Installation for the Linksys and Belkin routers was smooth and easy however, I was unable to configure the 2Wire after numerous attempts and various different security protocols and settings–something alarming, but I switched modems rather than troubleshoot further.
I tested with three different routers–802.11g Linksys WRT54g, 802.11g 2Wire Modem+Router and Dual Band 802.11n Belkin N750. Then, when you unplug the unit, all should work appropriately.
Once hard connected to the router, you can install the IOGEAR software and configure the device with the appropriate access point and key for your wireless. Without a screen on the unit, we were not surprised that in order to connect to our router, we had to physically connect an ethernet cable from the GUWIP204 to it. Before getting started with any testing however, we had to configure the unit with our wireless network. While I had a specific usage in mind when I obtained the IOGEAR GUWIP204, I wanted to test various scenarios as the product was marketed for more standard use cases. You can also utilize a USB hub if the 4 ports are not sufficient. Not much to comment on from the table above–the unit is small and compact, and includes three USB ports on the rear and one on the front. USB 2.0 / backward compatible with USB 1.1 It is a one-stop-shop for multi-functional network peripheral sharing with a number of applications that are practically endless. The Wireless 4-Port USB Sharing Station also supports a USB 2.0 hub extension, which can support up to 4 USB devices over a home or office Wi-Fi network. Because the unit includes multi-function printer sharing, any user can print, scan, or fax from any computer in their home. You can also attach a standard USB webcam to the Wireless 4-Port USB Sharing Station as a simple and low cost security monitoring solution for the home / small office use.
With the versatility afforded by the Wireless 4-Port USB Sharing Station, you can now enjoy your favorite multimedia content stored on your external USB storage devices from anywhere in your home or office. You are no longer constrained by the 16’ distance limitation from your USB devices to your computers. It offers the flexibility to place your USB devices anywhere in the home or office as long as there is Wi-Fi coverage. IOGEAR’s Wireless 4-Port USB Sharing Station enables any USB external hard drive, USB flash drive, USB memory card reader, USB webcam, USB speaker, or USB multi-function printer (MFP) to be shared over a Wi-Fi network among different users. Things were not perfect however, as we attempted to use this product unconventionally.īefore we begin and cover our experience with the GUWIP204 we should take a look at the specifications and its limitations according to IOGEAR. For my living situation, the need to extend USB over a wireless network became relevant, and as such, I obtained the GUWIP204 4-Port Wireless USB Sharing Station from IOGEAR to achieve this objective.
Over the past year we’ve reviewed a number of different wireless products that help enhance unique home theater environments, such as wireless HDMI streamers and Bluetooth speakers.