Top USB over Ethernet Alternative Solutions for Seamless Remote Access
USB over Ethernet is a powerful software solution designed for professional use, enabling remote access and sharing of USB devices across a LAN, Internet, or any other network connection. It allows you to utilize USB devices as if they were directly plugged into your machine, even eliminating the need for driver installation on the physically connected computer. While USB over Ethernet is highly effective, users often seek alternatives for various reasons, including specific feature requirements, platform compatibility, or budget considerations. This article explores some of the best USB over Ethernet alternative solutions available today.
Top USB over Ethernet Alternatives
If you're looking for different approaches to extend USB device functionality over a network, these alternatives offer various features, pricing models, and platform support to meet diverse needs.
VirtualHere
VirtualHere allows USB devices to be used remotely over a network just as if they were locally connected. It's a commercial solution available across Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and Raspbian, including support for Raspberry Pi. VirtualHere is a strong USB over Ethernet alternative, particularly for those needing features like sharing USB devices, hardware keys, and USB over Wi-Fi capabilities.
USB/IP
USB/IP Project is an open-source and free alternative that aims to develop a general USB device sharing system over IP networks. It allows for sharing USB devices between computers with their full functionality. Available on Windows and Linux, USB/IP is an excellent USB over Ethernet alternative for users prioritizing open-source solutions and cross-platform compatibility without additional features.
FlexiHub
FlexiHub is a commercial software solution designed to share USB and serial devices over a network, offering an easy and convenient way to access a remote USB port over IP. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, and offered as Software as a Service (SaaS), FlexiHub serves as a robust USB over Ethernet alternative, especially for users requiring remote desktop integration.
USB Network Gate
USB Network Gate is a commercial solution that simplifies accessing and managing USB devices plugged into remote computers. It's available across Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android. As a compelling USB over Ethernet alternative, it notably features RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) support, making it ideal for environments relying heavily on remote desktop connections.
USB over Network
USB over Network is a commercial, user-friendly application that provides access to USB devices over LAN or the Internet. Compatible with Windows and Linux, this program allows seamless interaction with remote USB devices. Its portable feature makes it a flexible USB over Ethernet alternative for users needing convenience and easy deployment.
USB for Remote Desktop
USB for Remote Desktop is a commercial application specifically designed for redirecting USB devices to your remote session over RDP or ICA. Available on Windows and Linux, it effectively redirects any USB devices to remote desktop environments. This makes it an excellent USB over Ethernet alternative for organizations and individuals heavily reliant on remote desktop infrastructure.
Donglify
Donglify is a commercial software solution focused on sharing USB security dongles over a network connection. This professional-grade Windows-only application eliminates the challenges associated with physical dongle access, making it a specialized USB over Ethernet alternative for users who primarily need to share security dongles remotely.
Choosing the right USB over Ethernet alternative depends on your specific requirements, including the types of USB devices you need to share, your operating system, budget, and desired features like remote desktop integration or portability. Explore these options to find the best fit for your remote USB device access needs.