USB "Y" cable

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Will a USB Y type cable work to share a security dongle between two pc's? Its a pain to keep switching the dongle when needed.

[Nick Kuhn]

Generally USB Y cables provide power only on the other connection. USB has to handshake between a host and the device, I don't think a single device could handshake with 2 separate machines at the same time.

[upnorth]

I think they design those things to work with only one device at a time. They don't want you sharing them, they want you to buy a another one.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Yeah, that's what I thought. I guess I'll just keep switching it between the two pc's. I wasn't looking to use them both at the same time with one dongle, just tired of forgetting to move the thing around all the time between them.

[delcecchi]

USB switch

Quote:

USB Switch

A USB switch allows two or more computers to easily share a USB peripheral such as external hard drives, printers, and scanners. The USB switch saves you cost and space on additional USB devices. On the other hand, it eliminates the need to unplug the USB peripheral from one computer and then plug it into the other. By using the USB switch, you do not need to set up the complicated network just to share a USB device. Simply press the button on the USB switch, the USB device is instantly available to serve any computer connected to it. No software installation required.

Some USB switches also support Auto-Switch function when used with USB-enabled printer or printing function on a MFP (multi-function printer). With the switch software installed on connected computers, you simply send the print job and the switch will automatically makes the swap for you. This can be handy when the USB switch is located behind the desk or somewhere hard to reach.

and even wireless....

Quote:

(vendor name) Wireless 4-Port USB Sharing Station enables any USB external hard drive, USB flash drive, USB memory card reader, USB speaker, or USB multi-function printer (MFP) to be shared over a Wi-Fi network among different users. It offers the flexibility to place your USB devices anywhere in the home or office as long as there is Wi-Fi coverage. You are no longer constrained by the 16’ feet distance limitation from your USB devices to your computers.

With the versatility afforded by the Wireless 4-Port USB Sharing Station, you can now enjoy your favorite multimedia content stored on your external USB storage devices from anywhere in your home or office.

The Wireless 4-Port USB Sharing Station also supports a USB 2.0 hub extension, which can support up to 4 USB devices over a home or office Wi-Fi network. It is a one-stop-shop for multi-functional network peripheral sharing with a number of applications that are practically endless

Each USB port can support up to 500mA output for devices.

I deleted company name since it was just a quick search and I don't know anything about this company.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

I like the idea of the auto switch. I wonder if it would work with a security dongle?

[delcecchi]

I like the idea of the auto switch. I wonder if it would work with a security dongle?

Well, the big A online store has

IOGEAR 2-Port USB 2.0 Printer Auto Sharing Switch GUB211 (Black)

for under $20. If it doesn't do the job, the manual ones with button are like 10. You can return the auto and buy manual.

[Whoaru99]

If you're going to try the switch I think the manual one may have a better shot at get'n it done.