How to share USB over Wi-Fi

To establish a connection with USB device between several computers we usually use USB cables. They are fairly reliable and provide fast and secure access to the device’s content or functionality. However we are all aware of the limitation they have, i.e. distance limitation, you can only run them as far as the length of the cable permits. Luckily there are numerous ways to overcome it - extension cables, wireless USB extenders, network converters, wireless USB cables, wireless USB hubs and USB sharing software.

Contents

• Software solutions
• Wireless USB software
• Classical software for sharing USB over Wi-Fi
• Hardware solutions
• USB transmitter
• Extension cable
• Ethernet extender
• USB over IP converter

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Go to the website and register a free FlexiHub account.
2. To be able to connect to remote USB devices, start a trial subscription.
3. Download and install FlexiHub on all computers participating in the connection to turn them into a sort of wireless USB hubs.
4. Launch the app and log in with your credentials on local and remote computers. On the latter one find the device you need, click ‘Connect’ button next to it.
5. That’s it, your device will be visible to other users logged into the same Flexihub account. They can access them and use their full functionality.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Download and install the software on a machine that needs to share a device inserted into it (Server part) and computers that need to use the device’s functionality remotely (Clients).
2. Plug a device into the computer with the server part installed, go to USB Network Gate and share it from there. This will make it accessible to Client computers.
3. Connect from any Client computer to the shared device.

• With USB Network Gate it is possible to see what client is currently using a shared device. This is quite helpful, cause users might forget to disconnect from device long after finishing their tasks.
• To restrict access to a device, create a secure password, preventing an unauthorized access from the Clients.

Hardware Solutions

USB transmitter

USB (Universal Serial Bus) Protocol was first introduced in 1994. As we know it evolved pretty much for the past 20 years, and Certified Wireless USB is the result of its latest development.

This technology combines the best of wired and wireless technologies, while the former offers speed and security, the latter is known for its ease of use. WiMedia Alliance developed a radio system called WiMedia MB-OFDM Ultra-wideband (UWB) that enables wireless connection at a high speed.

The impact its development made on the mobile computing users is similar to what Wi-Fi has brought to mobile Internet access; the great functionality is now available with no cables cluttering your desk.

Step-by-step guide:

First, you will need a wireless transmitter – it is a hardware solution after all. Connect it to a hub device, e.g. a computer that connects to multiple devices in close proximity.

Step 2

For the USB signal to access all devices that require it, set access permissions on them.

Note: Wireless USB connections allow USB devices in the proximity to connect to a computer via wireless transmitter. The distance supported is typically 9.8 feet (3 m), however it can be extended to 32.8 feet (10 m) unobstructed.

Extension Cable

These cables can be run on distances up to 9.8 feet (3 m), they are capable of supporting multiple USB ports.

Step-by-step guide on how to use it:

Step 1

A USB cable would have two ends - one of them connected to a computer is known as “A” connector. The other end, it is almost square, looks like a “B” letter and it is called “B” connector. You will need to free up the “A” connector.

Step 2

Connect the male end of the USB cable to the female end of the extension cable.

Step 3

Now it is the turn of the free male end of the extension cable to be connected to the USB device located furtherst Please note that the male ends of both cables can be interchanged.

Ethernet Extender

Ethernet cables can transfer data without affecting its quality much for longer distances as compared to USB cables - upto 164 feet (50 m).

Step-by-step guide on how to use it:

Step 1

The extender’s transmitter is to be plugged into a USB port, then one end of the Ethernet cable goes to the transmitter’s other end.

Step 2

Your device and the extender’s receiver end are to be joined. The loose end of the Ethernet cable goes to the receiver’s converted port.

USB over IP Converter

USB over IP converters allow multiple computers to interact with multiple devices over network. Attach devices to a wireless USB hub/ switch or router, the computers will locate it and use the devices as if they were inserted directly into them.

Step 1

Insert one end of a USB cable to a port on the IP converter.

Step 2

Now one end of the Ethernet cable needs to be inserted to the Ethernet port on the wireless USB extender, while the other one is to be attached into your network device’s port.