USB Over Wi-Fi: How To Create Wireless USB Connections

Editorial Team Nov 17, 2025

USB technology connects computer peripherals, such as external drives, webcams, and printers, to computers. Due to this ease and convenience, more and more individuals and organizations are using USBs.

Now, users are also figuring out ways to access USB devices over Wi-Fi without physically connecting them. USB over Wi-Fi is useful for remote work, removes cable clutter, and lets you share USBs across multiple devices.

In this article, you will learn how to make any USB device wireless and create scalable and flexible wireless USB connections using both software and hardware methods.

Hardware-Based Solutions for Wireless USB Connections

Hardware-based USB over Wi-Fi solutions let you enable USB connectivity easily without internet access or additional software. These solutions could be wireless USB hubs, wireless USB extenders, dongles, and Raspberry Pi USB servers.

Hardware-based wireless USB connections are more suitable if you prefer plug-and-play or a physical setup. These solutions are ideal for individuals and businesses prioritizing simplicity and stability. Let’s talk about efficient hardware-based USB over Wi-Fi solutions:

Wireless USB Hubs

Silex DS-520AN

Wireless hubs allow you to access USB devices, such as printers, flash drives, etc., wirelessly from other devices connected to the same network. Wi-Fi USB hubs are centralized systems and have built-in Wi-Fi.

Example: Silex DS-520AN

Use Cases: Wireless USB Hubs are used in the following scenarios:

To share a USB drive between different users without moving it
To wirelessly access a USB printer or scanner from different computers

Pros:

Compatible with multiple USB devices, such as wireless USB adapters;
Effortless configuration (mostly plug-and-play);
Ideal for office environments.

Cons:

May need proprietary drivers or software;
Can be more costly compared to traditional USB hubs.

Suitable For: Wireless USB hubs are more suitable for office and home users looking to share multiple USBs over Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi Extenders/ USB Over Ethernet

Wi-Fi extenders or USB over Ethernet are hardware devices that are also called "USB-over-IP" tools. These convert USB signals into network data moving over Wi-Fi or Ethernet to a receiver or connected device.

Example: IOGEAR GUWIP204

Use Cases: Some of the scenarios where USB wireless extenders or USB over Ethernet are used:

Operating USB audio equipment across rooms or floors in the same building
Placing a USB barcode scanner or surveillance camera away from the host computer

Pros:

Suitable for connections over longer distances;
More reliable and safer connections.

Cons:

Needs additional setups or power supplies;
Bulky to manage.

Suitable For: Wi-Fi extenders or USB over Ethernet are more suitable for:

Users relying on USBs or USB connected devices to work over long distances
Industries with various remote peripherals
Offices or IT environments with reliable wired Ethernet connections

Dongles or Wireless USB Cables

The authentication of the wireless “cable” concept is a common concern among users.

When they use the term “wireless USB cable,” they usually mean something like this:

A USB over Wi-Fi bridge connects to a computer.
This connection turns the USB output into a wireless signal.
A secondary USB adapter on an attachable device receives this wireless signal.

The secondary bridge reconverts the wireless signal into a USB input and transfers this data to the attachable device.

Generally, it is the same USB wireless connection, but a few extra steps are required. In both scenarios, USB plugs communicate with another device—either a different piece of equipment or another USB plug—through Bluetooth signals.

Use Cases: Dongles or wireless USB cables are used in the following scenarios:

Using a wireless document camera in a classroom to display images or objects in high resolution
Connecting a USB webcam in a room wirelessly

Pros:

Simple and cable-free solution;
Requires no additional network setup.

Cons:

Short range;
Harder to find as many of them as are discontinued;
Supports one device only.

Suitable For: Dongles or wireless USB cables are more suitable for individuals looking to get rid of a single USB cable to connect nearby devices.

Raspberry Pi USB Server (USB/IP)

It’s a do-it-yourself (DIY) method of creating wireless remote connections, such as establishing wireless USB to USB connections. In this method, the user needs to use a Raspberry Pi as a USB-over-network server. You will need to plug your USB devices into the Pi and share them over Wi-Fi via USB/IP protocols.

You can convert your Raspberry Pi into a USB over Ethernet server using a simple Linux toolset.

Note: It supports only Linux.

Use Cases: Raspberry Pi USB server is used in the following cases:

Using USB devices or remote sensors in a smart home project
Sharing a wireless USB hard drive in a home setup

Pros:

Easy to customize;
Flexible to use;
Cost-efficient.

Cons:

Consumes significant setup time;
Requires you to have deep technical knowledge to set up and use.

Suitable For: Raspberry Pi is ideal for:

Developers or remote labs looking for a flexible way to access USB devices
Tech-savvy users familiar with Linux and networking concepts
Budget-conscious users wanting a customized experience

Software-Based Solutions for Wireless USB Connections

Software-based solutions provide greater convenience for users who need remote access, flexibility without relying much on hardware. These applications allow you to access multiple USB devices globally or across local networks and share data over the internet. You get security and advanced functionality for home usage, such as accessing studio hardware from home, or professional usage, such as managing systems remotely.

Here are different software options you can try when creating wireless USB connections or USB-over-Wi-Fi.

Using a USB Network Gate to Create Wireless USB Connections

These software solutions help develop wireless USB connections. So, you can make your USB devices accessible to any network-connected machine. You can also share your equipment with remote users anywhere in the world. The USB over Ethernet software, for example, allows users to access a device at once without additional hardware or cabling.

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Use Cases: Software-based wireless USB connections are useful in these scenarios:

To access a security key or a USB license dongle from a remote PC.
To share drives, printers, and webcams in a remote support session.

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Printers and scanners

USB dongles

USB Webcam

Keyboard

USB external hard drive

Barcode scanner

Pros:

Easy to set up and use;
Supports remote or cloud setups;
Compatible with macOS, Linux, and Windows.

Cons:

You’ll need to install the software on both the host and the client devices.

Suitable For: Software-based wireless USB transmitters are ideal for cross-platform users, IT professionals, support teams, and remote workers.

3 Steps to Create Wireless USB Connections

Follow the steps below to create a wireless USB connection:

1

Install USB Network Gate on all computers that are going to participate in connection. I.e. on a server where a USB device will be physically present and on clients that you are going to access USB over Wi-Fi from.

2

Plug the USB device into a server computer and share it using a USB Network Gate.

3

Connect to the shared device from any client computer over a Wi-Fi network. After that the device shared on a server will appear in Device Manager of the remote client and all programs will treat this device as if it was directly connected to it.

Using FlexiHub to Share USB over Wi-Fi

FlexiHub is another software option that offers a simplified method of sharing USB devices over Wi-Fi. It is a flexible tool for connecting and sharing different USB devices, including hard drives, printers, scanners, and USB dongles. Moreover, FlexiHub can transform your workspace into a kind of software-based USB hub since it clears up the cluttered wires around your computer.

Use Cases: FlexiHub is handy in various use cases:

To connect to a serial port device (e.g., a CNC machine) over Wi-Fi
To share a MIDI device or a USB audio interface from your studio with a collaborator
To access a USB security dongle remotely from another office, region, or country

Pros:

Cross-platform support across macOS, Windows, Android, and Linux;
Supports USBs as well as serial devices;
Works over both, local network and the internet;
Connection security with SSL encryption.

Cons:

Subscription-based (monthly/yearly cost);
Requires internet for full functionality (unlike LAN-only tools).

Suitable For:

Professionals needing cloud-level remote USB access;
Teams or businesses with remote infrastructure;
Anyone who needs to access USB or serial devices from far away, securely.

How to Connect USB Devices Wirelessly with FlexiHub

1

Go to the FlexiHub website and create an account for free. Turn the demo mode on if you need to expand USB over Wi-Fi.

2

Download and install the FlexiHub app on all the PCs involved in the connection. These machines will act as Wi-Fi USB hubs.

3

Open the app on the local and remote computers and log in to your account.

4

On the remote PC, go to the connected devices list. Then, search for your chosen USB device and click the “Connect” button beside it.

What’s the Best USB-Over-Wi-Fi Solution: Software-Based USB-over-Wi-Fi

Both software and hardware-based solutions are useful for creating wireless USB connections, each with its own set of pros and cons. But software-based USB-over-Wi-Fi solutions are better if you are looking for a more secure, scalable, and flexible option.

Why Software-Based Solutions Win

Let’s talk about the reasons that make software-based USB-over-Wi-Fi solutions better:

Easy to set up:
You can download and install the software without hassles and establish a connection in minutes. It requires no cables or extra tools.
Advanced Flexibility provides remote access to USB devices:
In comparison to physical solutions, USB over WiFi software options frequently offer a much wider range of device compatibility. You can easily apply a USB over wireless network method with any device, including tablets, scanners, 3D printers, and more. You can link them in just minutes as opposed to an analog-wired connection, which might require more time and effort.
Cross-platform:
Software solutions work with major operating systems and devices, such as macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, virtual machines, and more.
Remote access:
Usually, USB over wireless software provides remote access to USB devices. That means users can access and employ USB peripherals with an internet connection, regardless of geographical location. It is something that may not be possible with hardware solutions.
Security:
Software-based solutions come with features, such as SSL encryption, 2-factor authentication (2FA), secure cloud access, etc., to safeguard you from digital threats.
Scalability:
These solutions scale easily; you can add or remove users and devices without having to buy more hardware. This saves you money and offers convenience.
Automatic updates:
Software-based USB-over-Wi-Fi solutions get updated automatically with new OS versions and devices.

When It Makes Sense to Use Hardware-Based USB-over-Wi-Fi

Use hardware-based wireless USB connections in the following scenarios:

If you are a non-technical user looking for a plug-and-play solution
If you work in an air-gapped environment or offline
Users in fixed or industrial setups with limited internet connectivity

Verdict

If you prioritize remote access, flexibility, and scalability, use software-based USB-over-Wi-Fi (e.g., FlexiHub or USB Network Gate).

But if you need an offline, ultra-secure, and local setup, go for hardware-based wireless USB connections.

USB Network Gate

Redirect USB devices over network

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