Olga Weis
• Sep 16, 2024
Contents
USB dongles are used in a variety of usage scenarios, typically for authentication or to verify software licenses. Remotely accessing these devices can be challenging, and can often be facilitated with the use of a dongle server. A USB dongle server enables dongles to be shared, accessed, and managed over a network. This article will compare dongle servers and discuss:
Let’s look at the details of several dongle server hardware solutions that provide users with reliability and performance.
SEH manufactures easy-to-use plug-and-play dongle servers. Simply attach the device to your network and connect dongles to the server’s USB ports. After installing the hardware, virtual USB connections are created between the dongle and its client. You establish the virtual connection with SEH’s UTN Manager USB dongle server software which provides the necessary USB to Network (UTN) functionality.
Once the connection is established, you can remotely access devices over the network. The network dongle servers give you the same functionality as a physical connection between your computer and the remote dongle.
Two dongle server solutions are available from SEH. The Dongleserver Pro and Dongleserver ProMAX are designed for different usage scenarios.
SEH Dongleserver Pro offers users reliable network access to USB dongles. It’s an appropriate solution in situations where centralized and remote dongle management is necessary.
The SEH Dongleserver ProMAX is an advanced version of the Dongleserver Pro. It is designed for more exacting environments such as server rooms that require its extra capacity and advanced features. The ProMAX delivers enhanced reliability in comparison with the Dongleserver Pro. Redundancy is provided with two internal power supplies and dual network connections. Passwords, settings, and certificates are backed up to an integrated SD card. A multi-segment status and fault display enables users to view operational information.
Digi AnywhereUSB is a reliable and flexible USB over IP solution providing network access to USB devices such as dongles. It offers valuable functionality in situations with limited physical access to USB dongles. The device supports accessing USB devices from virtual desktops, remote offices and centralized IT management teams. Digi AnywhereUSB provides multiple features that support remote USB device access.
The Digi AnywhereUSB dongle server is available in several configurations to address different usage requirements. They all provide reliable performance for remotely managing USB dongles.
Digi AnywhereUSB and SEH Dongleserver Pro/ProMAX are hardware-based dongle server solutions. They provide remote access and management of network-connected USB devices. The devices are designed to address different usage scenarios with different feature sets.
Pros:
Cons:
A more flexible dongle server solution based on advanced software-based USB port virtualization has advantages over traditional hardware servers.
1. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
Scenario: Companies using VDI solutions like Citrix or Hyper-V run applications that need to remotely access USB dongles.
A) Hardware solution: Implement a Dongleserver Pro/ProMAX into the VDI environment to enable remote access to USB dongles.
Benefits:
B) Software solution: Install Donglify to provide USB dongle access within the virtual desktop environment without additional hardware.
Benefits:
2. Enterprise Software Licensing and Management
Scenario: A large software developer needs to protect and efficiently manage licenses with enterprise needs to remotely manage licenses protected by USB dongles.
A) Hardware Solution: Deploy Dongleserver Pro/ProMAX in the main IT support department to enable remote access to USB dongles to authenticate software licenses.
Benefits:
B) Software Solution: Implement Donglify as a software-based solution for remote access to USB dongles.
Benefits:
3. Healthcare Providers and Medical Facilities
Scenario: A healthcare provider requires secure and centralized management of USB dongles used to access medical devices.
A) Hardware solution: Deploy the Digi AnywhereUSB dongle server to provide secure access to USB dongles from a central location.
Benefits:
B) Software solution: Implement Donglify to manage USB dongles in a healthcare establishment (like dentistry).
Benefits:
4. Remote Development and Testing Labs
Scenario: A software development organization needs to securely share dongles with a remote developer workforce.
A) Hardware solution: Use Dongleserver Pro/ProMAX to enable the company to provide the remote access needed by its developers.
Benefits:
B) Software solution: Implement Donglify for sharing USB dongles without the expense of additional hardware.
Benefits:
5. Manufacturing and Industrial Automation
Scenario: A manufacturing company uses automated machinery that relies on software protected by USB dongles.
A) Hardware solution: Use the Digi AnywhereUSB to remotely access the dongles necessary to control the machinery.
Benefits:
B) Software solution: Donglify offers the company a software solution for managing the machinery’s USB dongles.
Benefits:
Dongle servers have many uses in our connected world. Sharing dongles over a network is an essential capability in various types of businesses. Hardware and software solutions are available that enable remote access and management of USB dongles. Hardware vendors like Digi and SEH offer reliable, but expensive and complex solutions.
Donglify is a scalable and cost-effective software solution that enables organizations to efficiently and securely access and manage USB dongles over a network. Users get the same level of functionality they would achieve with a direct physical connection to the dongle.
Assess your requirements and consider the factors discussed above when choosing a dongle server solution that addresses your objectives.