When you enable the USB remote connection, the selected USB device will be treated by the FRITZ!Box just as if it were connected directly to your computer. This means you can use the USB device as you are accustomed on your computer.

The FRITZ!Box USB remote connection can be enabled for the following kinds of devices:

• USB mass storage devices
• USB printers (all-in-one printers)
• other USB devices (note that isochronic USB devices like webcams are not supported.)

A USB device with the USB remote connection enabled can be used on various computers connected with the FRITZ!Box. As for a direct USB connection, only one computer can access the USB device at any given time.

Using this function is recommended in the following cases:

• when a GDI (Graphics Device Interface) printer is connected to the FRITZ!Box, which usually can be used only with the operating system for which the printer manufacturer has provided driver software
• when all functions of your all-in-one printer are used, like scanning and faxing, for example
• when monitoring your printer's ink or toner level (bidirectional communication)

Do not use the USB remote connection if multiple computers are to be able to access a single USB device connected to the FRITZ!Box at the same time (network printing function).

Please note the following:

• In order to avoid damage to the FRITZ!Box, always operate your hard drives using their own power source or via a USB hub (with its own power supply) enabled on the FRITZ!Box. Should this be impossible in exceptional situations, make sure that the hard drive does not exceed the maximum power consumption of 500 mA specified for a USB port. Typical error patterns in cases of excess voltage include aborted copying processes and faulty detection of data media.
• A maximum of four USB devices can be operated at the FRITZ!Box at any given time: one printer and three USB mass storage devices, or four USB mass storage devices.
• For all-in-one printers with an integrated memory card reader, the USB remote connection must be enabled for USB printers and USB memory.
  This applies, for example, to the Epson Stylus Photo R300, Brother MFC 240c or HP PSC2410.
• Make sure that both the USB remote connection and port 2066 for TCP and UDP are registered as exceptions in the firewall rules to avoid communication problems between the FRITZ!Box and the USB remote connection program.
• Do not save any data or update the firmware using/on devices that are connected with the computer via the USB remote connection on the FRITZ!Box!