Hardware-based licensing, without a network dependency
AuthGuru's dongles tie a license to a physical device — no server call required. Choose the version that matches whether your licensing terms need to track time.
Two hardware options, one job
Both dongles enforce licensing offline, with no connectivity required. The difference comes down to one thing — whether your licensing terms depend on time.
Hardware Dongle
A driverless USB security key for offline license enforcement — no onboard clock, no network required.
- Encrypted communication
- Onboard memory (1–4KB)
- Smart card security
- Multi-platform support
RTC Time Dongle
Everything the Hardware Dongle offers, plus an onboard independent clock and battery for time-bound terms offline.
- Onboard independent clock
- Remote time authorization
- 16K onboard storage
- Usage count limitation
Quick spec comparison
The full specification sheets live on each product page — here's what differs at a glance.
Choosing between the two
If your licensing has no time component, the standard dongle covers you. If any part of it is time-bound, the clock is what you're paying for.
Choose the Hardware Dongle if...
Your licensing doesn't depend on tracking time independently.
- Your licensing model isn't time-bound — perpetual or seat-based terms.
- You don't need to extend or renew licenses remotely.
- Per-unit cost is a bigger factor than clock independence.
- Relying on the host machine's clock for any light time checks is acceptable.
Choose the RTC Time Dongle if...
Your licensing includes any term that depends on time.
- Your licensing includes trials, subscriptions, or contract-length terms.
- Your deployment is fully offline or air-gapped.
- You need to extend or renew a license remotely without physical access.
- Tamper-resistant timing is a hard requirement, not a nice-to-have.
Works alongside
Dongles are one of several delivery and protection options — see how they connect to the rest of AuthGuru.
Not sure which dongle fits your deployment?
Tell us about your licensing model and environment — we'll help you pick the right one.
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