Released prior to the Silex SX-1000U, the KeySpan USB Server premiered at MacWorld San Francisco in early 2004, and was the device to first bring the concept of a "USB server" to market. The KeySpan USB Server comes encased in a dark grey 3 x 5 x 1 inch box with four 4 USB 1.1 ports across the front of the device (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Keyspan USB Server
(click image to enlarge)

15 February 2005 update
Keyspan's product currently has an edge over Silex' in that it has one-to-N support for USB printers. All other devices, however, can only be served to one host computer at a time.

The right side of the device is home to the power jack and 10/100 Ethernet port as well as a recessed reset button you'll need a paperclip to press. The top back of the device has three System lights and three Network lights and the front edge of the Server is home to an activity light for each of the USB ports. There are no rubber feet to prevent sliding, but there are hooks on the bottom of the device for wall mounting.

Figure 7: Inside the KeySpan USB Server Retail Box
(click image to enlarge)

Inside the box (Figure 7) you'll find a simple 3 step Setup Guide to help during the installation process. There's also a driver CD included here for Windows which contains additional documentation in PDF format and a 5vDC mini power wart.

Keyspan USB Server - A Look Inside

Figure 8 shows that Keyspan device uses an Cypress CY7C67300 "EZ-Host" embedded host/peripheral controller with four USB 1.1 ports. An IC+ IP101 provides the single 10/100 Ethernet port and flash and RAM finish up the design.