Plug_computer

Plug computer

Plug computer

Add article description

A plug computer is an external device, often configured for use in the home or office as a compact computer. The name is derived from the small configuration of such devices; they are often enclosed in an AC power plug or AC adapter.

Marvell Technology Group's SheevaPlug plug computer in action
Seagate Dockstar, a plug computer similar to the SheevaPlug

Description

Plug computers consist of a high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip processor, with several I/O hardware ports (USB ports, Ethernet connectors, etc.). Most versions do not have provisions for connecting a display and are best suited as running media servers, back-up services, or file sharing and remote access functions; thus acting as a bridge between in-home protocols (such as Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and Server Message Block (SMB)) and cloud-based services. There are, however, plug computer offerings that have analog VGA monitor and/or HDMI connectors, which, along with multiple USB ports, permit the use of a display, keyboard, and mouse, thus making them full-fledged, low-power alternatives to desktop and laptop computers. They typically run any of a number of Linux distributions.

Plug computers typically consume little power and are inexpensive.

History

A number of other devices of this type began to appear at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show.

  • On January 6, 2009 CTERA Networks launched a device called CloudPlug that provides online backup at local disk speeds and overlays a file sharing service.[1] The device also transforms any external USB hard drive into a network-attached storage device.[2][3]
  • On January 7, 2009, Cloud Engines unveiled Pogoplug network access server.[4][5][6][7]
  • On January 8, 2009, Axentra announced availability of their HipServ platform.[8]
  • On February 23, 2009, Marvell Technology Group announced its plans to build a mini-industry around plug computers.[9][10]
  • On August 19, 2009, CodeLathe announced availability of their TonidoPlug network access server.[11]
  • On November 13, 2009 QuadAxis launched its plug computing device product line and development platform, featuring the QuadPlug and QuadPC and running QuadMix, a modified Linux.[12]
  • On January 5, 2010, Iomega announced their iConnect network access server.[13]
  • On January 7, 2010 Pbxnsip launched its plug computing device the sipJack running pbxnsip: an IP Communications platform.[14]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    "CTERA Networks Launches, Introduces Cloud Attached Storage" (Press release). Ctera networks. 6 January 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  2. [2]
    Nelson, Fritz (January 11, 2009). CTERA at CES: USB as NAS and Cloud Backup. TechWebTV. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
  3. [3]
    Lawson, Stephen (January 6, 2009). "Startup Ctera will offer cloud storage through carriers". Network World. Archived from the original on March 3, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  4. [4]
    Clark, Don; Christopher Lawton (January 8, 2009). "Gadgets for Leaner Times". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
  5. [5]
    Needleman, Rafe (January 7, 2009). "Pogoplug puts any hard drive on the Internet". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2020-08-06. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  6. [6]
    Lester, Dave (January 12, 2009). "Consumer electronics: Take a peek at geek chic". The Denver Post. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  7. [7]
    Pogoplug brings easy file sharing to your home network. Fast Company. January 7, 2009. Archived from the original on January 16, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  8. [8]
    "Axentra Announces HipServ 2.0 for PlugTop Computing" (PDF) (Press release). Axentra. January 8, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-25.[permanent dead link]
  9. [9]
    Clark, Don (February 23, 2009). "Marvell Bets on Plug Computers". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
  10. [10]
    "Marvell Introduces Plug Computing ─ High-Performance, Low-Power, Exceptionally Small Computer for Managing and Storing Digital Media Assets" (Press release). Marvell Technology Group. February 24, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
  11. [11]
    "CodeLathe introduces TonidoPlug". CodeLathe. 12 August 2009. Archived from the original on 28 December 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2009.
  12. [12]
    "QuadAxis Launches Plug Computers". QuadAxis. 13 November 2009.
  13. [13]
    "Iomega's New iConnect Wireless Data Station: Share Files, Manage Torrents, Access Your Data Remotely, Backup Your PC and Mac And Much More for Only $99". Iomega. 5 January 2010. Archived from the original on 2014-10-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  14. [14]
    "pbxnsip Demonstrate Sheeva Plug compatibility". pbxnsip. January 7, 2010. Archived from the original on January 24, 2010. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Plug_computer, and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.