For many of us life comes to a standstill when we cannot access the Internet. Single computer network access is outweighed by the need to work on team projects or join with friends in a networked game. When walls and other deterrents impede wireless solutions, a wired hub may be the best solution.
TeleAdapt manufactures sturdy networking devices often found in hotels and high end conference rooms. The ConferenceHub - 4 Port Network Switch is an Ethernet multi-connection hub and switch that plugs into an existing network or Internet connection and serves it to four 10/100Mbps ports with speeds of up to 200Mbps per port, as compared to the Apple Airport Extreme, which is limited to 54Mbps. The ConferenceHub, made of very sturdy black plastic, is an ingenious clover-shaped design that goes against the horizontal form of most hubs and switches.
Ventilation holes are stylishly integrated into the design and ensure that it will not overheat. Each of the four feet under the device has a non-marring pad to protect even the most expensive company boardroom tables. The ConferenceHub houses 4 slim ThinLine flat retractable CAT6 cables with RJ45 connectors.
The action on these retractable ports is smooth and the cables extend or retract easily with a slight tug. Each cable extends up to 6 feet and eliminates the bulky clutter of conventional thick Ethernet cables. Creating a network is easy with the ConferenceHub.
I plugged it into an Ethernet wall outlet, plugged in the power and one of the retractable CAT6 cables, and turned on my laptop. I opened up Safari and was online instantly. With the networking ease built into Mac OS X and the ConferenceHub, I was online instantly, even though my last Internet connection used the now out-of-range AirPort network.
While frequent plugging and unplugging of the laptop eventually disrupted network access, I just disconnected the ConferenceHub from the network and unplugged the power to allow it to reset, which corrected the problem. Two status lights glow with a steady green to indicate it has found the network and recognized the connected device. Whenever you successfully access the Internet or network, the activity light blinks with an orange light.
You can also connect multiple ConferenceHubs to create larger networks as the need arises.
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