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How to Share USB Dongle over Network

Editorial Team Feb 26, 2025

A common use case for a USB key or a dongle is to store license information for a software package. For the software to be installed or launched, a user needs to insert a device into the computer for it to read the software key. In a multi-computer environment, it is not efficient to reconnect a dongle to different computers or financially viable to purchase a separate USB key for each computer.

In this guide, we will explain how one dongle can be shared across all the computers on your network with the help of USB dongle over Ethernet sharing solutions: Donglify and USB Network Gate.

Why share USB security keys?
Donglify — USB Dongle Sharing Software
• USB Dongle Sharing with Donglify
• Additional Perks You’ll Get from Opting for Donglify
Share USB Dongles over Ethernet with USB Network Gate
• Share a Dongle Between Two Computers with USB Network Gate
Donglify vs. USB Network Gate: Dongle Sharing Software Comparison
Dongle Sharing with Dedicated Hardware
• SmarterX-USB Models
Conclusion

Donglify — USB Dongle Sharing Software

Donglify works by creating virtual instances of USB ports to which USB dongles are connected and shares the license information on those dongles with other computers over Ethernet.

Donglify is compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. All connections initiated by Donglify are encrypted with a 2048-bit SSL key providing maximum security.

Use the following procedure to share a USB dongle over the network with Donglify.

1

Use an existing Donglify account or create a new one.

2

Download and install the Donglify software on the server and client computers.

3

Start Donglify on the server, which is the machine with a dongle physically attached to its USB port.

4

Click the “+” icon to view the available dongles. Use the “Multi-connect” option to connect a single dongle to multiple remote machines. The “Single-connect” option limits access to a shared dongle to one remote computer.

5

Click the radio button and click “Share” to select a dongle.

6

Launch Donglify on the client machine and log in with the same credentials.

7

Choose the dongle you wish to access and click the “Connect” button.

8

The USB security key will now be available to the connected remote machines as if they were directly connected.

Here is a video guide for sharing a USB dongle:

Donglify offers two additional options for sharing security dongles:

• Share the dongle with a login token;
• Send invitations to another Donglify user.

Additional Perks You’ll Get from Opting for Donglify

Unique Multi-connect feature: make a USB device accessible from multiple remote computers on a single occasion*.

Time and costs savings: minimize the risks of losing or damaging your USB dongles or having them stolen without compromising their availability for users.

Top-notch security: the 2048-bit SSL encryption will take care that sharing your software license dongles over the network is completely safe and reliable.

Easy set-up: Donglify’s installation and initial configuration are so easy you can start using it in no time at all. Plus, there is no need for any extra hardware and software.

Access control: you can assign a dongle to a specific user, department, customer, etc.

Lifespan prolongation: the less unplugging and replugging your dongles endure — the longer they’re going to last. Just connect your security key to one machine and use Donglify to share it through the network.

Share security dongle with Donglify!

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Share USB Dongles over Ethernet with USB Network Gate

Electronic Team, Inc. has developed an effective solution for USB device sharing — USB Network Gate. This USB over Ethernet software explicitly allows you to share USB devices with many different remote devices over Ethernet, LAN, or WAN.

By making use of advanced port virtualization technology, USB Network Gate facilitates the virtual replication of USB ports, and in turn, any devices that are connected to these virtual ports can be redirected over the network to any other machines on the network. This allows the security dongle to be accessible by all the connected machines as if the dongle was physically connected to each computer.

Share a Dongle Between Two Computers with USB Network Gate

The following step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process of connecting a USB dongle to remote computers:

1

Download USB Network Gate and install it on the server and client machines.

• The server is the machine where the dongle is physically connected;
• The clients are the machines that will remotely access the dongle.

2

After installation, start USB Network Gate on the server.

3

Share a required dongle by clicking the corresponding “Share” button next to it.

4

Open USB Network Gate on the client and find the dongle you shared in the list of available devices in the “Remote USB devices” tab.

5

Connect the dongle to a computer over the network by hitting the “Connect” button next to it.

6

Once you have completed these simple steps, the security key will be accessible to all the client machines, and the device will show up in the clients’ Device Manager as if the dongle was physically connected to it.

It’s important to note that USB Network Gate makes use of advanced encryption for all data transmissions, which means you can rest assured that all the data transferred between the shared dongle and the client machines is secure.

Watch the video guide:

Share USB Dongle over LAN

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Donglify vs. USB Network Gate: Dongle Sharing Software Comparison

If you’re unsure which USB dongle sharing software best fits your needs, the comparison table below provides a side-by-side overview to help you decide.

Software

USB Network Gate Visit website

Donglify Visit website

Supported devices

USB devices

USB dongles only

Sharing USB over LAN

Sharing USB over LAN (without Internet access)

Sharing USB over the Internet

(with public IP address)

Sharing USB dongles over the Internet

(with public IP address)

Simultaneous connections to the shared USB dongle

Sharing COM port devices over the Internet

Access in RDP session

Per-session isolation in RDP

Per-user isolation in Windows

QUIC Protocol support

Security

authorization
encryption

Login tokens for safe account sharing

Tunnel Server

no need for an external IP
multi-network communication
works through the Firewall

Cross-platform compatibility: Server Side

Windows
Linux
macOS
Android

Windows
macOS

Cross-platform compatibility: Client Side

Windows
Linux
macOS

Windows
macOS

License model

License-based

Subscription

Online account creation required

Free demo limitations

1 shared USB device, 14 days

Share a dongle between 10 computers, 7 days

Dongle Sharing with Dedicated Hardware

Hardware offers another way of sharing USB dongles over a network. A hardware solution has limitations that may make it less suitable than software for some usage scenarios. Smart Logic Ltd. manufactures the SmarterX line of dongle sharing devices. They support simultaneous access to USB dongles over a LAN or WAN, making it unnecessary to move dongles between computers.

SmarterX-USB Models

SmarterX-USB devices are available in several models and support sharing dongles among multiple computers. The models feature various configurations that support different numbers of simultaneous users.

SmarterX-USB-3 supports up to three concurrent users in a compact device. The unit allows dongle sharing on Windows and macOS systems. It is easy to set up and has a range of up to five meters with an extension cable. The device is a good solution for small teams.

SmarterX-USB-5 is housed in stainless steel and features LED indicators. It supports five users simultaneously and can share devices up to 40 meters away, making it a good solution for larger offices and teams.

SmarterX-NET Solution supports up to six simultaneous users sharing a USB dongle over a network. Its ability to transform local dongles into devices available over the network makes it a flexible solution suitable for virtual environments and large teams.

Conclusion

Software solutions for sharing USB dongles offer more flexibility and fewer limitations than dedicated hardware. USB Network Gate is an effective solution for offices with LANS. Donglify allows users to share USB dongles over the Internet, Wi-FI, or Ethernet connections, providing remote access to the device from any location.

Dongle sharing software is scalable and not limited to a few simultaneous connections like a hardware hub. Software solutions eliminate the need to be located physically close to the dongle or to move cables between computers. Software USB dongle sharing is the most efficient choice for supporting the modern workplace.

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Information

Requirements

Requirements: OS: Windows 7 SP1/8/8.1/10/11; Windows Server 2008 R2/2012/2012 R2/2016/2019/2022
Architectures: x86, x64, ARM64, 9.31MB free space

Latest version

Latest version: v11.0.2687, Released 27 Jan, 2025 Release notes