Free way to share usb devices over network?

Hi.

I just found out about two programs called Usb Over Network and Usb@nywhere. These programs actually let you connect usb devices on one computer and then be able to access those devices on another computer over the network. I think this is a great idea, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any free alternative methods to share usb over a network. I would like to set up one old machine to be on 24/7 and use that as a usb server for my home network. The primary reason for wanting to do this is so that I can cut some cable clutter. I would also like to hook up a usb tv tuner and be able to access that on my desktop or on my laptop wirelessly over my network (both are running MCE). Perhaps someone has some ideas?

Any device that mounts itself as a volume in windows can be shared over the network. Simply share the drive (right click drive > sharing) and then map a drive on the other machines to the shared drive (right click my computer > map drive > type in path).

Bingo

that usb@nywhere looks very intersting and potentially useful.

you can have a single machines
- file server
- print serve
- modem server
- usb server

You can try USB Redirector PRO v3.2 from http://incentivespro.com

if anyone tried any of those program how is it?

As what Jester said, you should be able to just share that volume with your network and access it from another pc on that network using the //unc

This form of sharing is limited to a private network and would not pass that traffic across the internet with additional applications or vpn :P

The new version of the remote desktop client for XP allows you to do this, I think. I know it works when remoting into a windows server 2003 machine from a windows xp box...

It's definitely free, just look it up on Microsofts website (or download it via windows update).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MrBrett

The new version of the remote desktop client for XP allows you to do this, I think. I know it works when remoting into a windows server 2003 machine from a windows xp box...

It's definitely free, just look it up on Microsofts website (or download it via windows update).

---

really? isn't remote desktop a remote access program..

you are essentially using the USB device on THAT machine.
that's not exactally "sharing" since you are controlling the remote machine.

Yea...remote desktop seems to be a messy way to do this. I just want to setup an old machine to run 24/7 as a server with all my usb peripherals connected to it. I want my main laptop to be able to access those peripherals wirelessly anywhere in the house as if the devices were physically connected. I also want the rest of the computers at home to be able to access these peripherals as if they were physically connected.

This software is good, http://www.eltima.com/products/usb-over-ethernet/

It is not free but there is free trial, so you can at least experience whether the whole idea is worth while.

Yeah I wouldn't expect anything free to do this well, especially on Windows. ;)

it sounds good but to of the machines I really use each have their own set of USB devices so it's kinda pointless to share when they got their own.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Strogian

Yeah I wouldn't expect anything free to do this well, especially on Windows. ;)

---

This is a new gimmick. So the very few that provides this application want to make a living by selling it (nothing is wrong with the need to make a living).

If it would gain a foot hold I am sure you would see free basic stuff as well.

Hello there!

This list I found contains several options that might be very interesting https://www.eltima.com/best-usb-over-ethernet-apps/
They offer a free trial, but the software itself costs quite some money.

if anyone tried any of those program how is it?

It doesn't work for me ,,,,,

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by speedboxx

Yea...remote desktop seems to be a messy way to do this. I just want to setup an old machine to run 24/7 as a server with all my usb peripherals connected to it. I want my main laptop to be able to access those peripherals wirelessly anywhere in the house as if the devices were physically connected. I also want the rest of the computers at home to be able to access these peripherals as if they were physically connected.

---

yeaaaah me too i wish it so much

And it works without a problem. You must do something wrong.

In addition, many modern routers, like the Netgear one I have, allow USB drive sharing and is built-in to the router settings

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bestellen

if anyone tried any of those program how is it?

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by proxops-pete

In addition, many modern routers, like the Netgear one I have, allow USB drive sharing and is built-in to the router settings

---

netgear is the best, i have one

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by alanowak1985

And it works without a problem. You must do something wrong Bluestacks Kodi Lucky Patcher .

---

yes exactly
i think there is a problem anywhere

What device are you going to share with? And what do you want to use for it?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FrankFoster

What device are you going to share with? And what do you want to use for it?

---

I wonder what kind of device he's going to use.

Well, the free version has not been updated for a long time and it does not work on windows 10.
Therefore, for such purposes, I would recommend you Usb over network. This is the easiest and fastest software for remote access to USB.
And I was able to gain access to the dongle.