Session-Aware USB Redirection for Seamless Remote Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB device redirection technologies in remote desktop protocols (RDP) do not allow seamless access to USB devices when a user switches between active applications or remote desktop sessions, requiring manual disconnection and reconnection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a client detects changes in active sessions and applications, performs a soft reset of the USB device, and redirects it to the new active session or application, ensuring seamless access across multiple remote desktop sessions and virtual applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If USB device redirection is implemented in remote desktop protocols, then USB device accessibility is improved, but manual disconnection and reconnection is required when switching sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically redirects USB devices based on the currently active remote desktop session. When a user switches sessions, the system automatically detects the session change and redirects the USB device to the new active session without requiring manual user intervention, making the redirection adaptive and dynamic rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting session switches and initiating USB device redirection autonomously. The client monitors session changes and automatically executes the redirection process, eliminating the need for users to manually disconnect and reconnect devices when switching between remote desktop sessions
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB device redirection is implemented, then device functionality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a session awareness mechanism as an intermediary layer between the USB device redirection functionality and the remote desktop session management. This mediator monitors session changes and coordinates redirection actions, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the control logic rather than distributing complexity across multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The session awareness USB redirection mechanism serves multiple functions: it monitors session changes, determines active sessions, manages USB device redirection, and maintains device connectivity across session transitions. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated mechanism, the system achieves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
In certain information handling system (IHS) environments, universal serial bus (USB) devices connected to a client are redirected to a server or other information handling system. Multiple remote sessions may be running on an IHS as well as multiple multi-server published applications within a given remote session. To make the USB devices seamlessly accessible to the user from a given session or application when a switch occurs to a new session or a new application, the USB device may be sent a reset command which acts like a plug-in/plug-out of the USB device. The USB device is then redirected to the new session or the new application. The server is notified of the reset or the re-connection of the USB device to appropriately virtualize the USB device.