USB Through Network Performance and Cost Analysis of Solution in Data Center Applications

Abstract

This case study investigates the viability of USB-over-Ethernet (UTN) solutions in data center environments, focusing on performance, scalability, security, and cost. Through benchmarking tools like ATTO and DiskSPD, the study compares direct USB connections with UTN devices such as the SEH UTN Server Pro. Results show that while direct motherboard connections offer the best performance, UTN solutions outperform front panel USB ports and provide significant advantages in manageability and cost-efficiency. The SEH UTN Server Pro is highlighted for its superior encryption, access control, and centralized management features. The research concludes that UTN is a practical alternative for remote USB access in data centers, with room for improvement in network stability and small-block IOPS performance.