Continuing to deliver `out of box` networking solutions for the home and small office/home office (SOHO) markets, 3Com SA has announced the local availability of the new 3Com USB Network Interface, allowing users to easily connect USB (Universal Serial Bus)-equipped desktops or laptops to 10Base-T Ethernet networks without having to open their PCs.
According to 3Com SA`s product marketing manager, Gavin Levin, the 3Com USB Network Interface delivers a true plug-and-play 10Mbps LAN solution for PCs and notebooks with a USB port. Designed specifically for PCs running Windows `98, the 3Com USB Network Interface plugs directly into the USB port on PCs and laptops. Functioning like a conventional network interface card (NIC), it provides an immediate connection to an Ethernet local area network (LAN).
According to Cahners In-Stat Group, more than 20.6 million homes in the U.S. have two or more PCs and analysts expect this number to double over the next two years. The need to share Internet access, digital information and computing resources among PCs will spark consumer demand for a home networking solution, leading to a $1.4 billion market by 2003 according to In-Stat. The USB Network Interface provides an easy to use solution for home networks, using standards based Ethernet technology more that 102 million PCs world wide will be equipped with USB ports in 1999, according to In-Stat.
"The consumer of home networking technology is looking for zero maintenance, radically simple solutions. This easy to install USB interface is evidence that 3Com has done its homework and is extending its pedigree of innovative products to the home networking market," according to Mike Wolf, Industry Analyst with US-based Cahners In-Stat Group.
"As the prices of PCs have fallen sharply, we are seeing the number of homes equipped with two or more PCs dramatically increasing" says 3Com SA`s product marketing manager, Gavin Levin. "The USB Network Interface is ideal for the home or SOHO, giving users Ethernet connectivity simply 3/4 without having to open
their PCs. 3Com believes that in the future, a range of different technologies - both wired and wireless - will be used to exploit the tremendous benefits of sharing computing resources in the home."
The Benefits of Ethernet Networking Once a PC has an Ethernet connection with the 3Com USB Network Interface, users can network it together with other PCs and peripherals with standard Ethernet cabling and equipment, explains Levin.
"For example, using it to connect other 3Com home networking products like OfficeConnect hubs or the OfficeConnect LAN modem for additional Internet access points," he says. "With this simple Ethernet connection, users can drag and drop files between computers, share printers and Internet access, send and receive e-mail, play interactive network games, access the CD-ROM/backup drive attached to another PC, and more." Hassle-Free USB & Ethernet Connectivity, Standard Based, Power Savings The adapter uses a USB type B receptacle for an easy connection to the USB host or hub, and a RJ-45 receptacle for a link to a 10BASE-T Ethernet LAN using standard twisted pair cabling.
The 3Com USB Network Interface employs a standard Windows 98 miniport NDIS driver, providing compatibility with PCs running the Windows 98 network operating system. Driver installation takes a few minutes using the packaged software utility. LEDs on the 3Com USB Network Interface adapter indicate network and traffic status for simple troubleshooting.
"In addition, the 3Com USB Network Interface adapter is bus-powered-drawing power from the Universal Serial Bus itself-so no external power supply connection is required," Levin adds. "As a USB bus-powered device, the adapter draws less than 500mA from the upstream PC or hub. Compatible with USB specification 1.0, the 3Com USB Interface provides support for energy-saving suspend and resume operations."
The minimum system requirements are a PC or notebook computer running Windows 98 with one available USB port.
Share
3Com Corporation
With more than 200 million customers worldwide, 3Com Corporation connects more people in more ways to information than any other networking company. 3Com delivers innovative information access products and network system solutions to large, medium and small enterprises; carriers and network service providers; PC OEMs; and consumers. 3Com `More connected`. For further information, visit 3Com`s World Wide Web site at www.3com.com or the press site at www.3com.com/pressbox.
Editorial contacts