Although there's never been an overwhelming amount of
success in any one category, just about
everything has
tried its
hand at
traveling over power lines, but Icron looks to be the first to channel USB 2.0 over the medium. Taking advantage of Panasonic's
HD-PLC technology and its proprietary ExtremeUSB magic that was already seen in a
wireless USB endeavor, Icron's system "extends USB 2.0 over standard power lines enabling remote connection of standard USB devices such as keyboards, printers, flash drives, hard drives, and web cameras over the AC outlets in your home or office." (What, no hand warmers, aquariums, or drink chillers?) The prototype setup featured a four-port USB 2.0 OPL hub and dongle set that saw 190Mbps over standard power lines, and there won't be any additional drivers necessary for this to play nice with Windows, Linux, and OS X systems. No word just yet on when these kits will be available for sale, but we'd wait on a review before labeling ourselves an early adopter on this one.
posted Jun 6th 2007 9:24AM
This would be great if I did not already have a wireless network...
What does a wireless network have to do with extending USB devices?
Nothing, except for the fact that the only reason I would use this is for my USB printer which is in another room. However, I already have a wireless print server.
hmmm mebbe the drobo would be more useful if this takes off
If this works, it could be useful.
I think I'll mount some USB launched missles near my front door to shoo the Jehovah's Witnesses away. Will I go to hell for that?
Hell? NO.
Jail? YES.
Wow so that means I could use my neighbors printer with no restrictions.
I could see myself using this for webcams. Better than buying new ethernet ones and having to run cables, or expensive wireless ones.
Darn-it Bobby, quit using my printer!
This could work for those who either can't (due to restrictions) run wireless networks, or to use devices which don't have wireless capability.
Also, depending on the price, it could prove to be a superior solution to devices that are wireless compatible. For example, you could use some high quality A/V device that only comes in USB... but there's no wireless equivalent which matches the quality.
Do people bother to read the article? this isn't about wireless networks. Hell now a days a router costs less then $50. This is about attaching peripherals to your computer through your power lines. How easy right now is it to setup a printer through WIFI? You generally need to drop a fair chunk of change on a print server. How about an external storage device? Or how about a keyboard and mouse?
Shit I could probably setup a makeshift web camera that sits at the front door.
I'm finally a published graphic artist. Hurray!
I was just browsing the rss feed when I saw the image for this article.
Funny thing is I created it for Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:USB.png
It's good to know that I'm doing Engadget good.
Keep up the good work!
—jr98664
Hell? NO
Jail? YES
Liking the guy who is setting up the USB missiles to fire at Jehovahs Witnesses. As one myself I may have to set up a briefcase mounted set of USB missiles using wireless USB and fire tracts back.
Doorstep wars! Would certainly make it more exciting. As for Hell, we dont believe in it so I wouldnt worry.