Venyu Blog

At Venyu we spend a lot of time working with and perfecting Virtualization; however, from time to time, the need to connect a USB device to a VM guest arises. In the past, this has been one of the few pitfalls companies face when implementing a virtualization solution.

Although USB support has been getting better with VMware vSphere, the problem of VM guests needing to migrate via VMotion around ESX hosts with physical USB devices still connected is a problem.

To get around this issue, Venyu uses the Digi AnywhereUSB devices.  These devices are IP-based USB hubs that allow your VM guests to map a “virtual” USB port to the physical USB device connected to the Digi device.  Here’s how easy they are to configure:

1)  Unbox and plug device into power and your IP network (the Digi’s will DHCP an IP if available)
2)  Run the installation wizard from the supplied CDROM, Set a static IP on the Digi box.
3)  On the VM guest, install the Digi USB driver in Windows.
4)  Run the AnywhereUSB configuration utility and connect to the device.

That’s it!  Almost.  Because USB device support is not typically “baked” into a Windows VM guest, you’ll need to manually add the USB drive to Windows.  Don’t worry, it’s VERY easy.  Here’s how:

1)  Copy the USBD.SY_ file from your installation I386 directory to your Windows VM guest’s C:\%systemroot%\system32\drivers folder.
2)  Rename the file from USBD.SY_ to USBD.SYS and then REBOOT the VM guest.

That’s all… Once the server comes up, you’ll be able to connect and use any of your USB devices.

*  Just remember, the current Digi AnywhereUSB devices only allow for 1 HOST connection at a time.  You CAN connect multiple USB devices that host.  Look for this issue to be resolved with newer versions of firmware/products.

FYI:  Here’s more information about VMware support:  http://www.digi.com/pdf/wp_ESXServer_AnywhereUSB.pdf

Thanks,
wsellers