USB Port Monitor 3.0

Overview

USB Port Monitor aka USB Port Analyzer is a software package from Eltima that provides a monitoring and recording capability for USB devices inserted into a PC.

The software can capture data and display it either as a decoded text that can be read directly or as a hex dump format. The app can monitor USB sessions individually or monitor multiple USB devices communicating at the same time. USB hubs can also be accessed to reach multiple USB devices plugged into them which can be monitored closely.

USB forms known as URBs, IRPs and IOCTLs can all be captured. This data is captured as binary information and then it can be exported in plain text XML, CSV or HTML formats. The CSV file scan may be viewed within Excel, whilst the HTML format can be viewed in any web browser.

View both summary and more detailed information depending on what is needed. Data can be filtered dynamically just to capture the type of information needed to avoid information overload within the capturing stream of data being received. Packet information can be viewed strictly to see the incoming only, outgoing only, or by a pairing of both incoming and outgoing information to better understand the data flow.

Installation

The installation required 7.6 MB of available space to complete. There is a note that the software is available on a 14 day trial. USB monitoring can only be commenced when the Windows OS is rebooted.

There was no adware, toolbars, malware, spyware or other malicious software included in the setup package.

USB Port Monitor requires Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, Windows 2003 or Windows Server 2012.

Interface

The interface is modern and clear.

There is a long toolbar at the very top with large toolbar buttons and labels confirming what each one means in case the graphical icon wasn't clear enough in each case.

Clicking the "New" button brings up a dialog window with a list of the available USB devices that are plugged into the PC currently. There is a "Simple View" and "Advanced View" navigation tabs. The Simple view provides a basic list of end USB devices whereas the Advanced view breaks down USB connectivity options like USB root hubs and generic USB hubs further.

View each packet of information captured in summary at the top of the application. Then view more information about the captured data packet from USB sources in both the "Command View" and "Data View." The data view displays both the ASCII text information and the hex information.

There are monitoring functions that are initially all checked for Plug and Play, IOCTL, URB, and USB function.

The main display can be set to auto scroll which is useful with this much data to sift through. There is also the more detailed "Command View" and "Data View" panes.

Pros

• Capture USB hubs and USB devices data flows
• View ASCII text and hex information
• View incoming, outgoing or paired incoming and outgoing information
• Filter dynamic information
• Save captured information to a file

Cons

None.

Alternatives

USB Analyzer is an alternative USB analyzing package to access data flowing over USB hubs.

Conclusion

USB Port Monitor is a useful USB monitoring package to access USB hubs and USB devices plugged directly into a PC and capture data flows.