USB Reflector Unit for Network-Based Peripheral Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB extension technologies require dedicated network transceivers, which are costly and consume power, and do not efficiently utilize pre-existing network connectivity for extending USB range across multiple devices in a network.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a USB reflector unit connected to a host computer's USB port to 'reflect' USB traffic over existing network connectivity, eliminating the need for additional network transceivers and allowing USB peripheral devices to be distributed across a data communications network without modifying host or network software drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If dedicated network transceivers are used for USB extension, then USB range extension is achieved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the host computer's existing network transceiver perform dual functions: its original networking function plus USB traffic reflection. By configuring the transceiver to reflect USB packets back to the host, the system eliminates the need for dedicated USB extension transceivers, reducing cost while maintaining USB range extension capability
Solution Approach 2:
The host computer's pre-existing network transceiver serves itself by reflecting USB traffic. The transceiver uses its own infrastructure to handle USB extension without requiring external dedicated hardware, thereby reducing overall system cost and component quantity
2Length of stationary object
If dedicated network transceivers are used for USB extension, then USB range extension is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network transceiver performs multiple functions simultaneously - original networking and USB traffic reflection - using the same hardware resource. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated USB transceivers that would consume extra power, thereby reducing overall power consumption while achieving USB range extension
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver reflects USB traffic back to the host using its own infrastructure without requiring additional powered components. The system leverages existing power-budgeted hardware to provide USB extension, avoiding the power consumption penalty of dedicated extension transceivers
3Quantity of substance
If USB traffic is reflected over existing network connectivity, then cost is reduced, but network bandwidth is shared with unrelated traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments USB traffic from other network traffic by using distinct network protocols and port assignments. USB packets are encapsulated in a proprietary format that allows the reflector to identify, separate, and reflect only USB-related traffic, while other network traffic flows independently without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The USB reflector acts as an intermediary that selectively intercepts and reflects only USB traffic packets. It uses protocol analysis to distinguish USB packets from other network traffic, ensuring that USB communication gets priority handling while allowing unrelated network traffic to continue without significant bandwidth contention
4Length of stationary object
If USB devices are distributed across network nodes, then USB range is extended, but transmission delays exceed USB specification parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The USB reflector pre-queues and prioritizes USB traffic packets before they enter the general network traffic flow. By preparing USB packets for reflection in advance and maintaining dedicated buffer queues, the system minimizes waiting time and ensures USB traffic receives preferential treatment, reducing overall transmission delay
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the reflector monitors network conditions and dynamically adjusts USB traffic reflection timing. When network congestion is detected, the reflector buffers USB packets and reflects them during lower-traffic periods, maintaining USB communication quality despite varying network conditions and reducing effective transmission delay
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided to enable a plurality of standard USB peripheral devices, utilizing the USB specification, to be distributed at various nodes across a network, wherein communications across the network may take advantage of any pre-existing network connectivity of a standard, non-modified USB host computer. In particular, a reflector function is added in order to reflect data communications towards a pre-existing transceiver. As a result, the host computer establishes a first profile and second profile for data communication purposes, and uses these profiles to communicate across the network using pre-existing data communication components.