Wireless USB

[Meru]

Hi all,

I just found out that hopefully in the near future, USB 3.1 may support a mode called "MA-USB". It allows for the USB protocol to be used but transmitted wirelessly on a range of frequencies i.e. 2.4GHz, 5GHz etc. Essentially meaning using USB devices without needing a physical connector :eyepop: This is music to my ears!! What are your thoughts?

[mswhin63]

It is also expected to cover USB 2.0 as well as 3.0.

http://www.usb.org/press/USB-IF_Press_Releases/USB_WSE_Tech_Bulletin_FINAL.pdf

It is a wait and see yet, whether industry will take it on-board although using it on WiFi for continuous application is a bit concerning, due to latency issue. WiFi is also not guaranteed connection as it tries 16 packets or there abouts and will give up. There is no protocol ACK on WiFi so it will need to be built into the USB protocol.

The kind of problem I see happening is issuing a Guide nudge over WiFi with a latency somewhere up to 1mS maybe enough to cause a problem.
For general command issuing that should not be a problem though.

[lazjen]

I guide via wifi. Admittedly it's ethernet, but it's wifi. The mount has an ethernet port, so I plug in a wifi bridge which in turn connects to the house wifi. The laptop is also wifi and does the guiding. Seems to work ok.

Once I get a permanent setup in place, I might set up a wired lan for everything.

[Meru]

Interesting points, I didn't consider the latency and how it may impact guiding. I wouldn't have thought that a few ms delay using 'long' guide subs (say over a second) would affect the quality of tracking. I suppose the major issue is that connections could be lost easily if you stray too far away which would be a royal PITA if you were in the middle of imaging. Wouldn't mind seeing how it works out for the community here once it's available more widespread!