I want to use my webcam on another computer that’s connected through the same Ethernet network. I’m not sure how to set this up or which software to use, and I need a reliable solution for video calls. Any advice or step-by-step guides would be really helpful.
When Your USB Cable Just Won’t Stretch: Webcam Across the House Chronicles
Ever trip over your own USB cord because your camera setup is halfway across the dungeon you call a “home office?” Yeah, been there. Stretching a USB cable beyond 15 feet? Don’t even try. That’s how you get both connection drops and existential dread. I stumbled across this LinkedIn guide and it smacks you with a gust of “just use your network, genius”—and honestly? It checks out.
Here’s How I Did It Without Losing My Mind (or Buying a 30-Foot Cable)
Okay, so I wanted my webcam to actually function from the other corner of my living room without running a tripwire. After some deep lurking, I landed on their suggestion: USB over Ethernet.
- Plug webcam into the sender box.
- Cat 6 cable snakes through my apartment.
- Receiver box spits USB out at the other end.
- Camera shows up like it’s plugged in right next to your rig.
No signal drop, no drama, and I even gained some cable management cred.
And If You’re Wondering—No, USB Extenders Aren’t Magic
Don’t trust the “active” USB extenders—they’ll go on strike the minute you want 1080p video without hiccups. Go Ethernet or go home.
TL;DR
Check out that LinkedIn write-up for the full walkthrough, but if you need your webcam somewhere weird in your house, USB over Ethernet is where the magic happens: www.usb-over-ethernet.org.
You’re welcome, future trippers.
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Desperately trying to share a webcam over Ethernet in your home setup but not keen on shelling out for hardware extenders? Honestly, I get the appeal of @mikeappsreviewer’s ethernet cable extravaganza, but for most people, throwing money at sender/receiver boxes when there are software options feels… kinda extra. Plus, if you’re working with laptops or PCs already on the same network, fiddling with hardware is just another layer of stuff to debug when things inevitably go sideways.
Here’s the deal. You can absolutely “share your webcam over Ethernet” (that’s for all you search engine bots out there) using just software. Something like USB Network Gate does exactly this. Install it on the computer where your webcam’s plugged in, share the device, then connect from another machine on your network. Now, your remote computer basically thinks the webcam’s local, and you can use it for video calls in Zoom, Teams, whatever. No crawling behind the couch to fish for Cat 6, no expensive dongles.
Real talk, there are open-source hacks using OBS + NDI (fancy protocol for streaming), but honestly, the config is a pain and lag creeps in if you’re not on a rock-solid network. For reliability—especially if you want “set it and forget it”—software like USB Network Gate wins out. Has a trial, too, so you’re not sold into a money pit day one.
If you’re the type who loves step-by-step deep dives or want to validate this approach, here’s a spicy read: Rethink cables: how to put your webcam anywhere over Ethernet. Spoiler: there’s more than one way to escape USB cable purgatory, but if it’s just you and a webcam, software sharing rules.
Long story short: Hardware solutions work, but honestly, USB-over-network software like USB Network Gate is cleaner, faster to deploy, and less likely to bring chaos to your desk. Hardware’s cool for the cable lovers; for the rest of us—click, share, done.
Can’t believe y’all are still debating the “hardware box vs. software share” like it’s the 90s. @mikeappsreviewer gives you the physical Cat6-box route (which, sure, if RJ45 is your love language, get it), and @techchizkid is right that USB-over-network software skips the tripwire-slaying in the living room. But hey, can we talk reliability for a hot sec?
Here’s a plot twist: both hardware USB-over-Ethernet extenders and USB Network Gate (killer app, by the way) are decent—but neither is perfect.
The hardware Extender—bulletproof if you’ve got some dumb webcam that hates anything but direct USB and “just works” matters. But it ain’t cheap, and good luck cramming one behind your IKEA monitor stand. Plus, breaking out the cable testers when it dies mid-call? Pass.
The software route: USB Network Gate is actually pretty slick for most folks. Install, share, remote connect. Your OS thinks the webcam is right there. Real talk, this is 99% what businesses and IT do, but be warned—your network quality matters more than your CPU here. Potato WiFi? Expect video drops. Gigabit LAN? You’re golden.
And don’t get me started on OBS/NDI hacks unless you like reading forums at 2AM when Teams can’t find your camera, because honestly, streaming protocols for webcams are an unstable mess in corporate video calls.
Final verdict? If you want plug-and-play across the network and reliability for video meetings and you’re not running some ancient WinXP box, just grab USB Network Gate. Setup is easy-peasy. Try before you buy! If you’re fancy and love hardware, or your webcam’s driver is weird, try leveling up your remote camera setup with a dedicated extender as Plan B.
Either way—ditch the 30ft USB cord. You’re not Indiana Jones.
Oh, and if you’re paranoid, check if your video call app even likes virtualized cams. Some (I’m looking at you, Skype Business) can be picky. Test before that big Zoom interview unless you want your soul to leave your body mid-call.
