What is USB? (Universal Serial Bus, USB 1.1, USB 2.0)

USB is a network protocol supporting computer peripherals. It uses several unique plugs. USB has two major advantages: 1) Devices using USB can be plugged and unplugged without powering down equipment, and 2) USB transmits power as well as data, so that many USB peripherals may not need to use batteries or power cables.

Type A and Type B USB connectors used by NETGEAR

An example USB device: NETGEAR's popular WPN111

All USB devices can be plugged straight in with no extra steps. Some USB devices can be unplugged at any time — for others like the WPN111, it's best to notify the computer that you are going to unplug it.

Older USB 1.1 devices are compatible with newer USB 2.0 devices, but the data transfer between them is at the much slower rate of USB 1.1.

Printers, and compatible NETGEAR print servers are generally divided into those which support USB, and those which do not.

Use this link to see adapters with USB support

Use this link to see routers with USB support

N101197.asp Sept. 26, 2005