USB Over VPN: A Detailed Examination of Virtual USB Solutions

The ability to securely and remotely access USB devices is becoming increasingly important for managing remote workstations and devices. Remote employees need to access and interact with a wide variety of USB-based peripheral devices, such as scanners, security keys, and external storage drives. USB over VPN solutions are among the best methods for establishing the necessary remote connectivity.

Tailscale is a VPN solution that enables secure remote connectivity to USB devices. To establish remote connections, you need a device, such as a computer or router running Tailscale, with a locally attached USB device. You also need software that makes it appear that the device is physically connected to your local computer.

Virtual USB solutions provide a streamlined and more efficient way to remotely access USB devices without managing complex desktop connections. USB over VPN lets you share USB peripherals over a network without requiring remote access to an entire host computer.

USB Over Tailscale: A Simplified and Secure Solution

Tailscale is a simple-to-use VPN utility that leverages WireGuard to establish secure remote connections over a virtual mesh network. You create a direct, safe path for sharing USB devices by installing Tailscale on the device physically attached to the USB device and on the machine that will access it remotely.

Unfortunately, Tailscale does not provide native support for USB device sharing. This lack of support can be bridged by integrating Tailscale with a USB over VPN tool, such as USB Network Gate.