How would you connect 17(yes thats right seventeen) serial devices(sensors) and get data from them to a computer? 17 USB ports seems too much to expect.
You must be young (that, or forgetful, or senile, or maybe you are like a lot of us and just block those memories - how I wish I could forget; the JD does nothing)...
A long time ago, 17 serial dumb-terminals (and line printers) spread over an office building was a small installation...
/I feel old...