USB hubs connect over IP or LTE networks

Digi International announced the availability of the Digi AnywhereUSB Plus products. Offered with two, eight, or 24 USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectors to enable USB device connectivity from local, remote or virtualized hosts, these network-attached remote USB hubs connect USB peripheral devices to a PC over an IP or, with a cellular module, LTE network. The AnywhereUSB Plus modular approach to cellular support means devices are 5G ready today. Key applications include kiosks, logistics tracking, restaurant kitchens, manufacturing lines, and software license key fob management.

Digi AnywhereUSB Plus brings secure, flexible, and scalable USB 3.1 multiport connectivity at Gigabit speeds and beyond for USB devices connected from Remote or Virtualized Hosts

USB solutions continue to proliferate and replace serial and older proprietary connections as a cost-effective and efficient option for enterprise and industrial customers. Often, however, users lack sufficient USB ports on host computers for all their devices, need devices to be distributed over greater distances, or wish to avoid the cost of hardened computers. Whether connecting a point-of-sale ordering system to fulfillment, managing and tracking software license dongles via USB key fob, or uploading/downloading data and firmware to physical devices, users are increasingly relying on USB connections for critical applications.

These applications require secure connectivity, higher speed connections and port densities, and the flexibility to allow different systems to connect to USB devices without having to physically connect, disconnect, or move equipment around. Digi addresses these needs with USB 3.1 support and Gigabit and higher network speeds in industrial/rack-mountable form factors. The eight- and 24- port versions provide hardware support for future deployment of Digi’s suite of CORE Plug-In LTE modems.

Digi AnywhereUSB Plus products feature built-in Digi TrustFence security framework and Digi Remote Manager (DRM), a comprehensive IoT device management application. Later this year, in addition to USB 3.1 port connectivity, all eight- and 24- port models will be software upgradeable to support Digi’s CORE LTE Cellular modules. Also, at a later date, Digi will be introducing SKUs that add Wi-Fi connectivity. Enterprise and industrial customers that need remote or local USB in the kitchen, on the factory floor, and anywhere in between, can count on the reliability, security and device management capabilities of Digi in two-, eight-, or 24-port packages.