USB/IP
USB/IP is an open-source software project that allows sharing USB devices over IP networks. It provides a virtual USB connection that enables remote devices to interact with USB hardware as if they were directly connected.
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ip
networking
virtualization
USB/IP: Open-Source Software for Sharing USB Devices Over IP Networks
USB/IP allows sharing of USB devices over IP networks, providing a virtual USB connection for remote device interaction with physical hardware.
What is USB/IP?
USB/IP is an open source project that enables sharing of USB devices over IP networks. It works by providing a virtual USB connection that allows remote devices to interact with USB hardware as if they were physically connected via a USB cable.
Some key features and capabilities of USB/IP include:
- Enables access to USB devices from remote Linux, Windows, or Mac computers across local networks or the internet
- Supports hotplugging - USB devices can be connected and disconnected dynamically
- Compatible with a wide range of USB device types including flash drives, cameras, printers, scanners etc
- Leverages standard networking protocols like TCP/IP meaning minimal configuration is required
- Actively developed and maintained open source project with support from a community of developers
USB/IP is commonly used to eliminate the need for physically moving USB devices around or extending USB cables across long distances. It has use cases in fields like industrial automation, instrumentation, specialized USB hardware access, and more. The open source nature makes it free to implement across small scale projects to large enterprises.
USB/IP Features
Features
- Allows sharing of USB devices over IP networks
- Provides virtual USB connections for remote access to USB devices
- Open source software with cross-platform support
- Client-server architecture
- Supports hotplugging for connecting/disconnecting devices dynamically
- USB device redirection, virtualization and tunneling
Pricing
- Open Source
- Free
Pros
Enables access to remote USB devices as if locally connected
Saves costs of purchasing multiple USB devices
Allows centralized management and sharing of USB resources
Increased productivity by sharing devices between multiple systems
Open source software with community support
Cons
Performance overhead compared to direct USB connection
Complex setup and configuration
Requires compatible USB host controller
Limited support for some USB device classes
Security risks of opening devices over network
Official Links
The Best USB/IP Alternatives
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