ATEN US224 2-Port USB 2.0 Peripheral Share Switch
Overview
The ATEN US224 is a 2-port USB 2.0 peripheral sharing switch that connects up to 4 computers to 2 shared USB devices — solving the common workstation-cluster problem of running multiple operators off shared scanners, printers, or input devices without a full KVM deployment. Port switching is handled by a dedicated remote port selector on a 1.8 m cable, so the control unit can sit at the operator's position even when the host systems are racked or otherwise out of reach. No driver installation is required; the switch enumerates as a native USB hub to each connected host. Optional bus power can be drawn through a USB Mini-B Female connector if the connected peripherals require additional current beyond what the host ports supply.
Compatibility
The US224 works with any host system carrying a standard USB 2.0 Type-A port — Windows, macOS, and Linux hosts are all supported at the USB protocol level. On the peripheral side, compatible device classes include USB 2.0 printers, barcode scanners, card readers, flash storage, and input devices. It is specifically suited for shared-workstation environments in control rooms, shipping and receiving stations, or light manufacturing cells where 2–4 operators cycle through the same USB peripherals. For environments requiring simultaneous multi-computer access to a single peripheral rather than switched access, a USB device server is the correct alternative. This switch is not designed for USB 3.0 or USB-C peripherals — confirm your peripheral's USB generation before specifying the US224 in a design. For broader ATEN connectivity and switching solutions, including KVM switches and USB extenders, the full catalog covers most shared-access topologies. Buyers specifying KVM switches for multi-operator console sharing should evaluate whether peripheral sharing alone — without video and keyboard/mouse handoff — meets the site's workflow requirements. If USB peripheral sharing is part of a larger network switching infrastructure project, the US224 integrates cleanly as a station-level device requiring no managed port configuration.
Installation Notes
The remote port selector cable is fixed at 1.8 m — plan desk or rack layouts accordingly, as no extension is specified. Operate within 0–80% RH non-condensing humidity; avoid installations in environments with condensation risk such as unventilated cold-storage anteroom desks. The optional power input via USB Mini-B is for peripheral bus power supplementation only; the switch itself draws no separate power supply under standard use. Rack-mount form factor applies — confirm panel or rack tray dimensions match your enclosure before mounting. For high-density USB peripheral management across larger switch deployments, evaluate ATEN's rack-mount USB hub line for aggregated port capacity.
