USB over network technology is a revolutionary approach to working with USB devices, allowing you to connect to them remotely, as if they were connected directly to your computer.
By using USB over network, it is possible to provide access to peripheral devices regardless of the location of users. This provides an excellent opportunity for dedicated teams to work on joint projects, reducing possible risks and costs in the process. At the same time, it is important to know how to correctly implement the technology to avoid data leaks.
What is USB over network technology used for?
USB over network technology is designed to remotely access USB devices as if they were connected directly to your computer. This is achieved by transferring USB device data over a local network or the Internet. Among the key areas of use, you should pay attention to the following:
- Remote access to printers and scanners. You can print documents and scan images from a printer or scanner connected to another computer on your network.
- Use of specialized equipment. You can access USB devices that cannot be connected to your computer directly, such as medical equipment or industrial controllers.
- Sharing USB devices. Multiple users can simultaneously use the same USB device connected to the same computer.
- Virtualization of USB devices. You can create virtual copies of USB devices and use them on different computers.
- Increased security. You can store USB devices securely and connect to them remotely, reducing the risk of them being stolen or damaged.
This technology is developing every year, offering its users more remote control options and reducing the cost of purchasing expensive equipment. You can also use a USB over network connection in the following situations:
- You work remotely. You can access USB devices that are in your office from home.
- You don’t have any free USB ports. You can connect USB devices to another computer on your network and use them from your computer.
- You need to use a USB device that is not compatible with your computer. You can use a virtual copy of the USB device.
- You want to improve the security of your USB devices. You can store USB devices in a safe place and connect to them remotely.
This is a universal solution that can be implemented for various tasks. It can be used both for yourself and in business, increasing the work of dedicated teams in different cities and even countries.
Software selection
There are many different solutions for implementing USB over the network. When choosing a suitable option, you should pay attention to the following features:
- Operating system compatibility. Make sure the software you choose is compatible with your operating system.
- Functionality. Determine what features you need, such as data compression, encryption, support for different protocols.
- Price. USB over Network software may be free, paid, or trial version.
- Read user reviews. User reviews can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of different software solutions.
- Compare prices. Compare prices of different software solutions to find the one that’s best for you.
- Download a trial version. If you’re not sure which software solution to choose, download a trial version to try it before you buy.
Various software allows not only to organize remote access. This is also a good opportunity to compress data without losing it to improve overall network performance and transfer speeds. You should also pay attention to the data encryption settings. With their help, you can protect personal data from theft and unauthorized access. Some versions of the software provide the ability to connect through different types of network protocols, which expands the functionality of connecting and synchronizing with various devices.
Configuring and optimizing work with USB over network
It is important not only to choose the software, but also to configure it correctly. In general it looks like this:
- Install the server application. Install the server application on the computer to which the USB devices are connected.
- Install the client application. Install the client application on the computers from which you want to access USB devices.
- Set up your network. Make sure the ports used by USB over the network are open in your firewall.
- Launch the server and client applications. Run the server application on the computer to which the USB devices are connected, and the client application on the computers from which you want to access the USB devices.
- Connect to a USB device. In the client application, select the USB device you want to connect to.
For best performance, use Gigabit Ethernet or a faster network interface. If possible, it is best to use a local network. This will help avoid the risks of data leakage and ensure security when connecting from various devices. It is also best to contact specialists who will help you install and configure the software according to all the rules.
