Virtual USB Host Controller for Networked Peripheral Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB technologies require dedicated network connections and USB hardware at the host computer, which increases costs and complexity, and are limited by transmission delays and the need for modifications to existing software and hardware.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize pre-existing network connectivity of the host computer to connect USB peripheral devices across a data communications network, eliminating the need for USB hardware at the host computer and allowing for seamless communication through a virtual USB host controller and remote extender units, without altering the existing USB driver software stack or network driver software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated network connections and USB hardware are installed at the host computer, then USB devices can be connected across networks, but costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The host computer's existing network interface card (NIC) is made multi-functional by enabling it to handle both standard network traffic and USB traffic through a single physical connection. The NIC is configured with multiple network interface controller (NIC) instances or virtual interfaces, allowing it to process USB-over-network packets alongside regular network protocols without requiring separate dedicated hardware
Solution Approach 2:
A software intermediary layer is introduced that sits between the USB device drivers and the network interface. This software component translates USB protocol commands into network packets and vice versa, enabling communication over the existing network infrastructure without modifying the physical network hardware or requiring additional USB controllers at the host
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional network transceivers and USB hardware are purchased, then USB network connectivity is achieved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing network interface card is made multi-functional by enabling it to handle both standard network traffic and USB traffic through a single physical connection. The NIC is configured with multiple network interface controller (NIC) instances or virtual interfaces, allowing it to process USB-over-network packets alongside regular network protocols without requiring separate dedicated hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The host computer's existing network infrastructure serves dual purposes: it handles both traditional network communications and USB device communications. The system reuses the already-installed network cable, network switch ports, and network protocols, making the existing infrastructure serve the additional USB connectivity function without requiring new hardware purchases
3Adaptability or versatility
If USB transactions are aggregated into USB Request Blocks, then network communication is enabled, but responsiveness and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The USB transaction processing is segmented into smaller units that can be handled individually rather than aggregating all transactions into large USB Request Blocks. The software intermediary processes USB requests as discrete packets, allowing for finer-grained control and faster individual transaction completion while still utilizing network communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous aggregation of USB transactions into large batches, the system uses periodic transmission of smaller USB Request Blocks over the network. This periodic action with smaller, more frequent transmissions maintains responsiveness by reducing waiting time for individual transactions while still achieving network communication efficiency
Data Source
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 virtual host controller function is added to the host computer in order to direct data communications towards a pre-existing network transceiver. As a result, the host computer is not required to be provided with USB hardware and is able to communicate across the network using pre-existing data communication components.