Share USB over RDP
- The problem of access usb in rdp session
- Software for USB access in Remote Desktop
- How to work with USB over RDP session
Connecting a virtual desktop to local peripheral devices such as scientific instruments or storage devices can be accomplished using remote desktop USB redirection. Using an RDP USB redirector enables the user to access devices remotely and achieve the same performance as if they were directly connected to the equipment.
The virtual desktop user achieves the advantage of greater functionality that rivals that of a physical machine. The concept of RDP USB redirection is not complex. Software is employed which relies on network connections between the physical and virtual desktops. The connection is used to transmit data from the physically attached device to the virtual environment. System administrators need to monitor USB for remote desktop implementations to ensure that the correct networks are used and that only supported devices are connected to the network.
There are many factors that can impact the performance of USB for remote desktop functionality. The IT team needs to ensure that the network used for USB over RDP can handle the demands of the connected users. Latency, bandwidth, and sporadic reliability can all negatively impact the network’s ability to provide adequate performance. Wide area networks (WANs) can be used to connect remote desktops to USB devices, and are often employed when users are in multiple diverse locations. Unfortunately, at times their throughput is limited which affects the functionality of the connected devices on the virtual desktop.
Local area networks (LANs) which are located in the same building as the virtual desktop users are better suited for running USB over terminal services. Using a LAN, you can achieve network latency that ranges below 20 milliseconds, which often cannot be replicated with a wide area network.
Another factor that network administrators need to consider is keeping their VDI software updated. They also need to make sure that the operating systems and servers involved can be used to implement remote desktop to USB connectivity. For instance, making sure the right distribution is used when implementing Linux USB over IP functionality.
Are there devices that are not suited to USB redirection?
Some devices will provide better performance when used in a USB over RDP scenario. This should lead the IT team to be selective regarding the devices they choose to use with a USB redirector. Devices that require substantial resources are not good candidates for USB redirection. Scanners fall into this category which is further complicated by their reliance on sequential processes. In some cases, USB redirection software will not allow scanners on the network or only support a limited set of their features.
Consuming inordinate bandwidth is another problem that impacts the viability of using certain types of devices for USB redirection. This is certainly true of video and audio devices. Redirecting their data can result in negative performance for the whole network. These types of devices may also be restricted from use by the redirection software being used.
