12. Other stuff

Finally, I ran across a couple of other networking products worthy of note. The first is the new silex technology SX-1000U USB Device Server. Similar in concept to KeySpan's USB Server, the SX-1000U has only one USB 2.0 port (vs. the KeySpan's four USB 1.1 ports) but can attach to a user-supplied USB hub to handle up to 15 USB devices. silex also told me that the SX-1000U supports more devices ("nearly all" is the way their promo material says it) including printers, scanners, storage devices, electronic whiteboards, digital cameras and even MP3 audio players. It's available now for $99 suggested list.

Another product that caught my idea among the pods in the Innovations Plus tent was PepLink's MANGA (Managed Adaptive Network Gateway). Intended for individuals or small companies who want to develop open source based networking products, MANGA comes in a number of configurations that include different numbers of USB and 10/100 Ethernet ports and mini-PCI slots. While not cheap (around $400 in single pieces) each product comes complete with an SDK and enclosure. The company also makes a smaller product called WiNTI (Wireless Network Terminator Indoor) - intended for wireless ISP CPE.

And finally, while cruising the booths of Taiwanese vendors in the International Gateway area, I came across Suresafe Technology's booth with, among other things, its assortment of cellular jamming devices.

A discreet cellular jammer

This little baby could be the perfect solution the next time you're stuck in a restaurant with people that just won't hang up and eat!