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USB Device Server:
A Comprehensive Guide to
USB Server Solutions

Olga Weis Olga Weis Mar 15, 2024
What is a USB Server?

A USB server is a software application or device that enables you to share USB devices over a network. This allows you to remotely access peripherals such as scanners, printers, storage devices, and more. The USB server technology is advantageous in environments where you can’t access USB devices physically.

Understanding USB Servers

USB servers connects the network users with USB devices, enabling a smooth connection over an IP network. USB servers are software-based or hardware-based.

  • Software-based solutions like USB Network Gate transform a computer into a USB server, if compatible. It doesn't require extra hardware.
  • Hardware-based solutions like the ones Digi International provides come with powerful solutions for industrial and commercial applications.

USB Device Server: Top Hardware Solutions

Let’s dive deep into the detailed benefits, features, and applications of 3 best hardware-based USB server hardware:

  • Digi AnywhereUSB Plus
  • SEH’s utnserver Pro
  • Silex DS-700

These server solutions offer many advantages suitable for different environments and can meet specific needs. They safeguard office settings in different industries.
In the below section, you will know how to choose the right USB device server based on your needs. This information is useful whether you want to enhance your operational efficiency, extend your USB device’s functionality across the network, or secure data transmission.

Digi AnywhereUSB Plus

Digi AnywhereUSB Plus is a USB server attached to your network and connects a USB device to a computer over an IP network. This solution allows you to remotely access and manage USB devices with greater scalability, security, and flexibility.

Key Features:

  1. Multi-port connectivity ( from 2-24 ports)
  2. Software upgrades to support Wi-Fi connectivity and LTE Cellular modules
  3. Failover redundancy with rack mounting, ethernet connections, and dual power supplies

icon pros Pros:

  • High scalability
  • Supports cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Ideal for industrial applications due to robust design

icon cons Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other solutions
  • Beginners may find the set up complex

Applications: Suitable for large-scale industries like healthcare and commercial settings requiring remote access to USB devices.

Price: The software’s pricing varies according to the features and plan, starting from $290 for the basic plan. It increases for plans with advanced features and more ports.

utnserver Pro by SEH

The utnserver Pro is a professional-grade USB device server designed to make USB devices network-able in a secure manner. It allows for the management and control of USB devices over the network.

Key Features:

  • Supports multiple USB devices
  • Point-to-point connection security
  • Easy to configure and manage with SEH's UTN (USB over IP server or network)

icon pros Pros:

  • Compatibility with a wide range of devices
  • Enhanced security functionalities
  • Dedicated management software

icon cons Cons:

  • Pricing can be a bit higher for small-scale businesses
  • Complex to set up for non-technical users

Applications: More suitable for organizations and businesses to securely share USB devices across a network, like in offices, educational institutions, and data centers.

Price: $268.99-434.99 plus delivery fees. Contact SEH for price clarification.

The Silex DS-700

The Silex DS-700 is a sophisticated USB server software that connects and shares multiple USB devices over a network. Due to its high reliability and performance, it's suitable for industries and businesses.

Key Features:

  • Supports high-speed USB 3.0 support to connect devices efficiently
  • Compatible with various USB devices
  • Advanced security features to enable secure data sharing on a network

icon pros Pros:

  • Utilizes USB 3.0 for faster data transfer rates
  • Supports a wide range of devices
  • Utilizes robust security protocols

icon cons Cons:

  • Setup process can be lengthy and complex
  • A bit expensive

Applications: Ideal for sectors, such as manufacturing, IT, and medical requiring secure data access and high-speed data transfer.

Price: Ranging from $170 to $210 plus shipping charges. The Silex DS-700’s pricing may vary like other dedicated hardware solutions. It's best to reach out to The Silex team or a distributor to get pricing information in detail.

Software-Based USB Server Solutions

Although hardware USB servers can bridge the gap between your remote access needs and physical devices, they have issues concerning cost, compatibility, and physical space. Thankfully, USB server software has emerged as a powerful alternative.

Software-based USB servers can turn your physical computer into a virtual USB hub. This allows you to access multiple USB devices over the internet or your network. Let's explore the USB server world and its benefits, functionalities, and popular options so you can unlock your USB’s true potential.

USB Network Gate

USB Network Gate transforms your PC into a robust USB server. This lets you access multiple USB devices in your network remotely.

Key Features:

  • USB device sharing: You can allow users to access webcams, scanners, storage drives, printers, and other USB devices remotely.
  • Connection Security: You will get advanced encryptions to secure your communication channels. Thus, you can transfer data securely during remote access.
  • Easy setup: The software comes with an intuitive user interface that allows you to set up your server pretty easily and share devices.
  • Multi-platform compatibility: A USB Network Gate is compatible with Windows, Android, Linux, and macOS devices.

Configuring a USB Server:

  1. Download USB Network Gate on your server computer. Install the software on.
    Download USB server software
  2. Launch the USB Network Gate. Choose the USB peripheral or device that you wish to share. Click on "Share". Now, select a sharing method, such as the Internet or your local network.
    Share local USB devices
  3. Install a USB Network Gate on the client computer. Now, use your server ID or name and connect to your shared devices.
    Connect to the shared USB device
Watch how to create a USB server.

ung

icon pros Pros:

  • No matter the physical distance, you can enable remote access to USB devices seamlessly from any authorized device.
  • Doesn't require you to connect devices physically to multiple computers.
  • Encrypted connections ensure data privacy during remote access.

icon cons Cons:

  • To enable remote access, it requires a fully functional and a stable network connection

Additional Abilities:

  • Remote management: Lets you remotely control and manage shared devices from a client computer.
  • Session management: You can manage multiple connections concurrently to the shared device.
  • Customization: You can view, set up, and customize security settings and access permissions for a group of individuals or a single individual.

Applications:

Price: USB Network Gate comes with a free trial offering limited functionality. Its paid licenses start from $159.95 for 10 devices.

Try USB Server Software now
Connect up to 10 devices!
Free Trial

FlexiHub:

FlexiHub is a software-based USB network server that allows you to remotely access USB over a network server. It's high-performing, security-focussed, and compatible with multiple operating systems.

Key Features:

  • Faster connectivity: The software offers faster connectivity and smooth performance in minimal bandwidth by utilizing advanced compression algorithms.
  • High security: It leverages AES-256 encryption to enable secure data transfer in remote access.
  • Session management: You can set access permissions and manage multiple connections concurrently to shared devices.
  • Wide support for devices: FlexiHub works with a wide range of USB devices, such as storage drives, printers, webcams, scanners, and more.
  • Cross-platform compatibility: The software supports many platforms - Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, and Raspberry Pi.

Setting Up:

  1. Download FlexiHub and install it on your server computer.
  2. Launch the software. Choose the USB device that you want to share.
  3. Click on "Connect". Select the internet connection or a local network.
  4. Install FlexiHub on the client computer. Use its name or ID to connect it to the shared device.

icon pros Pros:

  • Remote access is reliable and fast
  • Improved data security and privacy in remote connections
  • Seamless operation across various operating systems and devices

icon cons Cons:

  • The free trial has limited features and duration of connection

Additional Capabilities:

Redirecting to VMs: You can access USB devices within a virtual machine (VM).

Cloud connectivity: Supports cloud platforms like Dropbox and Google Drive to share USB devices.

24/7 customer support: FlexiHub offers 24/7 support to help you with your issues.

Applications:

  • Industrial automation: Industries use the software to enable remote control and monitoring of USB-connected devices.
  • Healthcare: Remotely access medical equipment for treatment and diagnostics in specialized settings like healthcare.
  • Device monitoring and management: Manage and monitor USB devices remotely that are connected to various devices within the network.

Price: FlexiHub comes with a free trial with some basic functionalities. Its paid plans start at $14/month/1 user/up to 5 computers. The FlexiHub’s pricing can vary based on features and the number of devices.

Related Articles

VirtualHere:

VirtualHere is a software-based USB server that lets you share USB devices over the internet or a network. This software is easy to use and comes with a free version with limited features.

Key Features:

  • User-friendly interface: Its user-friendly interface simplifies shared USB devices' configuration and management.
  • Remote desktop integration: The software is compatible with many remote desktop solutions, like RDP and VNC.
  • Includes client software: You don't need to install extra software on client computers.
  • Multi-platform support: Seamless operation on Windows, Android, Linux, and macOS devices.
  • Free version: It includes a free version with basic functionality for sharing a device on your local network.

Setting Up:

  1. Download VirtualHere on your server computer and install it.
  2. Launch the app. Choose the USB device to share.
  3. Select the device sharing method (the internet or local network) and set access permissions.
  4. Access the shared device on the client computer via a browser or client software.

icon pros Pros:

  • An intuitive interface makes it easier to share USB devices
  • It's best for basic use cases and limited requirements.
  • Seamless compatibility with various devices and operating systems.

icon cons Cons:

  • Comes with basic features and you can share just one device on your local network
  • If you want advanced features and cloud functionality, it requires paid subscriptions
  • Basic security features in the free version as compared to paid alternatives

Additional Capabilities:

  • Command-line interface: This advanced functionality allows users to manage VirtualHere via automation and scripts.
  • Cloud support (available on paid plans): The paid version offers cloud functionality to share USB devices via cloud platforms.
  • Session recording (available on paid plans): You can record activities on the shared device, useful for training and monitoring purposes.

Applications:

  1. Educational institutions: Useful for educational institutions to share USB devices in classrooms. You can go for either basic sharing (free version) or choose a paid plan to get advanced features and cloud-based access in larger institutions.
  2. Small businesses: Small businesses can use the software in their offices to share scanners, printers, and other devices (with paid version).
  3. Personal use: Home users can share USB devices between their personal computers in their network.

Price:

  1. Free plan: It comes with basic functionality to share a single device on the local network.
  2. Paid plan: The pricing starts from $49 per year for additional features such as multi-device sharing, cloud support, and session recording. The pricing and features vary based on the plan you choose.

Conclusion

Turn your computer into a robust USB server using software-based and hardware-based USB server solutions. Hardware-based solutions come with dedicated functionality but involve certain limitations in terms of potential compatibility, physical size, and cost.
On the other hand, software-based USB server solutions are more convenient and versatile. You will get plenty of advantages with these software applications:

  • Cost-efficiency: Software-based USB servers leverage your current hardware, saving you from investing on additional dedicated devices.
  • Remote access: You can access USB devices virtually from anywhere if you have an internet connection. This promotes accessibility and collaboration.
  • Ease of use: Software-based USB servers solutions have user-friendly interfaces. You will find it easier to set up these solutions and access them even if you are a non-technical user.
  • Platform compatibility: Many USB server software solutions are compatible with various operating systems, increasing flexibility in your environment.

Although hardware-based USB server solutions may cater to specific needs, software-based USB server solutions come with a compelling combination of best-in-class features, ease of use, affordability, and flexibility.

So, unlock your USB device’s true potential by choosing a suitable USB server software solution taking into account your specific needs and budget. Experience the freedom and convenience of remote access in this connected world.