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The Logitech Unifying receiver is a miniaturised dedicated USB wireless receiver which permits up to 6 devices such as mice and keyboards (headphones are not compatible), which must be made by Logitech and of compatible design, to be linked to the same computer using 2.4 GHz band radio communication in a way very similar to, but incompatible with Bluetooth. It is not practical to fit receivers in several computers to allow the same input devices to be used (e.g., with a desktop and a laptop computer), as the devices need to be paired with the receiver each time, although the receiver and input devices can be moved together from one computer to another.
Receivers are supplied with Logitech input devices (e.g., mouse, keyboard, etc.), and are also available separately. The receiver that comes with a Logitech input device is paired with the device at the factory. If you purchase a receiver only (e.g., a replacement), then you are likely going to have to pair it to your existing devices. For that, you will need pairing software, which can be downloaded.
A restriction on some Unifying devices limits them to a maximum of forty-five unique receiver pairings. Once the forty-fifth connection is made, it would no longer be possible to connect such a device to a different receiver. For users who often switch a Unifying device between multiple PCs or laptops with individual receivers, this connection limit will be reached.
Pairing software is available for Windows and Mac OS X from Logitech. Wireless devices using the Unifying Receiver are supported since Linux 3.2. Software to manage Unifying devices on Linux is available from third party developers, for example, Solaar.