USB OVER NETWORK > USB PASSTHROUGH IN HYPER-V
HOW TO REDIRECT USB DONGLE IN HYPER-V
Some software programs require a hardware USB dongle for correct functioning. But what if you decide to work with a program that requires a hardware key in virtual environment? As you perhaps know there is no full-blown mechanism of connecting USB devices to virtual machines in Hyper-V. When server is virtualized, all references to USB bus and devices connected to it are lost.The latest versions of VMware feature the mechanism of connecting USB devices to virtual servers; however it has some settings peculiarities. For those who use earlier versions of VMware the question of how to redirect USB devices is as vital as for the users of Hyper-V. Other virtual machines may have the same issue.
All these issues are easily solved by USB to Ethernet Connector. It redirects any USB device (like USB dongles, USB modems, USB disks, etc.) over a local network from one server to another.
USB to Ethernet Connector is a client-server solution, meaning that its server side gives access to USB devices to other computers on the network or to Virtual Machines, and client side allows using them as local resources. You can use any computer connected to the network as a server, either Windows or Linux one.
Steps
Windows/Linux version
Step 1
After installing server module of USB to Ethernet Connector, choose the USB devices that you will make accessible over the network. In order to redirect those devices USB to Ethernet Connector doesn't even need any hardware drivers, etc.
Note, that in some cases you may need to change the firewall settings and allow such services as UsbService.exe and UsbConfig.exe.
Windows/Linux version
Step 2
Now install another copy of USB to Ethernet Connector on the client side (the virtual server where you want to use shared USB devices). Then search for available (already shared) USB devices and connect to the needed one.
After successful connection, USB dongle will appear on the server as if it were directly connected to it.
Tips
How to customize Windows firewall
As USB to Ethernet Connector service and configurator need to communicate with each other, firewall has to be configured in such a way that it would allow UsbService.exe and UsbConfig.exe to send/receive data over network. You can find more specific details on this in the User Manual: http://wiki.eltima.com/knowledge-base/usb-over-ethernet/configuring-firewall.html
USB dongles support
We have performed tests of USB to Ethernet Connector with different models of USB dongles and the results were successful. However it was impossible to test all models, thus some of them may not be supported. Let us know the exact model you are using and we'll try to help you out if you fail to share it.
Redirecting USB device from host OS to guest OS
Even if you need to use a USB device connected to a host OS at the same computer but in virtual environment, USB to Ethernet Connector easily solves it. After installing the program on host OS and on guest OS, USB devices connected to a physical machine will be redirected to a virtual one and you will be able to use them as if they were directly connected to it.
Things you'll need
All you need is USB to Ethernet Connector and a USB dongle you need to be shared. You won't need any additional hardware or wires. Download free trial version of USB to Ethernet Connector here.