USB Server Software

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FlexiHub

USB Server Software

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Olga Weis Last updated Jun 26, 2024

USB Server Software

USB device server software is a solution that you can use to access, control, and manage USB devices remotely over a network. Today, USB server software has transformed the way you interact with USB devices and manage them, making it essential for individuals and businesses to enable remote access with flexibility and cost-efficiency.

One of the leading USB server software available in the market is FlexiHub – easy to use for everyone, from beginners to experts, and comes with powerful features. The USB server software facilitates quick USB device sharing and management over a network. It helps you easily access devices, such as scanners, printers, storage devices, etc. remotely like they’re physically connected. Some of its key features include device sharing, remote access, advanced security, and cross-platform compatibility. This reliable software aims to lower clutter due to several wired devices.

In this article, you will understand what USB server software solutions are, the benefits of USB server software, and how it's a better alternative to hardware-based USB servers and discover Flexihub, an excellent USB server software.

FlexiHub: Overviewing the USB Server Software

FlexiHub is one of the best USB server software solutions offering a powerful set of features and a user-friendly interface. It lets you remotely access and manage your USB devices to share devices seamlessly across different platforms. FlexiHub stands out with features like remote USB access, powerful security with data encryption, and easy setup. The software caters to a number of use cases:

Businesses requiring centralized device management;
Remote working professionals looking for an easy way to access their USB devices;
IT support teams seeking remote troubleshooting functionalities to help customers.

How to Set Up USB Server Software

Follow the below setup steps if you want to know how to use USB server software.

1.

Step 1: Create FlexiHub account

Go to the official website of FlexiHub and sign up, enter your email address and a unique password.
2.

Step 2. Download FlexiHub

Download a compatible FlexiHub application for your Windows, Linux, or macOS computer or your Android device.
3.

Step 3. Install FlexiHub

Once the FlexiHub application is downloaded to your system, open the installer file. You will see some instructions on the screen to install the application on your device. Follow those instructions to initiate the process. Once you have completed the installation process, launch the application.
4.

Step 4. Log In to Your FlexiHub Account

Open the FlexiHub application on your device. Log in to your FlexiHub account by entering the email and password that you used to create the account.
5.

Step 5. Connect USB Device(s) to Your Host Computer

Connect USB devices like printers, scanners, storage devices, etc. that you want to share to the host computer.

NOTE: The host computer is the device where you have installed the FlexiHub application and logged in.
6.

Step 6. Share USB Devices Using FlexiHub

You can view a list of connected USB devices in your FlexiHub application. To share USB devices and make them accessible to other computers, find the "Connect" button. It should be placed next to the device you want to share. Click on this button.
7.

Step 7. Install FlexiHub on Client Computers

Download and install the FlexiHUb application on the client's computer as instructed in steps 1 and 2. The client computer is the device that will access the USB devices shared with it. On the client's computer, log in to your FlexiHub account created in the beginning.
8.

Step 8. Access Shared USB Devices

View the list of all the available USB devices shared with the client computer. Look for the "Connect" option next to the USB device that you wish to access. Click on it. Now, the shared USB device will appear on the screen and allow you to access the device on the client's computer as if it were connected physically to the computer.
9.

Step 9. Manage Connections

You can monitor the connected USB device and manage it easily using the FlexiHub software. If you want to stop sharing the USB devices, you can disconnect the devices from the client computer. For this, locate the "Disconnect" option in the FlexiHub software and click on it.

Tips to Optimize the Use of FlexiHub

Apply security measures. Apply security measures like multifactor authentication, safe password practices, etc. to protect your account credentials. In addition, change your password periodically to avoid the risk of unauthorized access.
Ensure a stable internet connection. Ensure your internet connection is high-speed and stable to keep it performing optimally.
Update FlexiHub. Check regularly whether any new software update is available for FlexiHub. If available, update it as soon as possible to ensure the software has the latest security patches and additional features.

Pros:

Cross-compatibility with multiple devices and platforms, such as Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android;
Powerful capabilities to enable remote access;
The software implements advanced security with AES-256 encryption;
Configuration and setup process is pretty straightforward.

Cons:

Dependent on the Internet to function;
Some users like individuals or startups may find the software expensive.

FlexiHub

4.8 Rank based on 386+ Reviews

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USB Server Software: Exploring More Options

Although FlexiHub is an excellent USB server software solution with competitive pricing, comprehensive features, and ease of use, it might not be suitable for everyone out there.

So, if you’re exploring other options, USB Network Gate and VirtualHere have robust offerings and are some of the good alternatives to FlexiHub.

USB Network Gate

USB Network Gate is a robust USB server software solution that allows you to access and share your USB devices over LAN. Its remote access functionality is available for multiple USB peripherals.

Key Features:

Remote USB access. The USB server software allows you to remotely connect to USB over LAN.
Device sharing. The software enables multiple users to access a single USB device.
Security: USB Network Gate leverages powerful SSL encryption to safeguard your data transmissions.
Easy to install. Installing and configuring the software is quick and simple.
Virtual USB Hub. To share devices remotely, you can create a virtual USB hub with a USB Network Gate.
Cross-platform support. The software works well with various devices and operating systems, like Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android.

VirtualHere

VirtualHere is a highly versatile and feature-rich USB server software that you can use to remotely access and share USB devices over a network. It’s useful for both professionals and individuals.

Key Features:

Remote USB access. You can remotely access USB devices over the internet using VirtualHere.
Device sharing. You can share a single USB device remotely with multiple users.
Customization. You can customize VirtualHere based on your preferences by modifying its configuration options and advanced settings.
Cross-platform compatibility. VirtualHere is compatible with various devices and platforms like Windows, Linux, macOS, and Raspberry Pi.

USB Server Software: Comparison Table

This USB server software comparison table will help you compare FlexiHub to VirtualHere, and USB Network Gate:

	FlexiHub	USB Network Gate	VirtualHere
USB Version Support	USB 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1	USB 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1	USB 1.0, 2.0, 3.0
License model	Subscription-based	License-based	Subscription-based
Remote access
Virtualization Compatibility	(supports VMware, Hyper-V, etc.)	(supports VMware, Hyper-V, etc.)	(supports VMware, Hyper-V, etc.)
Security	• Network traffic encryption (SSL) • Password protection	• Network traffic encryption (SSL) • Password protection	• Network traffic encryption (SSL)
Device compatibility	Compatible with multiple USB devices and serial ports	Compatible with multiple USB devices	Compatible with multiple USB devices
Ease of use	User-friendly interface	User-friendly interface	Beginners may find the user interface less intuitive
Remote management

USB Device Server Hardware Solutions

A hardware-based USB server is a physical device that enables you to share USB peripheral devices with a network-connected computer over a network. Usually, it connects to a local network through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. You can connect multiple devices to USB ports that the USB server hardware solution offers.

Using hardware-based USB servers are more suitable in the following scenarios:

If you don’t have a high-speed, stable internet connection.
If you want greater data security, and to avoid software vulnerabilities to compromise your systems and data.

Some of the best USB server hardware solutions include USB device servers by SEH and Silex DS-700. Read more about these hardware solutions here.

USB Server Software vs Hardware

A USB server software solution allows a computer to work like a USB server without requiring any extra hardware components.

These solutions are compatible with multiple devices and platforms like Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android.
Installation and use it effortlessly.
Updates are released frequently and issues can be fixed rather easily, without requiring any hardware repairs.
You can avail free trial of the software.
No shipping or delivery fees are applicable, just buy the subscription.

On the other hand, USB server hardware allows you to share a USB device with a computer by connecting physically to it.

These solutions are compatible with many platforms like Windows, Linux, and Mac.
Installing these can be difficult in terms of network settings, security, etc.
It requires hardware repairs, which can be difficult.
You’ll need to buy the USB server hardware to check how it works.
It’s expensive plus shipping and delivery fees can be applied.

Conclusion

USB server software offers effortless remote access and management of USB devices over a network. This enables businesses with a distributed workforce and individual remote workers to stay connected and collaborate.

If you are looking for the best USB server software, FlexiHub is an excellent option that comes with robust features, a user-friendly interface, strong security, and increased flexibility than hardware USB servers. It will help you remotely access USB devices and enhance your productivity, security, and operational efficiency.

Apart from FlexiHub, you can explore other USB server software solutions explained above and compare their features and offerings to choose the USB server software based on your specific needs, budget, and team size.