Also: DSL Forum selects industry standard; Netgear rolls Wireless Travel Router; Digital Living Network Alliance announces Home Networked Device Interoperability Guidelines
Linksys announced the Network Storage Link, a device that connects external storage devices to a home network. An Ethernet port connects to the router or switch, and two USB ports connect external hard disks or a USB memory stick. The Storage Link includes Web-based disk utilities to format new drives and scan for errors. It also has back-up software and lets users remotely access data stored on the USB devices from a Web browser. Available now, the Storage Link costs $100.
The DSL Forum selected the protocol behind 2Wire’s back-end management system to become an industry standard. A key component of 2Wire’s HomePortal broadband gateways, the CPE WAN Management Protocol, also known as TR-069, will make it easier for DSL providers to deliver new data, voice and media applications.
Netgear last week announced the Wireless Travel Router – a portable device that lets you create an 802.11g wireless connection on a wired network. The router provides wireless mobility in hotel and conference rooms and lets users share a broadband connection on an ad hoc wireless network. Security features include network address translation and a stateful packet inspection firewall, IPSec VPN passthrough. The router is upgradeable to Wi-Fi Protected Access. Available now, the router costs $99.
The Digital Living Network Alliance , previously called the Digital Home Working Group, recently announced its Home Networked Device Interoperability Guidelines – a set of specifications it recommends companies use to move content among consumer electronics, PCs and mobile devices over a wired or wireless network. DLNA backs IP, HTTP, Universal Plug And Play and Wi-Fi, and has more than 140 members, including Intel, Microsoft and Sony. DLNA-certified products are expected by mid-2005.
