Proxmox Virtual Environment and AnywhereUSB Manager

Introduction

This article explains a known issue that can occur when using the AnywhereUSB Hub platform with a Proxmox Virtual Environment (PVE) server to provide remote access to USB mass storage devices. It also describes the recommended configuration and deployment methods to ensure reliable USB device enumeration and passthrough functionality.

Prerequisites

• A configured Proxmox Virtual Environment (PVE) host.
• An AnywhereUSB Hub device (AW24 or equivalent).
• AnywhereUSB Manager for Linux installed on either:
  • The Proxmox host operating system, or
  • The guest virtual machine operating system.
• Access to the AnywhereUSB Hub configuration interface.
• Administrative privileges on the Proxmox host and/or guest VM.

Issue/Question

USB mass storage devices connected through AnywhereUSB are not detected after a disconnect/reconnect cycle when using AnywhereUSB Manager for Linux with a Proxmox server.

In this scenario, a USB mass storage device may successfully enumerate during the initial connection but fail to appear as a block device on the client system after the first device disconnect and reconnect event.

Solution

To prevent this issue, enable the Power Cycle on Disconnect option in the AnywhereUSB Hub configuration. This setting ensures that USB mass storage devices are properly reinitialized and can be successfully enumerated after reconnection events.

After enabling this setting, you can deploy AnywhereUSB using one of the following methods:

1. Install the AnywhereUSB Manager for Linux on the Proxmox host and pass the USB device through to a guest VM.
2. Install the AnywhereUSB Manager for Linux directly on the guest VM operating system.

USB Device Access Through Proxmox Virtual Environment

This procedure describes how to configure USB device passthrough when the AnywhereUSB Manager is installed on the Proxmox host operating system.

Step 1: Enable Power Cycle on Disconnect

Access the AnywhereUSB Hub configuration and enable the Power Cycle on Disconnect setting. This is required to ensure proper USB device re-enumeration following reconnect events.

Step 2: Install AnywhereUSB Manager on the Proxmox Host

Install the AnywhereUSB Manager for Linux on the Proxmox host operating system.

Step 3: Connect to the Appropriate USB Group

Using AnywhereUSB Manager, connect the Proxmox host to the USB group that contains the target USB device.

Step 4: Add the USB Device to the Virtual Machine

1. Open the target VM configuration in Proxmox.
2. Navigate to Hardware.
3. Select Add > USB Device.

Step 5: Select the USB Device

1. Choose the Use USB Port option.
2. Select the desired USB device from the available device list.
3. Click Add to assign the USB device to the virtual machine.

Step 6: Verify Device Availability

After the USB device is added, verify that it appears in the VM hardware list. Start the virtual machine and confirm that the USB mass storage device is successfully enumerated as a block device within the guest operating system.

Alternative Deployment Method

If preferred, install the AnywhereUSB Manager directly on the guest VM operating system instead of the Proxmox host. After installation, connect the guest VM to the appropriate USB group to access the USB device remotely.

Important Notes

• Enable Power Cycle on Disconnect to avoid USB mass storage enumeration issues after device reconnection.
• AnywhereUSB Manager can be installed either on the Proxmox host or directly within the guest VM.
• When using host-based installation, ensure the correct USB group is connected before configuring USB passthrough.
• Verify USB device detection within the guest operating system after configuration is complete.

Further Information

For additional details regarding AnywhereUSB device configuration, USB group management, and Linux driver installation, refer to the official Digi AnywhereUSB documentation and product administration guides.