You can connect multiple USB devices to a client computer so that virtual machines can access the devices. The number of devices that you can add depends on several factors, such as how the devices and hubs chain together and the device type.

The number of ports on each client computer depends on the physical setup of the client. When you calculate the depth of hub chaining, remember that on a typical server the front ports connect to an internal hub.

The USB arbitrator can monitor a maximum of 15 USB controllers. If your system includes controllers that exceed the 15 controller limit and you connect USB devices to them, the devices are not available to the virtual machine.

Prerequisites

Verify that you know the requirements for configuring USB devices from a remote computer to a virtual machine. See USB Configuration from a Client Computer to a Virtual Machine.

Procedure

  • ♦ To add a USB device to a client computer, connect the device to an available port or hub.

Results

The USB device appears in the toolbar menu.

What to do next

You can now add the USB device to the virtual machine. See Add USB Devices from a Client Computer to a Virtual Machine in the vSphere Web Client.