How to Share USB Devices Over Network

USB over network is a technology that enables the sharing and utilization of USB devices over the Internet or LAN (local area network). In other words, USB devices appearing to be physically connected to another computer/device may also be used as if plugged into their machines.

You can share USB device over network for various purposes, such as:

This would include sharing expensive or specialized USB devices, such as dongles, scanners, or even printers among several users or computers.
Remotely connecting to USB devices, from home or office, etc.
Accessing USB devices in virtual environments, like remote desktop sessions that are cloud instances
The integration of USB platforms and devices into various operating systems or platforms.

Benefits of USB over Network

Reducing costs and resources due to eliminating the need for various USB devices or cables.
Enhancing productivity and feasibility by allowing users to work with USB devices anytime, anywhere
Improving security and privacy of the transferred data between USB devices and computers through encryption.
Better performance and reliability achieved via specialized software or hardware solutions for USB over network.

Challenges of USB over Network Technology

guaranteeing the interoperability and longevity of USB devices and drivers across numerous systems and network setups.
Optimizing the bandwidth and latency of the network connection for efficient transfer of data as well as user comfort.
Safeguarding the USB devices and computers from attacks or unwanted interference
Resolution of conflicts or errors that might arise from sharing or accessing USB devices over the network.

USB over Network Methods and Tools

USB over network tools and methods differ, depending on the type of ports, number also their location as well as concerning computers that need access to the sharing devices.

USB Network Gate: This is a software program that enables its users to share USB devices via the Internet or a network. It does so through emulation of the USB devices and sending data through the remote computers over the network. It provides mobility capabilities to a number of USB devices, and these devices include dongles, webcam scanners, and printers. It is Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android operating systems.
USB/IP project: This is a free software tool that enables the portable duplication of USB devices across networks. It does so by providing a monadic USB bus over a network, with the USB devices on it. The product’s support ranges from storage devices, including cameras and flash media devices to input ones such as mice and keyboards, also Wi-Fi cable connects, etc. It is the only compatible operating system with Linux and Windows.
USB over Network: It is a software implementation that permits users to share and access USB of devices through a network. It does so by using two virtual servers-one which acts as a USB server on the OS having connected devices and another one that acts as a USB client on the to other Operating System needing access to those same devices. It has many options for the use of different USB devices, including dongles, webcams, printers scanners. It is compatible with Windows as well as Linux.
FlexiHub: Since the new ASP application enables users to share or transfer USB and COM devices over a network. It does so by establishing a cloud-based link between the USB and COM devices and the computers to which such access is needed via an established connection. It, among others, is capable of supporting different types of USB and COM devices like dongles webcams scanners, etc. It supports Windows, Linux Mac, and also Android systems.
VirtualHere: This software offering enables end-users to distribute and utilize USB devices over the network. It does so by establishing a virtual USB hub on the computer containing the devices attached through USB and creating another virtual device that sits on this other computer desiring to use these connected pieces of equipment. It provides for different USB devices, including audio accessories and storage devices. It is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac computers – especially the Powerbook and iBooks from Apple – Android-powered devices as well as Raspberry Pi boards.
USB over Ethernet: This is a hardware-enabled technological feature that allows users to share and access USB peripheral devices over networks. It operates via connecting the USB devices at USB over Ethernet device that has several key ports i. A USB over Ethernet device then connects through an Ethernet cable It works to USB dongles, webcams scanners, and printers. It is cross-platform and works on any operating system that allows using a USB stick.
USBDeviceShare: This software program lets you share and access the USB device across the network. It operates by creating a virtual USB unit on the computer, with the USB attached and another unit of this type on the need-to-attach computer. It provides essential plug-and-playability for different USB devices, including dongles, webcams, scanners, and printers.

Features, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Method/Tool	Features	Advantages	Disadvantages
USB Network Gate	- Virtualizes USB devices and transmits data over the network - Supports various types of USB devices - Compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android	- Easy to use and configure - Provides high security and encryption - Allows traffic optimization and compression	- Requires software installation on both server and client computers - May have performance issues with high-latency or low-bandwidth networks - May have compatibility issues with some USB devices or drivers
USB/IP project	- Creates a virtual USB bus on the network and attaches USB devices to it - Supports various types of USB devices - Compatible with Linux and Windows	- Free and open-source - Provides low-level access to USB devices - Allows multiple connections to the same USB device	- Requires software installation and configuration on both server and client computers - May have security and stability issues - May have performance issues with high-latency or low-bandwidth networks
USB over Network	- Creates a virtual USB server and client on the network and connects USB devices to them - Supports various types of USB devices - Compatible with Windows and Linux	- Easy to use and configure - Provides high security and encryption - Allows password protection and access control	- Requires software installation on both server and client computers - May have performance issues with high-latency or low-bandwidth networks - May have compatibility issues with some USB devices or drivers
FlexiHub	- Creates a cloud-based connection between USB and COM devices and computers - Supports various types of USB and COM devices - Compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android	- Easy to use and configure - Provides high security and encryption - Allows traffic optimization and compression	- Requires software installation and registration on both server and client computers - May have performance issues with high-latency or low-bandwidth networks - May have compatibility issues with some USB or COM devices or drivers
VirtualHere	- Creates a virtual USB hub and device on the network and connects USB devices to them - Supports various types of USB devices - Compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and Raspberry Pi	- Easy to use and configure - Provides low-level access to USB devices - Allows multiple connections to the same USB device	- Requires software installation on both server and client computers - May have security and stability issues - May have performance issues with high-latency or low-bandwidth networks
USB over Ethernet	- Connects USB devices to a USB over Ethernet device that has an Ethernet port and a power supply - Supports various types of USB devices - Compatible with any operating system that supports USB	- Does not require software installation or configuration - Provides high performance and reliability - Allows multiple connections to the same USB device	- Requires hardware purchase and installation - May have security and compatibility issues - May have limited functionality and features
USBDeviceShare	- Creates a virtual USB device on the network and connects USB devices to them - Supports various types of USB devices - Compatible with Windows	- Easy to use and configure - Provides high security and encryption - Allows password protection and access control	- Requires software installation on both server and client computers - May have performance issues with high-latency or low-bandwidth networks - May have compatibility issues with some USB devices or drivers

Tips and Best Practices for Using USB over Network

Choose the method and tool that best suits your needs and preferences, based on the type, number, and location of the USB devices and the computers that need to access them
Test the method and tool before using it for critical or sensitive tasks, to ensure its functionality, compatibility, and stability
Use a reliable and secure network connection, to avoid data loss, corruption, or interception
Update the software and drivers of the USB devices and the computers regularly, to avoid bugs, errors, or conflicts
Follow the instructions and guidelines of the method and tool carefully, to avoid mistakes, problems, or damages

Conclusion

USB over network technology facilitates effortless sharing of USB devices, offering solutions for diverse scenarios. This includes sharing expensive peripherals, accessing devices remotely, and improving compatibility in virtual environments. Notable alternatives to Calendly include USB Network Gate, USB/IP project, USB over Network, FlexiHub, VirtualHere, USB over Ethernet, and USBDeviceShare. Each option comes with distinct features, advantages, and disadvantages. Best practices include choosing a secure method, testing thoroughly, maintaining a reliable network, and regular software updates. Despite potential challenges, the benefits of USB over network technologies contribute significantly to optimizing USB device usage in various computing environments.