From: Xam R. Time (xam_at_chalupa.wi2600.org)
Date: 2002-04-13 18:15:53 UTC
On Sat, 13 Apr 2002, Jouni Malinen wrote:
> similarily initialization routines for PCI/PLX in separate files. At
> some point, there might also be more changes that would be needed for
> USB devices, but I'd like to first get PCI cards working since they
> will probably require less changes.
Interesting you mention that. I was thinking about ways to reduce overall cost for embeded controlers (for hosting AP's on), and it seemed obvious to me that significant cost is involved in the I/O of the system. That is, you want miniPCI, you need to have the logic there, the connector, the matching etched conductors, etc. Why not build a platform arround say, a 4 to 6 channel USB interface, tied directly to a connector-less PCI interface? Ethernet could be interfaced via this method as well. I could imagine a rooftop installation lacking in large coax -- with radios placed mere inches of coax away from the antennas, yet the host controler is located somewhere more convienient.
USB 2.0, obviously would be a great choice in terms of providing ample bandwidth to devices. But, even usb 1.1 (at 12mbits) would be more than enough considering the throughput 802.11/b realises (about 5 mbits or less). With 4 channels, I would imagine contention for the USB interface would be rather low.
Anyway, it's good to hear Jouni mentioning this ;)
--Tk