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Ethernet flashdrive. The device would come with a default IP address, etc. Naturally, settings can be changed. For example, a use could include with legacy computers with no usb ports, however, where quick, relatively small data transfers are frequent without other removable media or direct cable
transfer, or on the go. If the idea is not sufficient for some , perhaps it could double as a WIFI dongle, if that is possible. Although network storage device exists, not many that I am aware of can hang comfortably off of a desktop's or laptop's network port. Hopefully, networking does not take the ease of access out of this flashdrive.
Slug
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NSLU2
basically as described by MisterQED [lurch, Apr 30 2008]
[link]
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"default IP address" 127.0.0.1? Better if it was configured to use DHCP or some such. |
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I'm struggling to see how this enhances a known problem.
By 'Legacy Computer' I assume you mean one that will not support USB. In that case if it is networked over IP and you can connect to it with another PC or Laptop could you not just copy the files?.
If it is this old then you must be on a fairly big loser already (Get Laplink out again!!)
If sharing settings have not been set then surely you are in the same boat.
Better hope you have Email or consider the floppy!
Lastly just a thought - how many IT depts are going to allow this to happen? |
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What it is then is a network drive: baked, though possibly not in Flash. |
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Hard to power stuff off an ethernet port - would need internal power, maybe a LTC coin cell, or a Li-ion rechargeable. Not currently Baked as such. |
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The problem I see here is os or lack thereof. |
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A regular flashdrive works because all the clever i/o stuff is controlled by the host system. |
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If you plug a memory storage device directly into an ethernet port (which is how I've read the idea) there's no host system to manage the i/o sharing, tcp/ip stack or any of that other stuff. Sure it's doable, and I've heard of miniature instances of unix running on minimal hardware (a cpu of some kind is probably required) but this aspect of the idea isn't explored in the idea text. |
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Basically, you need to combine a NAS server, a DHCP server, a web server and a hub together in a single device. Then open a web browser and have the DHCP point to the website for FTP downloads and uploads. |
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Not beyond the reach of minaturization, but a lot of work for a small audience. Especially since it's only a little faster than a parellel port. |
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The Linksys NSLU2 "Slug" is a device which is quite commonly used to make a flashdrive available over an ethernet connection. It's very similar to what [MisterQED] postulates above, but without the DHCP server and hub. (Although you can hack those things onto it.) |
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[8th] - //Hard to power stuff off an ethernet port// - check out Power over Ethernet, IEEE 802.3af. More baked than you might suppose. |
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Yes, we know, but the objective would be to make this compatible with any RJ45 socket, shirley ? |
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[8th] - sorry, now I'm lost. I've never seen any PoE setup that didn't use RJ45 exclusively. What have I missed? |
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// What have I missed? // |
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The 1990's, it seems. Remember Thin Ethernet, the old 10MBps stuff, using BNC connectors ? The 15-pin D connectors (AUI) that hook up to a 10Base-5 active tap ? |
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Where were you in The Good Old Days, when phasers never worked when they were needed, and you could brain someone with a tricorder and the tricorder would still work afterwards ? |
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I did use coax, though I never used the 15 pin D connectors, but I did labor under supporting a huge Token Ring corporate network. Does anyone have a flash drive for that? |
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