This section provides overview, applications, and principles of device servers. Also, please take a look at the list of 12 device server manufacturers and their company rankings.
Table of Contents
A device server is a device that connects devices that cannot be connected to a network.
Serial (RS-232C) and USB devices cannot be directly connected to a network due to their different communication methods. For this reason, it is necessary to convert the communication method in order to connect USB devices or devices with serial interfaces to a network.
Serial interface devices and USB devices that cannot be connected to a network can be used from multiple PCs by connecting them to the network via a device server.
Device servers are used to connect USB devices and serial communication devices to a network.
Older printers, scanners, and other devices may not be able to be connected to a network, but by using a device server to network them, they can be used from multiple PCs. Alternatively, a keyboard and mouse can be installed in the work area, while the PC itself is located in a remote location.
Non-networked USB devices must be installed near the computer to which they are connected. This limits the installation location. However, by networking USB devices, the USB cable length limitation can be overridden and the installation location can be unrestricted.
In addition, some device servers have the ability to connect via the Internet in addition to the local network. Such device servers can be used to build large-scale systems.
The purpose of a device server is to connect USB devices and devices with serial interfaces to a network. When selecting a device server, the model to be used depends on the purpose.
There are many types of device servers.
Embedded device servers are tiny device servers that are embedded in equipment. Embedded device servers have minimal functionality but can easily connect small devices to a network.
This device server makes it possible to network devices easily with serial communication interfaces, often used in industrial applications. USB devices such as scanners, webcams, USB memory sticks, and other devices with USB interfaces can be connected to the network when used in a small network. USB devices such as scanners, webcams, USB memory sticks, and other devices with USB interfaces can all be connected to the network and shared by multiple PCs. This allows multiple PCs to share the same USB device.
In addition, a device server that supports high-speed Internet communication Gigabit Ethernet will enable high-speed communication. Such device servers are suitable for systems such as USB audio and web cameras that require large amounts of data transmission and cannot tolerate delays in data transfer. Such device servers are suitable for systems such as USB audio and web cameras that require a large amount of data to be transmitted and cannot tolerate delays.
Device servers able to connect via the Internet can be used to build remote monitoring and management systems. Device servers do not require dedicated lines, making it possible to implement such a system at a low cost.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Ranking as of January 2023 in United States
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Premio, Inc. | 66.7% |
2 | Lantronix | 33.3% |
Ranking as of January 2023 Globally
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Premio, Inc. | 66.7% |
2 | Lantronix | 33.3% |
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the device server page as of January 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
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