Networks Anyone have experience with USB network hubs?

So Im re-structuring my home network from ground up including a xbuntu laptop as per the guide for downloads at night. Mainly because my upgraded gaming rig will drink electricity and I want it off as much as possible.

So Ive just come accross this... I know its not perfect but I think I will be able to share some external HHDs, my main printer and maybe some other less important gizmos.

Belkin Hi-Speed USB2.0 Network 5-Port USB Hub
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135312

Basically a USB hub that plugs via RJ45 into your router (wired and/or wireless) so that all devices are fully accessible to clients.

Is there an easier/cheaper/better way to share a printer or most importantly HDDs accross my vista/xp/linux/archos mongrel network?



Thanks,
Deano.

 

Ive seen printer server dongles that connect the printer via the parallel port they may even do a usb one, would have to check...

As for the hard drives though, you can get a lot of external drives that have LAN ports on them, however they are genrally a few bucks more than the usb only drive enclosure, the print server dongles also retail for around the £25-£30 mark

So allthough yes you could use LAN on all the devices instead of using the USB on them, LAN would likely be slightly more compatible with the various OS's and devices you intend to use, however the price for all these would soon match if not be more than the cost of that 5port usb hub to network device.