USB redirection (Universal Serial Bus redirection) is a technology that allows an end user to connect external devices to a USB port on one computer (server computer) and give them access to the device either from an application or from an application to a remote desktop (client computer).
Redirection of USB for remote desktop allows users to connect their local USB devices, such as flash drives or printers, and enjoy complete control and functionality of USB for remote desktop redirection.
How USB redirection works
For USB redirection to work, all functionality of the USB device is transferred over the network connection from the local server computer to the virtual client desktop.
USB redirection can work on "Wide Area Networks" (WAN) and "Local Area Networks" (LAN). Most users prefer local networks. They usually have a better network connection than global ones, and their level of security is higher.
Companies using USB redirection for virtual desktops require that the servers use Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) software compatible with the Remote Display Protocol.
Administrators can choose which USB devices users can and cannot redirect. The most commonly redirected devices are storage devices (such as flash drives), smart card devices, audio/video/image devices, and printers.
Some devices, such as scanners and audio and video devices, require more bandwidth to reduce latency.
Some USB redirection tools even block certain types of USB devices completely. USB devices such as mice and keyboards are conveniently integrated with VDI software by default.
Main features of remote USB connection
USB Port Redirection over the Internet is a technology that allows you to transfer data from connected USB devices to a remote computer through an Internet connection. It is a valuable solution that offers users many possibilities. A remote USB connection is usually made via USB over Ethernet. Users receive several benefits when accessing USB devices. Main access features:
- Users can share USB devices by connecting to them over a network. In this way, resources can be optimized.
- Through remote connection to USB devices, users can share printers, scanners, webcams, storage devices, dongles, and more, regardless of the physical location of users and devices.
- Users can remotely connect to USB devices from different OSes and devices, which is very convenient. Users can work on Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems and share USB devices.
- USB Remote Connection is compatible with virtual machines and cloud infrastructure, allowing you to connect to USB devices from virtualized environments.
- Remote connection via USB is secure as it includes mechanisms for data encryption, user identity verification, and access control to USB devices.
- Solutions for remote USB connection are high-performance and provide quick access to devices.
- Administrators can centrally connect different devices through a USB connection and monitor and manage them over the network.
- USB devices often have a built-in Plug-and-Play function, allowing you to connect and disconnect devices without additional settings and drivers.
- Thanks to the remote connection of USB devices, you can quickly scale up the number of devices and expand access options.
Remote connection of USB devices over a network offers users convenient and efficient features that help optimize resources and improve collaboration in organizations where employees work remotely or are distributed across different locations.
What devices can be shared via RDP?
Some USB devices provide better performance when used in a remote desktop session. The IT team that is configuring access to USB devices in an RDP environment should consider this.
- Printers and scanners;
- Keyboards;
- 3D mouses;
- USB webcams;
- Gamepads;
- Game controllers;
- Hard disk drives;
- Barcode scanner, etc.
Note that resource-intensive devices could be better candidates for USB redirection.
Safe use of a remote USB connection
Using USB on remote devices is safe, as it is protected by encryption, so all data circulates securely within the network.
With remote access to USB devices, users can quickly access and use data or control devices over long distances.
Also, thanks to remote access to USB devices, system administrators can limit user access to certain categories of data or devices while allowing access to others that are open.
Since many employers now offer remote work, employees must be able to work with remote devices and transfer large amounts of data so that work processes remain efficient.
With Remote Desktops, system administrators can remotely manage devices and access their software and resources. With this software solution, participants can work from home using a reliable and secure connection to remote computers.