USB Extender Devices for Long-Distance Network Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The USB standard limits cable length to 5 meters due to maximum allowed round-trip delay, making it impossible to communicate USB devices located further than 5 meters apart, such as in different rooms or buildings, without passive cable extension, which restricts the use of USB peripherals with USB hosts.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising USB extender devices that act as proxy USB hosts and peripherals, using network communication interfaces to relay USB data over long distances through a communication network, allowing USB devices to communicate beyond the standard cable length limitations by encapsulating USB signals as network data packets and routing them via a packet switching network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If USB cable length is extended beyond 5 meters, then communication distance is improved, but signal delay exceeds maximum allowed round-trip delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces USB extender devices as intermediary components between the USB host and peripheral devices. These extenders receive USB signals, convert them to network packets, and transmit them over a network infrastructure, effectively acting as mediators that bridge the gap between USB protocol requirements and extended distance communication needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct electrical connection mechanism (physical USB cable) with a network-based communication system. Instead of extending the electrical signal through longer copper cables which would increase delay, the system converts USB data to network packets that travel over Ethernet or other network infrastructures, substituting the mechanical/electrical transmission medium with a different communication paradigm.
2Length of stationary object
If passive cable extension is used to extend USB cable length, then communication distance is improved, but USB peripheral devices cannot communicate with USB hosts over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The USB extender devices serve as intelligent intermediaries that actively manage the conversion between USB and network protocols. Unlike passive extenders that merely repeat signals, these devices perform protocol translation, packet encapsulation, and data routing, enabling genuine long-distance communication while maintaining USB compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB extender devices perform multiple functions: they act as USB hosts to peripheral devices, USB devices to the main host, network routers for packet forwarding, and protocol translators between USB and network communications. This multi-functionality allows a single device to resolve multiple communication requirements simultaneously.
3Reliability
If USB cable length is limited to 5 meters, then signal delay is controlled within maximum allowed round-trip delay, but USB devices cannot communicate over distances greater than 5 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the electrical signal transmission system with a network packet transmission system. Network packets can carry USB data over distances much greater than 5 meters while the USB protocol timing requirements are maintained through intelligent packet handling and acknowledgment mechanisms at the extender devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication path is segmented into multiple hops through the network infrastructure. Instead of a single direct USB connection, data is broken into packets that can be routed through multiple network nodes, allowing the overall communication distance to exceed USB cable limitations while maintaining reliable transmission through intermediate routing points.
Data Source
AI summary
One feature pertains to an apparatus includes a universal serial bus (USB) communication interface that communicates with at least one USB peripheral device through a USB cable connection. The apparatus also includes a network communication interface that communicates with a communication network. The apparatus also includes a processing circuit that receives USB communication signals from the USB peripheral device, generates network data packets that include USB data based on the USB communication signals, and transmits the network data packets to a receiving device associated with a USB host device through the communication network. The apparatus also serves as a proxy USB host device to the USB peripheral device. The processing circuit may also transmit polling messages to the USB peripheral device at substantially regular time intervals, and receive the USB communication signals from the USB peripheral device in response to the polling messages.