XenServer and USB devices

[localzuk]

I'm looking at options for decommissioning an old server that runs our door system. It is currently running Windows 2003, with Ghost on it, and VMWare Server with a couple of VM's - one of which is a Windows XP install which has access to a USB device which connects to the doors. Does anyone know if XenServer allows access to such devices like that? I know VMWare ESXi doesn't...

[Ric_]

It doesn't AFAIK.

[localzuk]

It doesn't AFAIK.

That's a real pain. Will have to keep a box running VMWare Server.

[matt40k]

Hate to disagree, but I think you could. Not sure the issues. (IE if the Dom0 would need the drivers etc)

I know you could if you get a PCI usb card then use the Xen Pci Passthrough.

[pete]

You can get USB > Ethernet converters that work with usb licensing dongles and may (though may not) work with your door?:

AnywhereUSB - Network-Enabled USB Hub - USB over IP - Digi International

A very crude way of testing if the computer sees it (even if it doesn't know wtf it is) would be a usb print server

[matt40k]

296,00 Euro!!!

[pete]

296,00 Euro!!!

Yeah, those aren't cheap, but it was the only one I could find at short notice - shop around. You can get usb > ethernet convert cable sets for < £20, but it depends on the door control box/device playing nicely. The linked units are being used for licence dongles at $other_work.