Gefen debuts Wireless USB Extender
updated 06:55 pm EST, Sat January 7, 2006
Wireless USB Extender
(booth 2746) this week introduced its Wireless USB Extender, which allows any USB 2.0 peripheral to be powered from remote distances up to 30 feet from a Mac without cables. The first-of-its-kind device for the US market supports the instantaneous transfer of data using Freescale Semiconductor's Ultra-Wideband wireless solution. The Wireless USB Extender uses small sender and receiver units connected to the computer and the extended USB device. It can connect cameras, keyboards, printers or any USB 2.0 device located up to 30 feet from the computer. Freescale's UWB technology enables high transfer rates of video, audio and data streams wirelessly, reaching rates 100 times faster than Bluetooth technology while maintaining wire-like quality, according to initial testing.
"The receiver is actually a four-port USB 2.0 hub, and we're considering offering optional additional receivers as the computer's sender unit can technically support more than one receiver at a time," said Hagai Gefen, president and CEO. "The receivers also support hub connections, so you can connect more than four devices into each receiver by adding hubs to the receiver."
The Wireless USB Extender also uses ExtremeUSB technology from Icron Technologies Corporation that enables a seamless transition with no new software required.
Gefen's plug and play Wireless USB Extender requires no upgrades or software installation. Demos will be provided throughout the Expo next week; it is expected to be in production by end of Q1 2006.
