Is this really a USB2 to Ethernet converter in disguise?

[Kaustav]

I was thinking of buying this product:

Linksys USB 2.0 Network Storage Link

which will allow me to connect my Maxtor One Touch 200Gb external harddisk via USB2 to my Wireless Modem/Gateway via the above box. Is the above product just a fancy looking USB2 to Ethernet converter and nothing more, something I can get for half the price elsewhere?

K

 

[JeffMD]

I'm giving you not one.. but 2 smacks upside the head. One, for not providing any links, the other for not even bothering to look the product up on linksys website

http://www.linksys.com/product...p?prid=640&scid=43

 

[JackMDS]

There is No simple or fancy stand alone Ethernet to USB Converter. There None at all.

In general, USB master side (the one with the Big Type A plug) needs parts of the computer circuitry, so it is always has to be connected to a computer (or a special product that can emulate a computer).

The Linksys product is Not a Converter it is actually a Mini computer with embedded Server. As a result it can act as a Master USB and a USB client Hard Drive can be connected to it.

:sun:

 

[MulLa]

Anyone has any experience with the product in question? I've actually noticed it on Linksys' website a little while ago and thought it's pretty cool

 

[JackMDS]

Yeah it is cool.

It goes for about $88.

You can get a Hard Drive USB enclosure for $30 and a 160GB Hard Drive on sale for about $50.

The result is a Nice NAS with 160GB storage for less than $200.

:sun:

 

[Kaustav]

On the Linksys web site it says :

"The Network Storage Link can also be set up so that your storage devices are accessible from the Internet -- files can be easily downloaded via your web browser. Your files can be available publicly, or create password-protected accounts for authorized users."

This sounds like I will be able to access my drive over the Internet to read files. If, however, I want to write to my drives, I presume I can also do this? The quote from the Linksys site, above, doesn't quite clarify this for me. For example, when I am abroad on business, it would be nice to be able to continue backing up my laptop hard disk to my Maxtor One Touch 160Gb hard drive as I do, daily, when I am home.

K

 

[JeffMD]

kaust, I would think so if not through the web interface, then through windows networking itself. I would expect that this thing is compleatly accessable via file explorer using windows networking. And it acts just like any hard drive would over a network. However configuring file explorer access to work through a router could be tough, youd need to research your ports and stuff.