Best USB Over Ethernet Software Tools To Use

As the world of technology advances, the need for remote access to USB devices becomes more pronounced. It wasn’t until recently that I had to delve into the world of sharing USB devices over a network. In my search for the best solutions, I discovered several tools that really stood out. These tools make it possible to manage USB devices from remote locations, ensuring seamless operation and ease of use. In this article, I’ll share my experiences and guide you through some of the top USB over Ethernet tools.

Common Scenarios:

Collaborating Remotely 🛠

In today’s digital age, many teams work remotely. Having the ability to share USB devices over the network ensures that everyone has access to essential tools, regardless of their physical location. During a project last year, our team relied heavily on a shared USB dongle for software licensing. Without the right tools, this would have been impossible.

Accessing USB Devices from Different Operating Systems 🌐

Often, there are situations where you need to access USB devices from diverse operating systems. In one of our projects, I had to test a USB device on Windows while my main system was running macOS. With the right USB over Ethernet software, I managed to bridge the gap easily.

Reducing Hardware Costs 💡

Purchasing multiple USB devices for different employees can be expensive. I found this particularly true for USB security keys. By using USB over Ethernet tools, we managed to minimize costs by sharing one device among several users, ensuring everyone had access without the need for multiple purchases.

Step-by-Step Guide. Top Usb Over Ethernet Tools:

Method 1: FlexiHub 🚀

Start by downloading and installing the FlexiHub software on both the server and client machines. This tool allows you to connect to remote USB devices and manage them seamlessly.
Create a FlexiHub account if you haven’t already. You’ll need this to sign in and link your devices.
Sign in to the FlexiHub application on both machines. This creates a secure connection between them.
Select the USB device you want to share from the server machine and click “Share”. It will then become available on the client machine.
On the client machine, find the shared USB device and click “Connect”. You can now use it as if it were directly connected to your computer.

Note: FlexiHub offers a free trial, but for prolonged use, you may need a subscription. See more details at FlexiHub

Conclusion: FlexiHub is user-friendly and provides a secure way to manage and share USB devices over a network.

Method 2: USB Network Gate 🌉

Download and install USB Network Gate on both the server and client machines. This software allows you to share and access USB devices over a network.
Create an account and sign in on both machines to synchronize them.
On the server machine, locate the USB device you wish to share, select it, and click on the “Share” button.
On the client machine, find the shared USB device in the application’s interface and click “Connect”.
After connecting, you can use the USB device on the client machine as if it was connected directly.

Note: USB Network Gate offers a free trial for testing. Full features require a paid subscription. See more at USB Network Gate

Conclusion: USB Network Gate is reliable and straightforward, making it another great choice for sharing USB devices.

Method 3: USB/IP Project 🌐

Begin by downloading the USB/IP software. It’s open-source and available for Linux, but there are also versions for Windows.
Install the software on both the server and client machines.
On the server machine, open the USB/IP application, find your connected USB device, and select “Share”.
On the client machine, use the USB/IP application to locate and connect to the USB device shared by the server machine.
You can now operate the USB device from the client machine as though it were physically connected.

Note: USB/IP is open-source, providing a free solution for tech-savvy individuals. More details at USB/IP Project

Conclusion: For those comfortable with open-source projects, USB/IP offers a free and highly customizable solution.

Method 4: AnyplaceUSB 🌎

First, download and install the AnyplaceUSB software on both the server and client machines.
Create an account and sign in to synchronize your devices.
On the server machine, locate the USB device you want to share within the AnyplaceUSB application and click “Share”.
On the client machine, find the shared USB device in the AnyplaceUSB interface and click “Connect”.
The USB device is now accessible on the client machine as if it were directly connected.

Note: AnyplaceUSB offers various pricing plans for different needs. Check more details at AnyplaceUSB

Conclusion: AnyplaceUSB is a professional-grade tool that provides robust USB device sharing capabilities.

Method 5: Donglify 🔑

Download and install Donglify software on both the server and client machines.
Create an account and sign in to link your devices.
On the server machine, locate the USB dongle you want to share and click “Share”.
On the client machine, open Donglify, find your shared USB dongle, and click “Connect”.
You can now access and use the USB dongle from the client machine as if it were directly connected.

Note: Donglify has specific plans tailored for USB dongle sharing. More details at Donglify

Conclusion: Donglify is specifically optimized for sharing USB dongles, making it a perfect choice for such tasks.

Method 6: VirtualHere 📱

Download and install the VirtualHere software on both the server and client machines.
Create an account and sign in on both machines to synchronize.
On the server, find the USB device in the VirtualHere application and click “Share”.
On the client machine, locate the shared USB device and click “Connect”.
You can now utilize the USB device on the client machine as if it were directly attached.

Note: VirtualHere offers flexible plans and supports a range of devices. See more at VirtualHere

Conclusion: VirtualHere is another versatile tool that ensures easy sharing of USB devices.

Method 7: Network USB Hub 🖥

Start by downloading the Network USB Hub software and installing it on both the server and client machines.
Create an account and sign in to synchronize your devices.
On the server machine, locate the USB device you wish to share and click “Share” within the Network USB Hub application.
On the client machine, find the shared USB device in the application and click “Connect”.
You can now use the USB device on the client machine as if it were directly connected.

Note: Network USB Hub requires a license for full features. More details available at Network USB Hub

Conclusion: Network USB Hub offers a streamlined solution for sharing USB devices on a network.

Method 8: USB Redirector 🌍

Download and install USB Redirector software on both the server and client machines.
Create an account and sign in to synchronize your devices.
On the server machine, locate the USB device you want to share and click “Share” within the USB Redirector application.
On the client machine, find the shared USB device in the application and click “Connect”.
You can now use the USB device on the client machine as if it were directly connected.

Note: USB Redirector offers different plans based on use case. See more at USB Redirector

Conclusion: USB Redirector is a versatile tool designed to meet diverse USB sharing needs.

Watch on Youtube: Best USB Over Ethernet Software Tools To Use

Precautions and Tips:

Stay Secure While Sharing USB Devices 🔒

It’s essential to ensure that your network and connections remain secure when sharing USB devices. Use encrypted connections and strong passwords to protect your data.
Some USB over Ethernet tools provide additional security features—make sure to explore these options and enable them.
Regularly update your software to benefit from the latest security patches.

added valuable information

There’s more value in understanding the applications and advantages of using USB over Ethernet tools for your specific needs:

One of the most significant benefits of these tools is the ability to share USB devices across different platforms and operating systems. For instance, if you are running a mixed environment with Windows, macOS, and Linux, tools like FlexiHub and USB Network Gate can bridge these gaps smoothly. You can find more about cross-platform software compatibility at Wikipedia.

Another key advantage is cost efficiency. Modern workplaces benefit greatly from remote USB sharing since it cuts down on the need to purchase multiple devices. This practical cost-saving measure can be particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses. For more information on managing small business expenses, refer to Inc.com.

Moreover, these tools empower IT departments to streamline device management. With remote access, troubleshooting and maintaining devices becomes less cumbersome, saving both time and resources. For deeper insights into effective IT management strategies, check out CIO.com.

Lastly, leveraging USB over Ethernet tools can enhance collaborative efforts by ensuring that team members, no matter where they are located, have access to the necessary devices. This increases productivity and fosters a more cohesive work environment. You can explore more on improving workplace collaboration at Harvard Business Review.

Conclusion:

As you can see, using USB over Ethernet tools is a practical solution for various scenarios, from remote work to cross-platform compatibility. Each tool listed in this article offers unique features tailored to different needs, ensuring you can find the right fit for your requirements. By exploring these options and understanding their benefits, you can optimize your workflow and device management. Consider checking out this leading usb over ethernet sharing tools review (Article on LinkedIn) for further insights on top solutions available.

Choosing the best USB over Ethernet software is no easy task. From my experience, FlexiHub is the way to go. It supports many devices with just a stable Internet connection. Reddit communities agree!

https://www.reddit.com/r/remotework/comments/1d9mgv2/need_advice_on_usb_over_ethernet_software/

FAQ

What is USB over Ethernet?

USB over Ethernet allows USB devices to be shared over a network, making it possible to access and control them remotely.

How does USB over Ethernet work?

USB over Ethernet works by creating a virtual connection between a USB device and a remote computer, effectively extending the USB cable over a network.

What are the top tools for USB over Ethernet?

The leading tools for USB over Ethernet include software solutions like FlexiHub and hardware options from StarTech and Silex.

Is there a free tool for USB over Ethernet?

Yes, VirtualHere offers a free trial that allows you to test its features before committing to a purchase.

Does USB over Ethernet impact device performance?

Network speed and stability influence performance. High-speed networks usually provide minimal latency and maintain device functionality effectively.

Can USB over Ethernet be used for any USB device?

Most USB over Ethernet tools support a wide range of devices, including printers, scanners, webcams, and dongles.

What are some hardware solutions for USB over Ethernet?

Hardware solutions like the StarTech USB over IP device and Silex DS Series provide dedicated, reliable connections for USB over network applications.

Is encryption available in USB over Ethernet software?

Yes, many software solutions like FlexiHub provide encryption to secure the data transmitted over the network.

Can I use USB over Ethernet on both Windows and Mac?

Most software, including FlexiHub and VirtualHere, supports both Windows and Mac OS platforms for extensive compatibility.

Where can I find more information about FlexiHub and StarTech?

For more details, visit the FlexiHub homepage and the StarTech homepage.