USB over IP: Access USB Devices over the Internet

USB over IP software works by employing a combination of virtualization and encapsulation. This enables computers without physical USB ports to access USB devices. Data from a USB device is encapsulated so it can be transferred across a TCP/IP network. The information is then de-encapsulated by a virtual USB port implemented by the USB over TCP/IP software. This is what makes the process work over standard internet infrastructure. No specialized network hardware is required, since the USB data travels as regular TCP/IP traffic.

A USB to IP implementation requires the software to be installed on the computer that is physically connected to a USB device that will be shared over the network. The same software is also installed on all remote machines that will access the peripheral over the network.

It lets an organization share USB equipment over IP networks without needing device-specific drivers on the host computer, FlexiHub's own virtual USB driver on the remote machine handles the rest automatically. The tool creates secure communication channels through which USB data can be transmitted over the Internet or a private internal network.

• • Printers, scanners, and smart card readers;
• • Cameras and other audio/video devices;
• • Personal healthcare and diagnostic equipment;
• • HID devices, USB hubs, and game controllers;
• • Mass storage devices and USB security dongles.

Maximizing business efficiency with USB over IP

Example: Retail and Office Integration

Businesses can enjoy significant benefits by implementing USB over Internet functionality. Companies can extract the maximum value from their investment in remote access to USB devices by using the equipment more efficiently throughout the organization.

Let’s look at an example that illustrates the many ways USB over IP software can help a business. We will look at how the technology helps a company with brick-and-mortar retail establishments and a diverse office structure.

The USB equipment used to support the retail component of the business can be network-connected so the information on all transactions is communicated to the databases at the home office. Data from devices such as credit card readers, barcode scanners, and cash registers is made available to network-connected office computers.

Productivity is increased in the company’s home office by implementing a USB over IP software solution to facilitate sharing and remote access of its USB equipment. The specific ways productivity is enhanced with an IP over network solution include:

• ❑ Saving time by eliminating the need to swap cables and move equipment to make it available to multiple users;
  
  
• ❑ Enabling remote employees to access office equipment from their home office or any network-connected location;
  
  
• ❑ Allowing devices such as a USB storage device to be used efficiently by everyone in the office.