Using USB-Over-IP to closet or share your dongles

[TheSteven]

I just became aware of this tech.  Haven't tried it out yet so don't know how good it will work but it looks intriguing.

$49 on Amazon - Get your dongles off your computer or desktop.  USB2.0
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D6MVCR6/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?
 

Or for a USB 3.1 solution (at a higher price point) with management/deployment options 

• https://www.digi.com/products/networking/infrastructure-management/usb-connectivity/usb-over-ip/anywhereusb
• If your DAWs are on a network this might be painless way to share iLok or other dongles between the connected computers avoiding possible the possible damage or wear&tear of having to move dongles between computers or even theft of having them on an exposed computer.

 

Edited August 11, 2024 by TheSteven
edited post to clarify that dongle sharing was in regards to Digi hardware

[Glenn Stanton]

you'd want to check - i don't think the ilok dongles can be connected to 2 separate computers at the same time. but the second solution seems like a possibility as it's a switched solution vs simply extended.

[TheSteven]

29 minutes ago, Glenn Stanton said:

you'd want to check - i don't think the ilok dongles can be connected to 2 separate computers at the same time. but the second solution seems like a possibility as it's a switched solution vs simply extended.

I'm pretty sure that you're correct in that they can only connect to one device at a time.

But I wasn't thinking parallel connections but being able to dynamically switch between computers.  The Digi version implies in their docs/video that their management app lets you dynamically switch which computer gets assigned/connected to which USB port.

While I can picture how this might work I haven't had the time to dig enough to get the actual details.

The Amazon version is basically a USB Hub but the dongles can be up to 165ft(50m) away from the computer.

Edited August 11, 2024 by TheSteven

[kitekrazy]

I have 3 iLoks and it's nice that some developers allow for 3 authorizations. UVI is one of them.

If EW and VSL allowed for 2 authorizations I'd be all over that.