PAL Communication Unit for USB Traffic Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in efficiently and seamlessly performing operations over the WiGig Serial Extension (WSE) Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL), particularly in managing USB traffic and maintaining efficient streaming protocols.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL) communication unit that manages PAL connections between devices, enabling efficient transport of USB traffic by transmitting USB transfers over wireless communication links, and supporting multiple parallel streams to enhance throughput, while also handling endpoint open and close stream requests and responses for media-agnostic USB (MA-USB) and WSE protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If USB devices and hosts are configured for communicating over a physical medium (USB cable), then communication reliability is improved, but adaptability to wireless communication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Physical Layer (PHY) abstraction layer as an intermediary between the USB protocol stack and the wireless communication medium. This PHY layer translates USB transfers into wireless communication protocols, enabling USB devices to communicate over wireless links while maintaining USB protocol compatibility. The PHY layer acts as a mediator that adapts the wired USB interface to wireless transmission without requiring changes to higher-level USB protocols.
2Productivity
If streaming protocols are implemented over wireless links, then throughput is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication protocol into distinct layers: the USB protocol stack remains unchanged at higher levels, while a new PHY layer is introduced at the physical level to handle wireless-specific operations. This segmentation allows streaming protocols to be implemented in the PHY layer without complicating the operational complexity of upper-layer USB protocols. The segmentation enables independent optimization of wireless transmission while preserving USB protocol simplicity.
3Productivity
If multiple parallel streams are supported, then data throughput is improved, but stream management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces stream identifiers as an additional dimension for managing multiple parallel streams. Each stream is uniquely identified by a stream ID that is embedded in the data packets, allowing the system to distinguish and manage multiple simultaneous streams without requiring complex management protocols. This dimensional approach (adding stream IDs) enables efficient multi-stream handling while keeping the management mechanism relatively simple.
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AI summary
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of supporting streaming over a Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL). For example, an apparatus may include a first PAL communication unit to communicate PAL traffic with a second PAL communication unit over a communication link, the PAL traffic comprising traffic of a PAL connection, over a PAL, between a first device and a second device, the PAL is above a layer of the communication link, the PAL traffic comprising data to be communicated between the first device and one or more endpoints via the second device, wherein the first PAL communication unit is to communicate an endpoint open stream request and an endpoint open stream response with the second PAL communication unit over the communication link.