Olga Weis
USB over Ethernet software uses virtualization technology that allows network-connected devices to share USB devices without a physical connection. We are going to investigate some popular tools for implementing USB over Ethernet connectivity via a software solution so you can connect to USB devices from any location.
In essence, USB to IP hardware can come in handy for sharing USB devices between two computers. If you have more than two machines which require shared access to the same USB device, you should try to make this device accessible over the network with the help of a software USB over Ethernet tool.
Factors that are important to consider when choosing the right USB over Ethernet software solution include cross-platform functionality, cost, and limits on the number of devices that can share USB over Ethernet simultaneously using the tool.
This full 2023 list of best 8 USB over Ethernet software include:
USB Network Gate by Electronic Team, Inc. is the best USB over Ethernet software solution that will reliably redirect the USB traffic from any device across a network. This app provides a convenient way to share printers, card readers, webcams, and any other USB device over any network including WiFi, Ethernet, LAN or the Internet.
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
Price: Starts at $159.95
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USB/IP project is a free tool for sharing USB peripherals over Ethernet networks. Its mission is to convert USB I/O messages to IP packets for their further redirection to a required computer. What’s nice about the project is that you can use original USB device drivers and programs for remote USB peripherals.
Supported OS: Windows, Linux
Price: Free
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Another great tool for remote access to USB-based devices is USB over Network software by FabulaTech. It gives you a way to connect to a USB peripheral even if it’s located miles away from you. With this application, you get an effective USB server auto-discovery feature which allows you to find USB servers installed in your local network without specifying their remote IP address.
Supported OS: Windows, Linux
Price: Starts at $149.95
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USB over Ethernet also supplies the user with a method of accessing USB devices over Ethernet. It accomplishes this by creating virtual copies of physical USB ports on remote machines that desire access to the USB equipment. When a device is connected to the physical port, FlexiHub connects this real interface with its network-attached virtual copy. Now the remote machine with the virtual port can access the device as if it were physically connected.
Supported OS: Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android
Price: Starts at $14 for personal use and $12 per month for teams.
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VirtualHere is a handy app that eliminates the need to physically plug USB devices into your computer when you want to use them. With this solution, your valuable peripherals can be accessed remotely over a local network, the Internet or in the cloud.
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
Price: $49
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Remotely accessing USB devices over any type of IP network is easy with USB over Ethernet. The tool accomplishes the usage of a network connected USB device on a remote machine without requiring you to install the device’s driver on the computer to which it is connected.
Supported OS: Windows
Price: Started at $54.99, 15 days trial period
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USBDeviceShare is another effective tool which enables the sharing of USB devices over Ethernet. The device can be used to interact with programs even though it is not physically connected to the computer. All varieties of USB are supported by USBDeviceShare. It can handle USB 1.x, 2.0 and 3.0 devices which provide variable speeds of data transmission.
Supported OS: Windows
Price: 15-day free trial. A single server license costs $99 with site licenses priced at $499.
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HelpWire is a remote support solution that minimizes the financial costs and time spent addressing customer problems and issues. The tool allows tech support specialists to access USB and COM ports and attached devices on remotely located computers.
HelpWire employs advanced port virtualization technology that provides remote connectivity to serial ports, giving remote users full control over the physically connected USB devices. Tech support teams can access any network-attached USB device using HelpWire and use it with the same functionality they would get with a direct connection to the peripheral.
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