Hashcode Let’s Connect! Our in-house USB over IP device.
What is USB over IP and how does the Let's Connect Device work?
USB over IP (also known as USB/IP or USB over Ethernet) is a technology that allows a USB device to be used over a network connection, just as if it were connected directly to a computer. This allows the USB device to be accessed remotely from any device that is connected to the same network.
There are a few different ways to use USB over IP. One common method is to use a device called a USB over IP server, which is a hardware device that connects to the network and allows USB devices to be connected to it. The USB devices are then accessed by other devices on the network as if they were connected directly to those devices.
Another way to use USB over IP is to install software on a computer that allows it to act as a server for USB devices. This can be useful if you want to use USB over IP with a computer that doesn’t have a USB over IP server, or if you want to use USB over IP with a device that doesn’t have a USB port.
There will be a few variants of our nifty little devices allowing for USB over IP, including accessing USB devices remotely, sharing USB devices among multiple computers, and using USB devices over the internet. It can be particularly useful in situations where it is inconvenient or impossible to physically connect a USB device to a computer, such as when the computer is located in a different location or when the device is being used in a remote location.
Keep your eyes peeled on our Pi Store for the final release of our first Let’s Connect variant that will allow you to connect your USB devices over a local hotspot generated from the device itself.
Benefits of using the Hashcode Lets Connect USB over IP device
There are several benefits to using USB over IP:
- Accessibility: With USB over IP, you can access a USB device from any device on the same network, even if the device is located in a different room or building. This makes it easier to share USB devices among multiple computers or to access a USB device remotely.
- Convenience: Using USB over IP allows you to use a USB device without having to physically connect it to a computer. This can be especially convenient if the device is located in a difficult-to-reach location or if you want to use the device with a computer that doesn’t have a USB port.
- Improved security: When you use USB over IP, the USB device is accessed over the network, which means that the device itself is not physically connected to the computer. This can reduce the risk of malware infection, as the device cannot be used to introduce malware directly to the computer.
- Enhanced mobility: Using USB over IP allows you to use a USB device from any location, as long as you have a network connection. This can be useful if you need to use a USB device while traveling or working remotely.
- Easy device sharing: With USB over IP, multiple devices can access a single USB device simultaneously. This can be useful in situations where multiple users need to access the same USB device, such as in a classroom or office setting.
How much will the Let's Connect USB over IP devices cost?
The cost of our USB over IP devices can vary widely depending on the features and capabilities of the chosen variant. Our let’s connect base model adapter will most likely range from R1500 to R2000 per device, while more advanced USB over IP servers with multiple USB ports and additional features such as built-in hubs and power management can cost significantly more.
In general, the price of our USB over IP device will depend on factors such as the number of USB ports, the type of USB devices it can support, the speed and reliability of the network connection, and any additional features or capabilities it offers.
Hashcode will realise information as and when new variants are developed.
Can i use the Let's Connect software on my own hardware?
Yes, it is possible to use the Let’s Connect USB over IP software on your own hardware, such as a computer or a Raspberry Pi.
Once you have installed the necessary lets’ Connect software on your device, you can connect a USB device to it and configure the software to make the device available over the network. Other devices on the same network will then be able to access the USB device as if it were connected directly to their computers.
Using Lets Connect on your own hardware can be a convenient and cost-effective way to use a USB device remotely or to share it among multiple computers. However, keep in mind that the software will come at a charge for each license purchased and the performance and reliability of the setup will depend on the capabilities of the hardware and the quality of the network connection.
When will Hashcode launch the Lets Connect device?
For the time being the product is still in development with an estimated release date of Q2 2023 but this is entirely dependent on the current global supply shortages of semiconductors that our hardware relies on. We will be sure to keep you posted on an official launch date as soon as there is more clarity on the situation. The Lets Connect device will be manufactured in South Africa and will likely be realised there first with the rest of the world to follow. Join our newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest Lets Connect news.
