USB Redirection in Nested Hub Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for USB device redirection in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments face incompatibility issues when supporting external USB hubs, as they are mutually exclusive with interface level redirection (ILR) and composite device redirection.
Innovation Solution
A redirection driver that selectively attaches filter device objects to physical device objects based on the type of USB device, allowing for the redirection of USB devices connected to external USB hubs while maintaining the ability to redirect composite devices with and without ILR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a filter device object is attached to a physical device object for USB device redirection, then simple USB devices can be redirected, but USB hubs cannot be properly supported in nested hub environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the filter device object attachment selective rather than universal. The redirection driver evaluates each USB device individually and attaches the filter device object only to specific devices that meet certain criteria (non-hub devices), while leaving hub devices unattached. This localized approach allows simple USB devices to be redirected while avoiding conflicts with USB hub operations in nested hub environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the filter device object attachment dynamic and conditional. The redirection driver continuously monitors USB device connections and dynamically determines whether to attach the filter device object based on real-time device type identification. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different device types (hub vs. non-hub) and change attachment status accordingly, enabling support for both simple USB devices and USB hubs in the same environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interface level redirection is enabled for composite devices, then composite devices can be redirected, but external USB hubs become incompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively applying interface level redirection only to composite devices while excluding external USB hubs. The redirection driver identifies device type and applies the filter device object attachment only where appropriate (to composite devices needing ILR), leaving external USB hubs unaffected. This localized differentiation resolves the incompatibility between ILR and external hub support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the USB device handling into different paths based on device type. One path handles composite devices with ILR requirements, another path handles external USB hubs, and a third path handles simple USB devices. By segmenting the redirection logic and applying filter device object attachment only to specific segments (composite devices), the system maintains compatibility across all device types including external hubs.
3Productivity
If a filter device object is attached to all USB devices, then all devices can be redirected, but nested hub environments experience conflicts and incompatibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making filter device object attachment device-specific rather than universal. The redirection driver evaluates each USB device individually and applies the filter device object only to non-hub devices that benefit from redirection, while excluding hub devices from attachment. This selective local approach maintains redirection productivity for applicable devices while preserving nested hub environment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the filter device object attachment conditional and changeable based on device type. The redirection driver dynamically assesses each USB device upon connection and determines attachment status in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to maximize redirection productivity for suitable devices while automatically preventing conflicts in nested hub environments, maintaining overall system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Redirection of USB devices in nested hub environments can be supported. A redirection driver can detect when a USB device has been connected to the internal USB hub of a client terminal. Based on the type of the USB device, the redirection driver can selectively attach a filter device object to a physical device object for the USB device. Additionally, when a functional device object is loaded, the redirection driver can selectively attach a filter device object to the functional device object based on whether the functional device object represents a USB device that is registered as a USB hub. This selective loading of filter device objects ensures that a USB device connected to an external USB hub can be redirected while also maintaining the ability to redirect simple USB devices and USB composite devices with and without interface level redirection.