Distributed USB-over-Network Connection Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The USB 2.0 standard is limited to 5-meter long cables and does not support network configurations with multiple USB hosts and distributed control, lacking mechanisms for edge-initiated USB connections, edge addressing of USB packets, and bandwidth allocation.
Innovation Solution
A network architecture that enables distributed initiation of USB connections over a network, utilizing non-collocated USB hosts and devices with adaptors, a network control plane for discovery and bandwidth management, and a data plane for simultaneous operation of USB-over-network connections without a common network node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If USB connections are established over a network with multiple hosts and distributed control, then the cable length limitation of 5 meters is overcome and network flexibility is improved, but the complexity of connection management and addressing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces USB host adaptors and USB device adaptors as intermediary components that bridge the USB protocol and network communication. These adaptors translate USB control signals into network packets and vice versa, enabling USB connections over network infrastructure while maintaining USB protocol compatibility. The adaptors handle addressing, connection initiation, and data plane establishment, reducing the complexity burden from the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the USB connection establishment process into distinct phases: control plane communication for discovery and connection initiation, and data plane for actual USB data transfer. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to handle specific functions independently, with the control plane managing connection logic and the data plane handling high-speed data transfer, thereby simplifying overall connection management.
2Speed
If USB connections are initiated from the edge (device or host) rather than requiring host controller polling, then connection establishment speed is improved, but the complexity of coordination and synchronization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional USB connection initiation model where the host controller polls and initiates all connections. Instead, either the USB host or USB device can initiate connections by sending connection requests through the control plane. This inversion enables faster connection establishment as devices don't need to wait for host polling, while the USB device adaptor tracks connection states to coordinate with the host adaptor, managing synchronization complexity locally.
3Productivity
If multiple USB-over-network connections operate simultaneously without a common network node, then network throughput and latency are optimized, but the complexity of connection tracking and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides USB connections into separate data plane channels, allowing multiple USB-over-network connections to operate simultaneously over the network infrastructure. Each connection has its own data plane pathway, enabling parallel data transfer without interference. The control plane maintains separate tracking state for each connection, managing the complexity of multiple simultaneous connections through independent state management rather than shared resource contention.
Data Source
AI summary
Connecting USB devices with USB hosts over a network supporting distributed initiations of USB connections over the network, including the following steps: Connecting non-collocated USB hosts with respective non-collocated USB host adaptors (USBHs), according to USB specification timings. Connecting non-collocated USB devices with respective non-collocated USB device adaptors (USBDs). Enabling the USBDs and the USBHs to communicate over the network and to discover the presence and capabilities of one another. Initiating, by the USBDs or the USBHs, via the network control plane, USB-over-network-data-plane connections between the USB devices and the USB hosts. And operating at least two of the USB-over-network-data-plane connections essentially simultaneously and without any common network node.