Challenge
A lot of modern input devices for engineers, designers and artists exists nowadays, adding unprecedented usability and productivity in conjunction with complex CAD or graphics software. Various graphic tablets, NDOF or 6DoF controllers, 3D mice from 3Dconnexion are well known. And it's a common situation when from time to time people need to work remotely. But how to use such HID device with the software which runs on the server located in other room or even city?
Solutions
Depending on the used infrastructure, there are two possible scenarios of 3d mouse redirection.
Prime Scenario: USB for Remote Desktop
This solution allows to redirect locally plugged USB device to remote desktop session over Microsoft RDP, Citrix ICA, Amazon NICE DCV, VMware Blast and Teradici PCoIP protocols. Existing virtual channel connection is used for transferring the device, so the solution does not require any additional configuration and allows to use the device remotely right from the box.
It's important that each USB device is isolated within owner's individual user session. It makes multi-user operation comfortable and secure. So, the solution is compatible with Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012.
USB for Remote Desktop Home PageBackup Scenario: USB over Network
In case if the environment does not allow to use USB for Remote Desktop, it's still possible to redirect the USB device using TCP/IP connection. In this case USB over Network product can be configured for sharing 3D mouse on one side (Server side) and creating virtual copy of the mouse on another side (Client side).
The solution works better for single user OS, like Windows 1 and Windows 7 on Server side. It's possible to use Linux or any Windows on Client side.
USB over Network Home PageWill It Work With My Particular Software?
The short answer for this question is: Yes. If your device is supported by your software and works locally - it will work redirected. Both redirection programs from FabulaTech creates exact virtual copy of shared or redirected device and all input/output data is translated from physical device to it's virtual copy and vice versa.
Please note: some software requires special plugin or add-on to work properly with particular hardware. Check vendor's website to find details. For example, list of supported software for 3Dconnexion devices is here.
We have tested a few models of 3D mouse from 3Dconnexion (SpaceNavigator and SpaceExplorer) with popular CAD and 3D modeling software and got good results:
| 3D Software | Windows → Windows | Linux → Windows | Windows → Linux | Linux → Linux |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SolidWorks 2016 SP4.0 | USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
Not tested | Not tested |
| Autodesk Inventor 2020 | USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
Not tested | Not tested |
| Autodesk Maya 2019.1 | USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
Not tested | Not tested |
| Autodesk Autocad 2020 | USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
Not tested | Not tested |
| Siemens NX 10.0 | USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
Not tested | Not tested |
| Siemens Solid Edge 219.0.0.91 | USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
Not tested | Not tested |
| Blender 2.82 | USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
USB for Remote Desktop USB over Network |
USB over Network* | USB over Network* |
* - open source driver spacenavd used, remote connection via X11 Forwarding.
If you did not found your particular software or device you can always try yourself. Click the button below and get a free trial copy of FabulaTech products.