USB Device Connectivity

Options for Virtual

Infrastructure Environments

More and more network environments are moving to a virtual server

infrastructure using Citrix, VMWare, or other virtualization server software. Virtual
Desktop Infrastructure can offer big cost savings, security, and other advantages.
One of the challenges for these environments that don’t have computers at each
desktop, is how to connect users to USB devices.
In this white paper, you will learn about ways to connect USB devices in these
Virtual Environments like Citrix and VMWare.

White Paper by Silex Technology America, Inc.

Copyright © Silex Technology America, Inc.

Contents
 Executive Summary.................................................................................................. 3
 USB Support issues in Virtual Environments ........................................................... 4
 Citrix XenApp USB Device Support .......................................................................... 6
 Citrix XenDesktop USB Device Support ................................................................... 6
 VMWare ESX Server USB Support............................................................................ 7
 Silex USB Device Servers for Virtual Environments ................................................. 8
 About Silex Technology ............................................................................................ 9

Copyright © Silex Technology America, Inc. 2

Executive Summary
Citrix and VMWare have some limited USB device pass through capability to the clients.
However, for some applications like USB specialty scanning, USB software license
enforcement, and other applications, the solutions offered from the server options are
limited. Furthermore, there are often restrictions on placement of USB devices, and
which users can connect to which devices.

Copyright © Silex Technology America, Inc. 3

USB Support issues in Virtual Environments

In Virtual environments, like with Citrix XenDesktop, XenApp or VMWare ESX Server,
USB devices either need to be connected in the server room (to the Citrix, VMWare, or
other Virtual Server), or they could be connected directly to the client and you could use
redirection software built into the server. It is often not practical:

1. The USB device redirect compatibility is limited. Many USB devices like software
license dongles, scanners, smart card readers, and others can have issues or not
work at all.
2. You might not have a new enough version of server software which incorporates
USB redirection to the client, or your client might not meet the minimum
requirements.
3. USB cables typically have a 5 meter distance limitation. Often, you won’t want
the USB device to be located in or near the server room.
4. Some USB redirection software for Virtual Servers connecting to client
connected USB devices requires Windows or a full PC as opposed to a thin client
terminal device.

The USB redirection built into most Virtual Server environments is not very flexible. Each
USB device is tied to a particular user, and you can’t use a USB device that is connected
to another client. Allowing USB pass-through to a client from a specific host binds the
virtual machine to a physical machine, eliminating one of the biggest benefits of
virtualization which is decoupling software from the hardware.

Copyright © Silex Technology America, Inc. 4

In the example above, client A cannot use any of the USB devices connected to Client C.
This makes it difficult to share any USB devices.

Also, in some cases, the USB devices need to be connected directly to the server via USB
as they do not support redirection at all. It is often impractical to have to locate the USB
devices in or near the server room. USB extenders can be used, but this can also cause
infrastructure challenges, and it will be difficult to change the location of USB devices.

Copyright © Silex Technology America, Inc. 5

Citrix XenApp USB Device Support
In Citrix, “Client-side USB devices” can be supported with either Device Level Redirection, or
Port Level Redirection. Some USB devices are supported by Device Level Redirection like the
following:

 USB Keyboards
 USB Mice
 USB Printers
 USB Bar Code Scanners (which emulate keystroke entries)
 USB Smart Card Readers
 USB Storage Solutions (such as external drives and memory sticks)

Some USB Devices won’t work with the redirection at all, such as:

 USB Image Scanners

 USB Cameras
 USB Card Readers (such as for credit cards)
 USB Check Readers
 USB PDA Cradles

Citrix XenDesktop USB Device Support

XenDesktop includes a feature called HDX Plug-n-Play USB Device Redirection. This
software allows support for HD Webcams, USB Scanners and many other devices.

Silex has successfully verified the DS-510 and SX-DS-4000U2 USB Device Servers for Citrix
Ready certification.

Copyright © Silex Technology America, Inc. 6

VMWare ESX Server USB Support
VMWare with ESXi version 5 or later has redirection software built in called Client-
Connected USB Passthrough. If you have ESXi version 4 or earlier, you will need to
connect the USB device with the Host-Connected USB option.

Be sure to check the Citrix, VMWare knowledge base or other Virtual server
documentation for the latest USB device information and compatibly.

Copyright © Silex Technology America, Inc. 7

 Silex USB Device Servers for Virtual Environments
With world class leading technology for USB device connectivity, Silex offers a very cost effective
way of connecting USB devices that offers flexibility and compatibility for almost any version of
Citrix or VMWare Server. Silex USB Device Server Technology is now deployed in over 10 million
products worldwide. If you want to be able to offer flexible USB device placement in Citrix,
VMWare, Hyper-V, or any other Virtual environment, you will want to use USB Device
Servers. This allows any client to connect to any device, and it allows limitless flexibility
for where you want to place your USB devices on the network within a facility.

Silex offers a variety of solutions for connecting USB devices in Virtual Environments.

DS-510: Entry level USB Device Server for connecting and sharing USB devices on a
network.

SX-DS-4000U2: High-performance, highest throughput USB Device Server for

connecting and sharing USB devices on a network.

SX-DS-3000WN (replaces C-6700WG): Versatile 802.11n Wi-Fi USB Device Server for
connecting and sharing USB devices on a wireless network.

Copyright © Silex Technology America, Inc. 8

Please visit our USB Device Connectivity product page on our website or contact your Silex
Technology networking expert at sales@silexamerica.com to get more information.

About Silex Technology

Silex Technology builds on more than 40 years of hardware and software connectivity
know-how and IP, custom design development experience, and manufacturing
capabilities, bringing value to customers with a foundation of technical expertise. With
proprietary manufacturing, relentless attention to quality, exclusive access to
Qualcomm Atheros expertise, and strategic partnerships with leading real-time
operating system (RTOS) and semiconductor providers, Silex Technology is the global
leader in reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. With Silex Technology, customers get a single
vendor that provides hardware and software support from design through
manufacturing for successful product after successful product.

Silex Technology America has made reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained herein as of the date of this publication, but does not warrant that the information is accurate
or complete. Silex Technology America undertakes no obligation to update the information in this
publication. Silex Technology America specifically disclaims any and all liability for loss or damages of any
kind resulting from decisions made or actions taken by any party based on this information.

Copyright © Silex Technology America, Inc. 9