Background information The USB-Server Industry includes everything you need for relocating your local USB ports into a network, and in the smallest possible space. Connected USB ports behave just as they would if connected locally to your Windows PC. The associated driver for Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/7 with user interface automatically searches the network for USB-Servers and connected USB devices. Clicking on them assigns them to the computer, after which they are treated like local devices.
Not only the traditional devices such as mice and memory sticks, but also measuring devices, scales, barcode readers etc. are increasingly equipped with USB interfaces. Especially in industrial environments the often short permissible cable lengths, the absence of galvanic isolation and lack of flexibility makes their use problematic. Redirecting the USB ports to a USB-Server in the network solves all three objections at once: Computer and USB-Server can be virtually as far apart as desired, and every Ethernet connection is inherently equipped with galvanic isolation. If you will be accessing the USB device from another computer, this switch can be made with the click of a mouse and without replugging the device.
Compatibility check Due to the complex interaction between the operating system, often multiple driver instances and the respective hardware, USB applications in practice do not always meet the definition of Plug&Play. W&T therefore offers as a service a compatibility check of your USB device in relationship to the USB-Server. You send us your USB device including the associated drivers, and we check your application for network compatibility. If during these tests our driver or the device firmware causes problems, we will whenever possible make the necessary changes and/or parameter settings on our components. Based on a positive or, in rare cases, a negative result, you will receive a concrete, qualified statement of suitability. As with all our equipment, you may also order a sample unit to test compatibility yourself.
Interoperability* We currently have an interoperability rate of approximately 95%, i.e. the chances of locating your USB device into the network and operating it plug ’n play-like, just as if it were a physical local terminal on your PC, are quite good. Our development engineers are also working hard on providing the USB-Server Industry with the accustomed W&T interoperability. The goal is to link the entire range of USB devices to your system through the USB-Server.
*Probability that the USB-Server will function in your special application.
Protocols:
USB port protocols:
USB 1.0 / 1.1 / 2.0
Control / Bulk / Interrupt / Isochronous (in development)
Protocols for direct network connection:
TCP/IP: Socket
Auxiliary protocols: ARP, DHCP, HTTP, PING Inventory keeping, group management
