USB over IP: Enhanced USB Connectivity for IoT Business Automation

Simplified Deployment, Configuration, and Security of Remote USB Devices

First off, what does USB over IP mean? USB over IP refers to a technology that enables sharing a USB device with any other computer connected remotely. This connection can be established over various mediums, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or the Internet. As a result, the USB device becomes accessible on the remote computer just as if directly connected physically.

In IoT business automation, efficient communication with various IT assets and peripherals dispersed across an enterprise is paramount. Offering a comprehensive solution, Digi AnywhereUSB® Plus remote USB hubs provide seamless connectivity to existing equipment, featuring an array of USB 3.1 Gen 1 port options.

Notably, all models are equipped with Gigabit Ethernet support, while the 8- and 24-port variants offer the added advantage of 10 GB Ethernet, with the option of utilizing SFP+ connectors for fiber network connectivity. Furthermore, the 24-port models provide the flexibility of dual Ethernet or dual SFP+ and optional Ethernet bonding to ensure enhanced speeds and failover redundancy. For additional convenience, Wi-Fi versions of the 8- and 24-port models are available, providing Wi-Fi client or access point connectivity.

Designed for optimal functionality, the Digi AnywhereUSB 24 Plus boasts a rack-mountable design with 24 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports. The AnywhereUSB 8 Plus, on the other hand, offers the versatility of being either desktop or rack-mountable (with included rack ears). At the same time, the AnywhereUSB 2 Plus is designed for desktop or panel mounting and features eight or two ports, respectively, along with Gigabit Ethernet support. Digi AnywhereUSB Plus products offer an industry-leading connectivity solution for enterprise and industrial customers needing remote or local USB ports with high-speed capabilities.

A key advantage of Digi AnywhereUSB Plus lies in its ability to establish a consistent, secure, and cost-effective means of verifying the correct configuration and seamless operation of an expanding IoT infrastructure. It empowers users with flexible methods to test, provision, and address connectivity issues related to scaled deployments of IoT devices, allowing for managing a large volume of USB devices with minimal effort.

Enhanced Security and Agility

As the network of USB IoT devices expands, the potential risk of cyber attacks also grows. Network engineers must proactively bolster their network's security posture to counter this threat. Digi AnywhereUSB Plus, coupled with Digi Remote Manager®, ensures the protection of peripheral devices and provides the security agility required to safeguard networks effectively.

Effortless Deployment and Management of USB Devices Over IP

Digi AnywhereUSB Plus enables users to connect to nearly any USB device, regardless of location. With support for up to 24 USB devices over IP, it facilitates tasks such as recharging or installing firmware updates on a variety of devices, including barcode scanners, receipt printers, credit card readers, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, cameras, scales, monitors, in-store kiosks, security check-in stations, telephone systems, removable disks, license dongles, and more.

Centralization of Network USB Connections

Beyond the limitations of USB cable distances, Digi AnywhereUSB Plus remote hubs empower users to manage USB assets over IP. Organizations can streamline configuration, testing, and security by centralizing computers, virtualizing resources, or positioning equipment in racks while reducing the amount of equipment in work areas.

Efficient Management with Flexible Connectivity Options

Grouping USB ports within a remote hub allows different clients to access specific groups of Smart devices. This flexibility ensures that different users can access the required equipment as needed without interfering with the accessibility of other managed devices.

In conclusion, Digi AnywhereUSB Plus offers a comprehensive and secure USB connectivity solution for IoT business automation. Its unmatched features, such as remote management, enhanced security, and flexible connectivity options, facilitate streamlined deployment and efficient management of USB devices across an enterprise network.

Interested in seeing how Anywhere USB Plus works?

Watch this video to find out how you can deploy, configure and upload firmware, control access to particular groups of smart devices, virtualize, manage, test, and even charge, tablets, phones, sensors, scanners or other programmable IoT devices…and do it all remotely

USB Over IP Solutions To Improve Security Posture at the Edge

Maximizing USB Speed with AnywhereUSB Plus

Digi AnywhereUSB Plus is designed with USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, theoretically capable of achieving speeds of up to 5Gbps in direct connection environments. However, real-world performance may be affected by the nature of the AnywhereUSB protocol and the network's impact on data transfer.

To achieve maximum transfer speeds:

Use USB cables rated for USB 3.1 or higher.
Connect devices directly to AnywhereUSB Plus without adding additional downstream hubs.
Monitor network connections between AnywhereUSB Plus and the accessing computer to identify potential capacity constraints.

Digi AnywhereUSB Plus is also backward-compatible with USB 2.0.

Enhanced Security Features in AnywhereUSB® Plus

Each AnywhereUSB Plus device comes equipped with a range of security features, ensuring the protection of your USB peripherals and data:

Unique password for each hub.
Configurable network service port numbers.
Secure access and authentication to the web UI and CLI.
Single password, single permission level for streamlined access management.
Selective enabling/disabling network services such as mDNS, HTTP/HTTPS, and SSH.
Encrypted and authenticated access to AnywhereUSB Plus traffic by default, which cannot be disabled.
Protected by the robust Digi TrustFence® framework.
Remote and secure management through Digi Remote Manager, a comprehensive IoT device management application.

Connect USB Peripheral Devices Anywhere on a Local Area Network (LAN) Without a Locally-Attached Host

Digi AnywhereUSB Plus offers extensive connectivity options, making it ideal for various scenarios:

Available in 2-, 8-, and 24-port options, with the capability to daisy-chain up to 127 USB devices.
Facilitates easy connection of USB peripheral devices to a PC from remote or virtual hosts over the network.
Perfect for integrating USB devices into virtualized environments like VMware®.
Enables access and monitoring of USB and serial devices via TCP/IP connection.
Supports multi-host connectivity for each USB port or group independently.
Provides protocol support for HTTPS, FTP, SFTP, SSL, SMTP, SSH, and CLI for web management.
Features remote management through Digi Remote Manager.

Ruggedized USB Hub for OT, Compatible with IT Closet

Designed to meet demanding requirements, Digi AnywhereUSB Plus devices deliver reliable performance even in harsh conditions:

Operates reliably in a wide temperature range of 0˚ to 55˚ C (32˚ to 141˚ F) and 0˚ C to 40˚ C (32˚ F to 104˚ F) on Wi-Fi models.
AnywhereUSB Plus models with 8 and 24 ports can be software-upgraded to support Digi CORE® LTE Cellular modules and Wi-Fi connectivity.
AnywhereUSB 24 Plus is rack-mountable with two power supplies and Ethernet connections for failover redundancy, while the 2-port model offers an optional DIN rail mount.

Case Study for AnywhereUSB Plus

How does USB over IP work? Watch how one of the largest school districts in the country updates tablets and laptops for thousands of students remotely. In Fulton County, Georgia, over 100,000 devices spread out over 108 buildings using Digi AnywhereUSB® Plus and Digi Remote Manager® were updated in less than two weeks.