This behavior is due to a security enhancement that was introduced in the v1.38 firmware for 2nd generation AnywhereUSBs. By 2nd generation models, we are referring to all models other than the legacy AnywhereUSB/5.
With previous firmware versions, any user could use the AnywhereUSB Configuration Utility to make network configuration changes to 2nd gen AnywhereUSBs, as well as reboot them.
Workarounds for users affected by this change:
1. AnywhereUSB network configuration changes and reboot requests can instead be performed in the device’s Web User Interface, which can optionally be password-protected. To access the AnywhereUSB's Web UI, navigate to the unit's IP address in a web browser. The AnywhereUSB's IP address can be determined from looking in the AnywhereUSB Configuration Utility or the Digi Device Discovery Utility.
2. The Digi Device Discovery Utility can also be used to change the network settings of the AnywhereUSB, or to reboot it.
After the AnywhereUSB's network settings are configured, users may want to consider disabling the Digi ADDP service to "lock down" the AnywhereUSB further, with regards to the Device Discovery Utility, which uses the ADDP protocol. In a similar manner to how v1.38 and new firmware 'locks down" the AnywhereUSB Configuration Utility, disabling the ADDP service "locks down" the ability to use the Device Discovery Utility, to prevent malicous users from re-configuring AnywhereUSB network settings or rebooting them.
To do this, log into the AnywhereUSB's Web UI, go to Configuration / Network / Network Services Settings, uncheck the ADDP service then click Apply. Note that the AnywhereUSB Configuration Utility uses a different protocol for device discovery. In other words, disabling ADDP will not affect the discovery mechanism of the AnywhereUSB Configuration Utility.
Notes:
- To change the Remote Hub “Friendly Name” (the description of the AnywhereUSB in the AnywhereUSB Configuration Utility), go to Configuration / System in the Web UI and modify the Description field.
- The Group Number field, within the Configure window (from clicking the Configure button) is the only item that still "works" on units running v1.38 or newer firmware. This particular field is only applicable to Multi-Host capable capable AnywhereUSBs (AnywhereUSB/14 and AnywhereUSB/5 M).
Last updated:
Jan 11, 2024