What Is USB Over IP?
USB over IP is a technology that lets you access a USB device attached to one computer from another computer, or from many computers, over a standard Ethernet or Wi-Fi network. Instead of physically plugging a peripheral — a dongle, licence key, barcode scanner, printer, or serial adapter — into the machine that needs it, the device stays connected to a host machine that shares it across the LAN. Remote clients then see that device as if it were plugged in locally. This is especially valuable in virtualised environments (VDI), server rooms, kiosks, and industrial control cabinets where running a cable to every endpoint is impractical or unsafe.
How It Works
A USB over IP setup has two parts: a server (or host) component running on the machine physically connected to the USB device, and a client component running on the machine that wants to use it. The host captures USB traffic from the device and encapsulates it into TCP/IP packets, which travel over the network to the client, where they are reconstructed into a virtual USB port. Latency is typically low on a wired gigabit LAN, making the experience close to local for most peripherals. Common implementations include software such as USB Network Gate, VirtualHere, and usbip (built into the Linux kernel), as well as hardware USB device servers that expose ports directly over Ethernet. Many thin client operating systems also include native USB redirection for RDP, Citrix, and VMware sessions.
Key Considerations
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Network | Wired Gigabit Ethernet preferred over Wi-Fi for stability |
| Latency | Keep host and client on the same LAN segment where possible |
| Bandwidth | High-throughput devices (webcams, storage) need more headroom |
| Power | Self-powered USB hubs help with bus-powered devices |
| Security | Restrict shared ports to trusted subnets; use authentication |
| OS support | Confirm host and client OS compatibility (Windows, Linux) |
Not every device tolerates network transport equally well. Low-bandwidth peripherals such as licence dongles, keyboards, card readers, and serial/RS-232 adapters work reliably. Isochronous devices like USB audio interfaces and webcams are more sensitive to jitter and may need a dedicated wired link. For industrial deployments, a fanless host PC with a stable power supply and dual Ethernet ports — one for the device network, one for the control network — is a practical way to isolate traffic.
Typical Applications
USB over IP is widely used in thin client and VDI rollouts, where users need local USB access inside a remote desktop session. It also appears in retail point-of-sale (shared receipt printers and scanners), laboratories (shared instruments), broadcasting, and factory floors (programming PLCs or reading machine data from a central station). In server rooms, it lets administrators manage USB licence keys and backup drives without walking to the rack. Because the physical device can sit in a locked cabinet, it also improves physical security and reduces tampering.
Thinvent Products for USB Over IP Deployments
Thinvent's range of Mini PCs, Thin Clients, Industrial PCs, and All-in-One PCs is well suited to USB over IP scenarios. Our thin clients support USB redirection in remote desktop environments, while our fanless industrial computers provide reliable, always-on hosts for shared USB devices on the factory floor or in a server closet. With options for dual Gigabit Ethernet, multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and a choice of Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu Linux, or embedded Linux, Thinvent systems can serve as either the host sharing the device or the client accessing it — in offices, kiosks, labs, and industrial control rooms worldwide.
