Archtek SmartLink DUK100 USB Ethernet Adapter
|
Features
|
The
Unit
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- 10/100 ethernet
adapter
- Plug and Play
compatible
- Draws its power
from the interface lead
- Windows 98, NT
- LEDs: Power,
Link, Rx, Tx
|
|
Seems like USB networking components are really
gaining in popularity. In the span of just a few weeks I've reviewed two units
from Linksys, and today I have for you the Archtek SmartLink DUK100 USB ethernet
adapter.
Let's clear up one misconception at the
very beginning here. Although the DUK100 is rated as a 10/100 Mbps ethernet
adapter in all reality any USB component is limited to 12 Mbps. That's the
USB bandwidth limit. So, the hardware inside the unit is 10/100 capable but
the bandwidth problem occurs at the USB port. Is this a crippling problem?
No, not really. I think the vast majority of people who are looking at these
USB ethernet adapters are planning to use them in a portable situation, or,
are looking for an adapter that can be swapped between systems easily. Keep
in mind that we are being promised much higher bandwidth with the upcoming
USB2 standard (up to 480 Mbps). USB2 is not supposed to be able to run original
USB components faster than the current 12 Mbps limit, but who knows, maybe
there is some improvement on the horizon.
First Impressions
The
unit is larger than the previous units I've tested from Linksys. The size
is still very manageable, and I've included a small comparison shot with the
Linksys 10/100 adapter and a mouse. Although larger, the DUK100 is still easily
carried along with your laptop. The unit is constructed in such a way that
the sides aren't parallel. That's nice for those of you who are concerned
about the aesthetics of your components.
A nice feature that Archtek included was a power
LED. The unit ships with a USB cable that is about two feet long. There is
no RJ45 ethernet cable provided. This is common practice with networking components,
and one, quite honestly, that I'd like to see change. I'm sure most of you
will agree that any networking component should come with a length of ethernet
cable. The manual included is a fold out type that covers the plug and play
installation. There is an included floppy with the drivers, which by the way,
worked well with Windows Millennium.
