The ubiquitous USB port has transformed our digital lives, connecting a vast array of devices to our computers. But what if you need to access a USB device from a different computer, across the room or even miles away?
Physical proximity to a USB device is no longer a barrier to its use with Virtual USB and USB over Network (UoN) technologies revolutionizing how we access and share these peripherals, offering flexibility and convenience for businesses and individuals alike.
Understanding the Options:
- Virtual USB: This technology creates a virtual representation of a physical USB device within your software environment, like an IDE. This allows you to develop and test applications directly on your mobile device without needing physical access, saving time and effort.
- USB over Network: UoN transforms a physical USB device into a network-accessible resource, allowing multiple users to connect and use it remotely.
USB over Network: Virtual connection to USB
USB over Network is a technology that allows you to access and use USB devices that are connected to another computer on your network, as if they were plugged directly into your own computer.
USB over Network is used to simplify the management of USB devices by making a single device accessible from multiple computers on a local network or allowing users to share devices with other people in different locations, in another office, city, or even a continent.
This is particularly beneficial for sharing scanners, printers, and security keys across different locations or even continents. USB over Network is a software solution providing users with the access to remote USB over Internet or TCP/IP if these devices were directly connected to the computer.
How it Works: Bridging the Gap
USBn operates in two parts: a server and a client. The server software, installed on the computer with the physical USB device, transforms the data into a network-friendly format. The client software, on the remote computer, receives and converts this data back, making the device appear locally connected.
This virtual connection creates a transparent experience. You can use the remote device just like any other – scan documents, play music, control industrial equipment, the possibilities are endless.
There are two main ways to implement USB over Network:
- Hardware-based solutions: These solutions use a dedicated device that is connected to both the USB device and the network. The device handles the communication between the two and makes the USB device appear as a network device to other computers.
- Software-based solutions: These solutions use software that is installed on both the computer that is sharing the USB device (the server) and the computer that wants to access the device (the client). The software creates a virtual representation of the USB device on the server, and the client software can then interact with the virtual device as if it were a real USB device.
USB redirection technology
USB redirection allows an end user to connect an external device to a USB port on their endpoint and access the device from a remote desktop or application.
The redirection process involves redirecting USB device functionality from the local device to the virtual desktop over the Network. USB redirection works on both WANs and LANs, but it is often easier to use on a LAN because LANs typically provide a more reliable network connection than WANs.
Organisations that support USB redirection on virtual desktops must use Remote Display Protocol-compatible servers in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) software. Redirection capabilities depend on the VDI software version the company is using.
Administrators can choose which USB devices they allow users to redirect. Typical USB devices that are candidates for redirection include flash drives and other storage devices, smart card devices and printers, and audio, video, and image devices. Some devices, such as scanners and audio/video devices, require more bandwidth, which can increase latency. Some USB redirection tools block entirely certain types of devices. USB mice and keyboards are already integrated into the VDI software.
Remote USB Access with USB Network Gate
USB Network Gate allows multiple users to connect and use one USB device from anywhere remotely. The main benefits of USB Network Gate:
- USB devices can be used simultaneously by multiple computers connected to the Network.
- Access to remote USB devices can be controlled using password protection so only authorised personnel can use the equipment.
- USB Network Gate supports establishing a remote USB connection to virtual environments, blade servers, or a remote desktop session (RDP). The tool supports Citrix XenDesktop, VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, and VirtualBox virtual machines.
- USB Network Gate supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and offers cross-platform communication, allowing any combination of support systems to share USB devices without the need to install device drivers.
This software eliminates the distance restrictions associated with implementing a direct connection to a USB device such as a scanner, printer, or security key. USB Network Gate allows you to optimise USB peripherals and improve productivity throughout your organisation.
Features of Virtual USB
Virtual USB allows you to connect to an actual mobile device from your IDE and create and deploy an application directly to the device. This saves time and effort and enables you to debug the device directly from the IDE.
- Simple configuration, ready to use in minutes. It is straightforward to set up and operate. In most cases, you can get started in just a few minutes.
- Use a combination of live and automated testing depending on your use case. Virtual USB features can be used for both live and automated testing, depending on your team’s and project’s specific needs.
- Get the most out of your early development. Virtual USB is handy in the early stages of development when you are still working on the design and functionality of your application.
Virtual USB Connect bridges the gap between local and remote devices, allowing businesses to stay ahead of the curve in remote work and cloud computing.
Security issues of Remote USB connection
Using USB on a remote desktop provides complete security. All data transfers are protected by encryption. So, there is no need to worry about data loss when using a remote USB connection. Remote access to USB devices allows users to access data or control devices over long distances instantly. Previously, this was only available through forwarding, which resulted in delays and reduced performance.
Remote USB can be used to restrict physical access to USB devices. For example, suppose a company wants to provide remote access to specific data but does not want employees to be able to connect to USB devices. In that case, a physical USB passthrough device offers an effective solution.
Employers are increasingly encouraging flexible remote working and home offices. The ability to connect to and manage software applications in the data centre virtually anytime, anywhere via a remote desktop session improves employee productivity and satisfaction. With remote desktops, technicians remotely control other devices and use their application software and resources. With this software solution, participants can work from home using a reliable and secure connection to remote computers.
Choosing the Right Solution:
The ideal choice depends on your specific needs. Virtual USB caters primarily to developers, while UoN benefits organizations and individuals who require remote access to physical devices. Consider factors like:
- Primary Use Case: Development and testing vs. remote access and sharing.
- Number of Users: Individual use vs. multi-user environment.
- Security Requirements: Level of data sensitivity and desired access control.
The specific requirements for setting up USBON will vary depending on the software you choose and your network configuration. However, in general, you will need to install the USBON server software on the computer that has the USB device(s) you want to share, and the USBON client software on the computers that you want to use the devices from.