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USB over RDP

USB for Remote Desktop Software

USB over RDP is an RDP USB redirection software allowing remote desktop computers to access USB devices. USB over RDP allows access on a multitude of networks, including internet, LAN, and WiFi. USB Redirector RDP software lets users share their USB ports safely. Acting as a USB redirector, it transmits data over TCP/IP connections.

Supported versions: OS: Windows 7 SP1/8/8.1/10/11; Windows Server 2008 R2/2012/2012 R2/2016/2019/2022
Architectures: x86, x64, ARM64
macOS 10.9-10.14 Tested on Ubuntu 14.04-18.04, Centos 7. UNG Linux requires kernel version from 2.6.32 to 4.4 Android from 5.0
How to provide USB for remote desktop Also available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Request Custom version
Integrate the USB for Remote Desktop Software functionality into your own software or hardware solution. Get the Software Development Kit and embed our USB pass-through technology into your own product.
Forwarding USB over RDP

Forwarding USB Over Remote Desktop

USB over remote desktop software (AKA RDP USB redirection, in some cases) allows PCs access to remote USB devices. RDP access occurs by creating virtual copies of serial ports connected [physically] to the USB device. The virtual copy lets remote desktops have full control over devices. Enabling USB remote desktop capabilities will feel like your USB device is actually connected to the remote PC!

Below are a few advantages using an RDP USB Redirector for your USB remote desktop issues. These unique features set USB Redirector for RDP apart, and you’ll soon see why.

Optimized Traffic Redirection

USB over RDP software has a feature called “Traffic Compression”. This USB remote desktop feature transfers data at increased speed without excessive bandwidth strain.
Compressed data transmission helps with “remote scanning” and devices sending uncompressed data while in use.

Using a Local Computer as a USB Device Server

USB over RDP Redirector enables any USB port on a local PC to establish a remote connection. Once sharing a USB interface, you can connect the necessary peripherals to the port. Now you can connect to devices from remote computers. You can also switch out USB devices. The newly connected device automatically redirects to the remote client.

RemoteFX USB Redirection

RemoteFX USB Redirection allows native RemoteFX protocol to redirect a USB to RDPs. It means, that devices on a “server” [local computer] running Linux are accessible by a “client” [remote computer] running Windows.
Additionally, if RemoteFX USB Redirection supports their peripheral, users don’t need to install the software on the remote PC.

Accessing USB over WiFi

Sharing USB over WiFi is no problem using USB to RDP Redirector software. It’s easy, and your USB port data is encrypted when transmitted to a remote computer. USB redirector software even lets you set passwords while using USB over WiFi connections! That way you have full control over who can access your local USB devices.
Isolation NEW

Effective USB Device Isolation On Windows

Windows OS provides countless features, making it popular in the computer technology community. Unfortunately, Windows lacks one significant capability. Windows can’t control/isolate accessibility to USB devices. Any USBs connected to a Windows OS computer are available to anyone using the computer by default. It could be problematic for a computer accessed by many unique RDP sessions.

USB over RDP software lets users limit/control access to connected peripherals(USB devices)

Illustration Isolation

Per-Session Isolation

Limit access to USB devices based on a specified RDP session. A peripheral becomes invisible to any users outside of a particular session. This means unauthorized users outside of the session can’t access the device.

Per-user Isolation

Limit USB device access based on a specified user profile. User-based isolation permits long-term device access to employees utilizing more than one account.

Note: USB device isolation functions on tons of different USB device types. Windows 8 and on support isolation for 3D mice, scanners, hard drives, printers, cameras- and most other USB devices.

Learn more about USB isolation
Solutions comparison

Compare Top 3 USB Redirection RDP software

An RDP USB redirector should be in every tech-lovers tool box. So the below compare and contrast should help you find the perfect software for your needs.

And when it comes to an RDP USB redirector, there are many practical and effective solutions for redirecting USB over a network available. The table below compares three popular USB redirection RDP sharing software options on the market.

Product to compare:
  • Want to switch to USB Network Gate with 30% discount? Get 30% discount
    USB Network Gate Electronic Team, Inc. electronic.us
    USB/IP Takahiro Hirofuchi usbip.sourceforge.net
    VirtualHere VirtualHere Pty. Ltd. virtualhere.com
    USB over Network FabulaTech, Inc. fabulatech.com
    Tested version
    v9.0 (Windows)
    v9.0 (Linux)
    v9.0 (Mac)
    v0.2 (Windows)
    v0.1.7-3 (Linux)
    v3.3.8 (server)
    v4.2.3 (client)
    v5.2 (Windows)
    v5.2 (Linux)
    MAIN FEATURES
    Ability to share an unlimited number of USB devices
    Support for all types of USB devices
    USB v1.1 and v2.0 compatible
How it works

USB Device Redirection to a Remote Desktop

Follow the steps below to learn how to use USB redirector software to permit USB redirection RDP (remote desktop protocol) access on your computer.

1
Download and install USB redirection software on the computers sharing the connections (AKA: the server and the client).
2
On the server machine [computer connected physically to the device], launch the app.
3
Navigate to the “Local USB Devices” tab. Select the desired USB device and click “Share”.
4
On the “client” machine [remote computer accessing the USB device], locate the device “shared” by the server computer. Click “Connect”

You’re done! It’s that simple to use an RDP USB redirector. USB Device Redirection software was developed to be user-friendly no matter your skill level.

The shared device now appears on the remote PC. The device will function as if the client and USB are actually connected.

Video tutorial
Learn the “How to Redirect USB Device in Remote Desktop” Feature in our Easy-to-Follow Video Tutorial

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions asked about USB redirection software below:

USB over RDP Software: is your USB Redirector RDP free?

While we do have a paid USB redirector RDP version, we also have a free trial for USB over RDP available for download.

If I have no internet connection, can I still share a USB device over LAN?

Yes. Our USB redirector RDP software makes USB device sharing on local networks lacking an internet connection possible.

What does “Server Computer” And “Client Computer” actually mean?

USB Network Gate Terminology:
  • The “Server” computer is the machine PHYSICALLY connected to the USB device.
  • The “Client” computer is the machine that will access the USB device REMOTELY.

Does USB for Remote Desktop allow cross-platform connection creation?

Yes. Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems are all compatible with USB Network Gate. Thus, devices connected to a Windows are accessible by a remote MAC machine. Or a device from Mac to Linux- or any other OS to OS combination necessary.

How can I create a USB server?

You can use USB Server hardware to create multiple peripherals to function with your USB devices. Learn more about USB Server here.

Can I access the same USB device on several remote computers simultaneously?

Once shared over a network, a USB device is only accessible on one computer at a time.

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