Free way to share usb devices over network?

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Thread: Free way to share usb devices over network?

  1. #1
    Expensive Sushi
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    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?

  2. #2
    Cartoon Shark jester22c's Avatar
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    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).

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  3. #3
    Great White Shark rimmerchant's Avatar
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    that usb@nywhere looks very intersting and potentially useful.

    you can have a single machines
    - file server
    - print serve
    - modem server
    - usb server
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  4. #4
    Sushi
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    You can try USB Redirector PRO v3.2 from http://incentivespro.com

  5. #5
    Great White Shark rimmerchant's Avatar
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    if anyone tried any of those program how is it?
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  6. #6
    By the Power of Greyskull Colossus's Avatar
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    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

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  7. #7
    Hammerhead Shark MrBrett's Avatar
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    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).
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  8. #8
    Great White Shark rimmerchant's Avatar
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    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.
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  9. #9
    Expensive Sushi
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    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.

  10. #10
    Hammerhead Shark cat5e's Avatar
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    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.


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  11. #11
    Hammerhead Shark
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    Yeah I wouldn't expect anything free to do this well, especially on Windows.
    Last edited by cat5e; 06-22-2007 at 07:55 PM.

  12. #12
    Great White Shark rimmerchant's Avatar
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    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.
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  13. #13
    Hammerhead Shark cat5e's Avatar
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    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.
    Last edited by cat5e; 06-22-2007 at 07:56 PM.


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  14. #14
    Sushi
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    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.

  15. #15
    Expensive Sushi
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    if anyone tried any of those program how is it?

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