Using VirtualHere Server on GL.iNet Router to Forward MIC/Webcam to Target Laptop?

Submitted by Mestour on #1

Hello,

I’d like to clarify if my intended setup is possible using VirtualHere.

Here is the architecture I’m planning:

Target Laptop === GL.iNet AXT1800 (VirtualHere Server installed) === Internet === Local Laptop (VirtualHere Client software)

My questions:

  1. Can I remotely access the Target Laptop and use my local microphone or webcam on it via VirtualHere in this architecture?
  2. Or does the VirtualHere Client need to be installed on the Target Laptop to make my local microphone/webcam usable by applications on that machine?

The important constraint is:

  • I don't want to install any software on the Target Laptop.
  • The Target Laptop is connected via the GL.iNet router, which is running the VirtualHere USB Server.
  • I can change the GL AXT1800 if that will help with my situation.

Thank you in advance for clarifying if this use case is supported.

Submitted by Michael on Thu, 2025/07/17 - 08:13

#2

I did add this feature very recently but it wont work with webcams at the moment. I suspect its a lack of bandwidth but im not convinced yet and am trying to get webcams working.

The pi connects to your router and the pi runs the VirtualHere Device Client which sends out the microphone to the target laptop. I haven't tested microphones via the internet yet (Just microphones/speakers via wifi which work well). The virtualhere server runs where the mic is physically attached, e.g your local machine. 

So its like this:

Target machine  <-> Pi running Device Client <-> AX1800 router <-> LAN/WAN <-> Local Machine with Mic running VirtualHere Server

 

I dont know what your latency is like for your Internet Connection and this is pretty important, but i can tweak the Pi Device Client to better work with higher latency networks.

If you have a Pi3/4 or 5 lying around then its worth a test. Install the latest Raspberry Pi OS then give it a try.

No other software besides virtualhere that im aware of can do this, including any of the PiKVM and chinese clones. None of them can pass the actual USB devices out the DEVICE port. They always simulate a generic device using built-in linux drivers which are never the real exact device so the identification and features are limited because of this.