A while ago I posted needing a way to see my USB-based PLI (power line interface) on my LAN so that I can use the accompanying HA software remotely. I picked up one of these Belkin USB to ethernet hubs at Fry's for about 50 bucks and it works great:
formatting link
It basically allows you to connect to USB devices over LAN. I have a USB power line interface that I was tired of carrying around if I wanted to use the laptop somewhere else. Now I leave the USB powerline interface plugged into the Belkin remotely and I can allocate it for use from any wired (or wireless) computer in my LAN.I can also see my cameras, printers, ipod, picture frame, etc. on the LAN now. Nice solution although it wont work with streaming type devices like cameras, it's working fine with HA software and a USB PLI.