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Created September 24, 2023 12:14
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Proposal for Simplified USB-IP Standard: Enabling TCP/UDP Communication for USB Devices
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usb-ip.md

Title:

Proposal for Simplified USB-IP Standard: Enabling TCP/UDP Communication for USB Devices

Abstract:

This proposal introduces a simplified IP over USB standard to enable direct TCP/UDP communication between USB devices and host machines locally. The standard provides a networking interface to USB devices without encapsulation, allowing existing TCP/UDP application code to be reused easily. This reduces complexity by eliminating the need to learn USB protocols. The host driver handles USB protocols internally, tunneling native TCP/UDP packets bidirectionally. This fosters innovation by lowering barriers to integrating USB capabilities into solutions using familiar networking concepts. The standard ensures cross-platform compatibility while addressing security concerns. Adoption promises accelerated development and enhanced interoperability for USB-based products.

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

  • Overview of USB and how it provides simplified connectivity between peripherals and host machines.
  • Existing solutions require learning complex USB protocol stack for device communication.

1.2 Objective

  • Primary goal is to enable direct tunneling of TCP/UDP packets between host and USB devices.
  • Allow leveraging TCP/UDP libraries and frameworks easily for USB communication, without conversions.

1.3 Scope

  • Focused on communication between USB devices and host machine over wired interface.
  • Does not define specific application protocols. Supports tunneling any TCP/UDP traffic.

Rationale

2.1 Motivation

  • Eliminate need to learn USB protocols for developers by providing direct TCP/UDP tunnel.
  • Foster innovation by enabling integration of USB into solutions with existing networking code.

2.2 Benefits

  • Significantly faster development by reusing standard TCP/UDP libraries and frameworks.
  • Universal compatibility by not defining application protocols.
  • Promotes innovative use cases by enabling USB to transparently support TCP/UDP.

2.3 Challenges

  • Standardization and widespread OS support.
  • Performance considerations relative to native USB throughput.
  • Security aspects of tunneling TCP/UDP over USB.

Technical Specifications

3.1 Protocol Framework

  • Direct tunneling of TCP/UDP packets bidirectionally between host and USB device.
  • No encapsulation or conversion. Native TCP/UDP packets transferred.
  • Existing networking application code can be reused easily.

3.2 Role of Host Driver

  • Implements USB data transfer protocols.
  • Provides interface for discovering and connecting to USB devices.
  • Transfers TCP/UDP packets to/from applications and USB device transparently.

3.3 Data Transfer Mechanisms

  • Applications open regular TCP/UDP sockets and transfer data as usual.
  • Driver handles routing this traffic directly over USB, without modifications.
  • Standard TCP/UDP flow control, reliability etc. applies transparently.

3.4 Security Considerations

  • USB devices appear as regular network interfaces to host OS.
  • Standard network security mechanisms like firewalls, VPNs etc. can be applied.
  • Traffic should be secured as per application protocol needs.

3.5 Compatibility and Integration

  • Provides abstract network interface to ensure application portability across multiple platforms.
  • Can adapt to coexist with other standards using encapsulation techniques.

Use Cases

4.1 Web Server on USB Device

  • Run a web server on a microcontroller-based USB device using standard TCP/IP stack.
  • Host can access it like a regular remote web server without any encapsulation.

4.2 UDP-based Protocol Implementation

  • Implement a custom UDP-based protocol easily between host and USB device by reusing existing networking libraries.
  • Rapid prototyping of novel USB applications possible.

Implementation Guidelines

5.1 Hardware Requirements

  • Standard USB host interface (USB 1.0 or higher) for hardware compatibility.
  • Wired USB connectivity between host and device required.
  • Adequate USB power delivery capabilities as per connected device.

5.2 Software Requirements

  • Host driver software implementing transparent TCP/UDP tunneling over USB.
  • TCP/IP and USB networking stack support on host OS.
  • Security infrastructure like encryption, access control etc. as needed.

5.3 Development Recommendations

  • Leverage standard TCP/UDP libraries and frameworks for application development.
  • Employ host driver APIs for device discovery and communication.
  • Follow security best practices around authentication, encryption etc.

Future Work

6.1 Enhancements

  • Expanding support for emerging high speed USB 3.0 and subsequent versions.
  • Exploring integration with cloud APIs, web services using TCP/UDP tunnel.
  • Supporting multimedia and time-sensitive applications via QoS extensions.

6.2 Collaboration

  • Working with USB-IF for standardization considerations.
  • Open source community engagement for driving adoption.
  • Industry collaboration for applications in automation, healthcare, automotive domains.

Conclusion

  • Proposed standard enables direct TCP/UDP communication with USB devices to simplify and accelerate development.
  • Host driver abstraction enables integrating USB capabilities into solutions easily using standard networking code.
  • Will foster innovation in how USB peripherals are utilized by lowering integration barriers.
  • Adoption promises faster time-to-market, improved interoperability and new use cases across industries.
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