6.0

Limitations Regarding USB Device Types
Although View does not explicitly prevent any devices from working in a remote desktop, due to factors
such as network latency and bandwidth, some devices work better than others. By default, some devices are
automatically filtered, or blocked, from being used.
Although super-speed USB3 devices are not currently supported in View, USB3 devices do often work
when plugged into a USB2 or USB3 port on the client machine, but they run in USB2 mode. This method
usually works when running Windows 8.x. On other operating systems, the USB chipset on the
motherboard of the client system affects whether the USB3 device can work in USB2 mode when redirected
to the remote desktop.
The following types of devices might not be suitable for USB redirection to a remote desktop:
n
Due to the bandwidth requirements of webcams, which typically consume more than 60 Mbps of
bandwidth, webcams are not supported through USB redirection. For webcams, you can use the Real-
Time Audio-Video feature.
n
The redirection of USB audio devices depends on the state of the network and is not reliable. Some
devices require a high data throughput even when they are idle. If you have the Real-Time Audio-
Video feature, audio input and output devices will work well using that feature, and you do not need to
use USB redirection for those devices.
n
Performance of some USB devices varies greatly, depending on the network latency and reliability,
especially over a WAN. For example, a single USB storage device read-request requires three round-
trips between the client and the remote desktop. A read of a complete file might require multiple USB
read operations, and the larger the latency, the longer the round-trip will take.
The file structure can be very large, depending on the format. Large USB disk drives can take several
minutes to appear in the desktop. Formatting a USB device as NTFS rather than FAT helps to decrease
the initial connection time. An unreliable network link causes retries, and performance is further
reduced.
Similarly, USB DVD writers, which require a steady bit-rate of data to allow the burn operation to
complete correctly, as well as scanners and touch devices such as signature tablets, do not work well
over a latent network such as a WAN.
n
The redirection of USB scanners depends on the state of the network and is not reliable.
Overview of Setting Up USB Redirection
To set up your deployment so that end users can connect removable devices, such as USB flash drives,
cameras, and headsets, you must install certain components on both the remote desktop and the client
device, and you must verify that the global setting for USB devices is enabled in View Administrator.
This checklist includes both required and optional tasks for setting up USB redirection in your enterprise.
NOTE The USB redirection feature is available only on some types of clients, such as Windows, Mac OS X,
and partner-supplied Linux clients. To find out whether this feature is supported on a particular type of
client, see the feature support matrix included in the "Using VMware Horizon Client" document for the
specific type of client device. Go to
https://www.vmware.com/support/viewclients/doc/viewclients_pubs.html.
1 When you run the View Agent installation wizard on the remote desktop source, be sure to include the
USB Redirection component.
This component is included by default. VMware recommends always including this component. You
can use group policy settings to disable USB redirection for some remote desktops and users, or to
restrict which types of USB devices can be redirected.
Setting Up Desktop and Application Pools in View
154 VMware, Inc.