SDcard over LAN.

I'm sure we can invent uses for it! LOL:pimp:
Posted on Reply
#5
LittleLizard
i find it quite useful. EX: office have to use only one or two of those for having a file in a thumbdrive shared across all the net instead of passing it trough each machine (altough with shared files and dropbox is useless)
Posted on Reply
#6
Conflict0s
Well for me, this is ideal. I have a spare 200Gb HDD lying around that I don't want/can't fit in my system, also I don't like to keep my computer on 24/7 and no doubt this will be lower power consumption than if I did leave it on. I shall be getting this, especially at that price :) Thanks for the information.
Posted on Reply
#7
Steevo
If it supported RAID at those prices it would work good as a quick file storage for upgrading customers PC's. Move files out onto it, then onto the new PC faster than just moving it by single drive, or by CD/DVD. Plus cheap storage that you can make contingious, four 32GB drives are enough capacity for 99.9% of the upgrades I do at the home of the customer. But not enough by themselves.
Posted on Reply
#8
EviLZeD
I think theres a typo in the title sharkoon?
Posted on Reply
#9
Mussels
Freshwater Moderator
everyones focused on storage, but in its own way this works for other devices too.


its a file server, a print server, remote scanner (which you cant do via windows) a remote webcam (ok, thats useless :P)
Posted on Reply
#10
Wile E
Power User
Musselseveryones focused on storage, but in its own way this works for other devices too.


its a file server, a print server, remote scanner (which you cant do via windows) a remote webcam (ok, thats useless :P)
Not for monitoring/surveillance.

If it was Gb, it would be better, imo.
Posted on Reply
#11
Unregistered
I smell a new purchase for my upcoming LAN party. Can you say patch/game file server?

-Indybird
Posted on Edit | Reply
#12
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
SteevoIf it supported RAID at those prices it would work good as a quick file storage for upgrading customers PC's. Move files out onto it, then onto the new PC faster than just moving it by single drive, or by CD/DVD. Plus cheap storage that you can make contingious, four 32GB drives are enough capacity for 99.9% of the upgrades I do at the home of the customer. But not enough by themselves.
Even if it did, does the customer's PC support RAID of USB storage devices? Or for that matter, does your PC support such a thing?
Posted on Reply
#14
Mussels
Freshwater Moderator
InnocentCriminalCheck the title Btarunr.

:)
his typo has already been pointed out by EviLZeD
Posted on Reply
#15
InnocentCriminal
Resident Grammar Amender
That wasn't there when I came to post, my sincerest apologises.
Posted on Reply
#16
Mussels
Freshwater Moderator
InnocentCriminalThat wasn't there when I came to post, my sincerest apologises.
yep, it was :P you missed it


*hands you award for thread skimming*
(but he still hasnt fixed it)
Posted on Reply
#17
InnocentCriminal
Resident Grammar Amender
I didn't skim the thread, as I stated it wasn't there. Still, not going to argue with you over something so frivolous as a typo. I was only trying to be helpful.
Posted on Reply
#18
Mussels
Freshwater Moderator
InnocentCriminalI didn't skim the thread, as I stated it wasn't there. Still, not going to argue with you over something so frivolous as a typo. I was only trying to helpful.
and i am merely picking on you. it happens :(


back on topic! USB doodad intriguing!
Posted on Reply
#19
Naelex
i definately want one of these, can keep my chunky eternal 1tb hdd out of sight and use as nas :)
Posted on Reply
#20
Gzero
It sounds nice in theory, but if it's not gigabit ethernet, then surely having flash drive plugged into your pc is better even with a normal hub.

What I want to know is: does it support older printers such as my EPSON SP830, which doesn't seem to have x64 drivers so I can't print from my x64 pc's as the pc nearest to it is using x86.
Posted on Reply
#21
Mussels
Freshwater Moderator
GzeroIt sounds nice in theory, but if it's not gigabit ethernet, then surely having flash drive plugged into your pc is better even with a normal hub.

What I want to know is: does it support older printers such as my EPSON SP830, which doesn't seem to have x64 drivers so I can't print from my x64 pc's as the pc nearest to it is using x86.
doubt it. it would require drivers for the OS you're using.
Posted on Reply
#22
Steevo
Server? Or plastic doodad?


Choose one, a Server in my mind is a high performance multiple basic I/O device. Like storage, printing, ....serving at rates greater than this will sustain for multiple users.


Thus the question of being able to simple hardware RAID 0 four USB sticks for at least 40MBps read/write for this to be worth much more than $9


You could load updates on it and take it to other sites and plug it in and run your updates to multiple PC's with ease, or mebey boot to a drive on it and install your OS, or run a network file server that is fast enough to stream a few movies at a friends.



But as is, plastic worthtless thingy.
Posted on Reply
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