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1<?xml version='1.0' encoding="UTF-8"?> 1<?xml version='1.0' encoding="UTF-8"?>
2<!-- $Header: /var/cvsroot/gentoo/xml/htdocs/doc/en/usb-guide.xml,v 1.3 2005/05/03 17:37:35 neysx Exp $ -->
2 3
3<!DOCTYPE guide SYSTEM "/dtd/guide.dtd"> 4<!DOCTYPE guide SYSTEM "/dtd/guide.dtd">
4 5
5<guide link="/doc/en/usb-guide.xml"> 6<guide link="/doc/en/usb-guide.xml">
6<title>Gentoo Linux USB Guide</title> 7<title>Gentoo Linux USB Guide</title>
… …
16 17
17<!-- The content of this document is licensed under the CC-BY-SA license --> 18<!-- The content of this document is licensed under the CC-BY-SA license -->
18<!-- See http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 --> 19<!-- See http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 -->
19<license/> 20<license/>
20 21
21<version>1.1</version> 22<version>1.2</version>
22<date>2005-04-14</date> 23<date>2005-05-03</date>
23 24
24<chapter> 25<chapter>
25<title>Introduction</title> 26<title>Introduction</title>
26<section> 27<section>
27<title>What is USB?</title> 28<title>What is USB?</title>
28<body> 29<body>
29 30
30<p> 31<p>
31USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and is basically an external interface 32USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and is basically an external interface
32standard that enables communication between the computer and various other 33standard that enables communication between the computer and various other
33peripherals. Some of the most commonly used USB devices today are keyboards, 34peripherals. Some of the most commonly used USB devices today are keyboards,
34mice, pen drives, digital cameras, external CD &amp; DVD writers, printers etc. 35mice, pen drives, digital cameras, external CD &amp; DVD writers, printers etc.
35</p>
36
37<p> 36</p>
37
38<p>
38There are currently two versions of USB in use, i.e. USB 1.1 and USB 2.0. 39There are currently two versions of USB in use, i.e. USB 1.1 and USB 2.0.
39Since USB has always been backward compatible with its previous versions, 40Since USB has always been backward compatible with its previous versions,
40USB 2.0 is backwards compatible with USB 1.1. The latest USB devices are 41USB 2.0 is backwards compatible with USB 1.1. The latest USB devices are
41typically USB 2.0 compatible. USB 2.0 supports a maximum data transmission 42typically USB 2.0 compatible. USB 2.0 supports a maximum data transmission
42speed of 480 Mbps or 60 MBps and this is the major difference between the two 43speed of 480 Mbps or 60 MBps and this is the major difference between the two
43standards. Another advantage with USB is that the devices are all 44standards. Another advantage with USB is that the devices are all
44<e>hot-pluggable</e>, which means that you do not have to restart your system 45<e>hot-pluggable</e>, which means that you do not have to restart your system
45in order for you to be able to use these devices. 46in order for you to be able to use these devices.
46</p> 47</p>
47 48
48</body> 49</body>
49</section> 50</section>
50
51<section> 51<section>
52<title>A Technical Perspective</title> 52<title>A Technical Perspective</title>
53<body> 53<body>
54 54
55<p> 55<p>
56Before we go onto the exact configuration options in the kernel, it would 56Before we go onto the exact configuration options in the kernel, it would
57be apt to look at USB in a little more detail. If you're in a hurry or want 57be apt to look at USB in a little more detail. If you're in a hurry or want
58to skip this section, please go to <uri link="#kernel">Kernel Configuration</uri>. 58to skip this section, please go to <uri link="#kernel">Kernel Configuration</uri>.
59</p> 59</p>
60 60
61<p> 61<p>
62A USB system has a host controller, hubs, a <e>root hub</e> amongst others 62A USB system has a host controller, hubs, a <e>root hub</e> amongst others
63and can support up to 127 USB devices including the hubs. The host controller 63and can support up to 127 USB devices including the hubs. The host controller
64is nothing but the hardware interface between the USB device and the 64is nothing but the hardware interface between the USB device and the
65operating system. There are a couple of HCI (Host Controller Interface) 65operating system. There are a couple of HCI (Host Controller Interface)
66in use today and they are the OHCI (Open HCI) by Compaq, UHCI (Universal HCI) 66in use today and they are the OHCI (Open HCI) by Compaq, UHCI (Universal HCI)
67and EHCI (Enhanced HCI), both from Intel. The OHCI/UHCI are the two industry 67and EHCI (Enhanced HCI), both from Intel. The OHCI/UHCI are the two industry
68standard USB 1.1 interfaces whereas the EHCI is for USB 2.0. 68standard USB 1.1 interfaces whereas the EHCI is for USB 2.0.
69</p> 69</p>
70 70
71<p> 71<p>
72The hardware vendor provides an interface for the programmer that allows 72The hardware vendor provides an interface for the programmer that allows
73the system to interact with the hardware and this is called the HCD or Host 73the system to interact with the hardware and this is called the HCD or Host
74Controller Device. It is through this HCD that the device interacts with the 74Controller Device. It is through this HCD that the device interacts with the
75system software. The following diagram should make things easier to comprehend. 75system software. The following diagram should make things easier to comprehend.
76</p> 76</p>
77 77
78<pre caption="General USB Architecture"> 78<pre caption="General USB Architecture">
79<comment>(Software consists of other components as well like the device driver, but 79<comment>(Software consists of other components as well like the device driver, but
80 for the sake of simplicity, they are not shown)</comment> 80for the sake of simplicity, they are not shown)</comment>
81 81
82 + ---- Hardware ---- + ---- Software ---- + 82 + ---- Hardware ---- + ---- Software ---- +
83 | | | 83 | | |
84 | [USB Dev] -+-> {EHCI} -+---> ( EHCD ) | 84 | [USB Dev] -+-> {EHCI} -+---> ( EHCD ) |
85 | | | | User 85 | | | | User
86 | `-> {UHCI} -+---> ( UHCD ) | 86 | `-> {UHCI} -+---> ( UHCD ) |
87 | | | 87 | | |
88 + ---- Hardware ---- + ---- Software ---- + 88 + ---- Hardware ---- + ---- Software ---- +
89
90</pre> 89</pre>
91 90
92<p> 91<p>
93A USB device can either use a custom driver or use one already present in 92A USB device can either use a custom driver or use one already present in
94the system and this is based on the concept of a device <e>class</e>. This 93the system and this is based on the concept of a device <e>class</e>. This
95means that if a device belongs to a certain <e>class</e>, then other devices 94means that if a device belongs to a certain <e>class</e>, then other devices
96belonging to the same <e>class</e> can make use of the same device driver. 95belonging to the same <e>class</e> can make use of the same device driver.
97Some of these <e>classes</e> are the USB HID (Human Interface Devices) class 96Some of these <e>classes</e> are the USB HID (Human Interface Devices) class
98which covers input devices like keyboards and mice, the USB Mass Storage 97which covers input devices like keyboards and mice, the USB Mass Storage
99devices class which covers devices like pen drives, digital cameras, audio 98devices class which covers devices like pen drives, digital cameras, audio
100players etc and the USB CDC (Communication Devices Class) which essentially 99players etc and the USB CDC (Communication Devices Class) which essentially
101covers USB modems and similar devices. 100covers USB modems and similar devices.
102</p> 101</p>
103 102
104</body> 103</body>
105</section> 104</section>
106
107<section id="#lspci"> 105<section id="#lspci">
108<title>What's on your machine?</title> 106<title>What's on your machine?</title>
109<body> 107<body>
110 108
111<p> 109<p>
112It is very simple to find out whether your machine has USB 2.0 support or not. 110It is very simple to find out whether your machine has USB 2.0 support or not.
113We make use of the <c>lspci</c> command for this purpose. 111We make use of the <c>lspci</c> command for this purpose.
114</p> 112</p>
115 113
116<note> 114<note>
117The <c>lspci</c> tool is a part of the <c>sys-apps/pciutils</c> package. If 115The <c>lspci</c> tool is a part of the <c>sys-apps/pciutils</c> package. If
118you do not have this installed, please <c>emerge pciutils</c>. Please note 116you do not have this installed, please <c>emerge pciutils</c>. Please note
119that you have to be root while running the <c>lspci</c> command. 117that you have to be root while running the <c>lspci</c> command.
120</note> 118</note>
121 119
122<pre caption="Various lspci outputs"> 120<pre caption="Various lspci outputs">
123<comment>(In system that is USB 1.1 compliant, note the UHCI only)</comment> 121<comment>(In system that is USB 1.1 compliant, note the UHCI only)</comment>
… …
13200:1d.2 USB Controller: Intel Corp. 82801DB USB (Hub #3) (rev 01) (prog-if 00 [UHCI]) 13000:1d.2 USB Controller: Intel Corp. 82801DB USB (Hub #3) (rev 01) (prog-if 00 [UHCI])
13300:1d.7 USB Controller: Intel Corp. 82801DB USB EHCI Controller (rev 01) (prog-if 20 [EHCI]) 13100:1d.7 USB Controller: Intel Corp. 82801DB USB EHCI Controller (rev 01) (prog-if 20 [EHCI])
134</pre> 132</pre>
135 133
136<p> 134<p>
137So using the <c>lspci</c> command, we can find out if the system supports 135So using the <c>lspci</c> command, we can find out if the system supports
138USB 2.0. This is useful as we will be enabling the corresponding options in 136USB 2.0. This is useful as we will be enabling the corresponding options in
139the kernel. 137the kernel.
140</p> 138</p>
141 139
142</body> 140</body>
143</section> 141</section>
… …
148<section> 146<section>
149<title>Getting the kernel</title> 147<title>Getting the kernel</title>
150<body> 148<body>
151 149
152<note> 150<note>
153Since the 2005.0 release, Gentoo Linux uses 2.6 as the default kernel. Unless 151Since the 2005.0 release, Gentoo Linux uses 2.6 as the default kernel. Unless
154you are specifically using the 2.4 profile, <c>gentoo-sources</c> will be a 152you are specifically using the 2.4 profile, <c>gentoo-sources</c> will be a
1552.6 kernel on <e>most</e> architectures. Please check your kernel version and 1532.6 kernel on <e>most</e> architectures. Please check your kernel version and
156then proceed with the configuration accordingly. 154then proceed with the configuration accordingly.
157</note> 155</note>
158 156
159<p> 157<p>
160First emerge the kernel sources of your choice. Here we'll use the 158First emerge the kernel sources of your choice. Here we'll use the
161<c>gentoo-sources</c> For more information on the various kernel sources available on Portage, 159<c>gentoo-sources</c> For more information on the various kernel sources
160available on Portage, please look up the <uri
162please look up the <uri link="/doc/en/gentoo-kernel.xml">Gentoo Linux Kernel Guide</uri>. 161link="/doc/en/gentoo-kernel.xml">Gentoo Linux Kernel Guide</uri>.
163</p> 162</p>
164 163
165<pre caption="Getting the kernel sources"> 164<pre caption="Getting the kernel sources">
166# <i> emerge gentoo-sources</i> 165# <i>emerge gentoo-sources</i>
167</pre> 166</pre>
168 167
169<p> 168<p>
170Now, lets get on with the task of configuring the kernel. 169Now, lets get on with the task of configuring the kernel.
171</p> 170</p>
172 171
173<pre caption="Heading over to the source"> 172<pre caption="Heading over to the source">
174# <i> cd /usr/src/linux</i> 173# <i>cd /usr/src/linux</i>
175# <i> make menuconfig</i> 174# <i>make menuconfig</i>
176</pre> 175</pre>
177 176
178<note> 177<note>
179The above example assumes that <path>/usr/src/linux</path> symlink points to 178The above example assumes that <path>/usr/src/linux</path> symlink points to
180the kernel sources you want to use. Please ensure the same before proceeding. 179the kernel sources you want to use. Please ensure the same before proceeding.
181</note> 180</note>
182 181
183</body> 182</body>
184</section> 183</section>
185
186<section id="2.6.xconfig"> 184<section id="2.6.xconfig">
187<title>Config options for the 2.6.x kernel</title> 185<title>Config options for the 2.6.x kernel</title>
188<body> 186<body>
189 187
190<p> 188<p>
191Now we will look at some of the options we will have to enable in the 2.6 189Now we will look at some of the options we will have to enable in the 2.6
192kernel to ensure proper USB support for our devices. If you are using a 2.4 190kernel to ensure proper USB support for our devices. If you are using a 2.4
193kernel, please proceed with <uri link="#2.4.xconfig">Config options for the 191kernel, please proceed with <uri link="#2.4.xconfig">Config options for the
1942.4.x kernel</uri>. 1922.4.x kernel</uri>.
195</p> 193</p>
196 194
197<note> 195<note>
198Examples in this document will show configuration options for basic USB 196Examples in this document will show configuration options for basic USB
199support as well as those needed commonly, for example a USB mass storage 197support as well as those needed commonly, for example a USB mass storage
200device (most cameras and USB pen drives). If you have a specific USB device 198device (most cameras and USB pen drives). If you have a specific USB device
201that needs to be configured, please look up your device's manual or search 199that needs to be configured, please look up your device's manual or search
202online to see if that device has support built-in into the kernel or custom 200online to see if that device has support built-in into the kernel or custom
203drivers that you can use. Please note that for the sake of ease, all examples 201drivers that you can use. Please note that for the sake of ease, all examples
204have the options compiled into the kernel. If you would like to have a modular 202have the options compiled into the kernel. If you would like to have a modular
205kernel, ensure that you note down the various modules and adjust your config 203kernel, ensure that you note down the various modules and adjust your config
206files accordingly. 204files accordingly.
207</note> 205</note>
208 206
209<pre caption="make menuconfig options for 2.6 kernels"> 207<pre caption="make menuconfig options for 2.6 kernels">
210Device Drivers ---&gt; 208Device Drivers ---&gt;
211 SCSI device support ---&gt; 209 SCSI device support ---&gt;
212 210
213<comment>(Although SCSI will be enabled automatically when selecting USB Mass Storage, we need to enable disk support.)</comment> 211<comment>(Although SCSI will be enabled automatically when selecting USB Mass Storage,
212we need to enable disk support.)</comment>
214--- SCSI support type (disk, tape, CD-ROM) 213--- SCSI support type (disk, tape, CD-ROM)
215&lt;*&gt; SCSI disk support 214&lt;*&gt; SCSI disk support
216 215
217<comment>(Then move back a level and go into USB support)</comment> 216<comment>(Then move back a level and go into USB support)</comment>
218USB support ---&gt; 217USB support ---&gt;
219 218
220<comment>(This is the root hub and is required for USB support. If you'd like to compile this as a module,</comment> 219<comment>(This is the root hub and is required for USB support.
221<comment> it will be called usbcore.)</comment> 220If you'd like to compile this as a module, it will be called usbcore.)</comment>
222&lt;*&gt; Support for Host-side USB 221&lt;*&gt; Support for Host-side USB
223 222
224<comment>(Enable this option to see your USB devices in /proc/bus/usb. This is recommended.)</comment> 223<comment>(Enable this option to see your USB devices in /proc/bus/usb.
224This is recommended.)</comment>
225 [*] USB device filesystem 225 [*] USB device filesystem
226 226
227<comment>(Select at least one of the HCDs. If you are unsure, picking all is fine.)</comment> 227<comment>(Select at least one of the HCDs. If you are unsure, picking all is fine.)</comment>
228--- USB Host Controller Drivers 228--- USB Host Controller Drivers
229&lt;*&gt; EHCI HCD (USB 2.0) support 229&lt;*&gt; EHCI HCD (USB 2.0) support
230&lt; &gt; OHCI HCD support 230&lt; &gt; OHCI HCD support
231&lt;*&gt; UHCI HCD (most Intel and VIA) support 231&lt;*&gt; UHCI HCD (most Intel and VIA) support
232 232
233<comment>(Moving a little further down, we come to CDC and mass storage.)</comment> 233<comment>(Moving a little further down, we come to CDC and mass storage.)</comment>
234&lt; &gt; USB Modem (CDC ACM) support 234&lt; &gt; USB Modem (CDC ACM) support
235&lt;*&gt; USB Printer support 235&lt;*&gt; USB Printer support
236&lt;*&gt; USB Mass Storage support 236&lt;*&gt; USB Mass Storage support
237 [*] USB Mass Storage Write-Protected Media Detection (EXPERIMENTAL) 237 [*] USB Mass Storage Write-Protected Media Detection (EXPERIMENTAL)
238 238
239<comment>(And then the HID bits. You have to select HID input support if you have a USB</comment> 239<comment>(Then the HID bits.
240You have to select HID input support if you have a USB keyboard,
240<comment> keyboard, mouse, joystick or any other USB input device)</comment> 241mouse, joystick or any other USB input device)</comment>
241--- USB Input Devices 242--- USB Input Devices
242&lt;*&gt; USB Human Interface Device (full HID) support 243&lt;*&gt; USB Human Interface Device (full HID) support
243 [*] HID input layer support 244 [*] HID input layer support
244 245
245<comment>(If you have a USB Network Card like the RTL8150, you'll need this)</comment> 246<comment>(If you have a USB Network Card like the RTL8150, you'll need this)</comment>
… …
247 &lt;*&gt; USB RTL8150 based ethernet device support (EXPERIMENTAL) 248 &lt;*&gt; USB RTL8150 based ethernet device support (EXPERIMENTAL)
248 249
249<comment>(If you have a serial to USB converter like the Prolific 2303, you'll need this)</comment> 250<comment>(If you have a serial to USB converter like the Prolific 2303, you'll need this)</comment>
250USB Serial Converter support ---> 251USB Serial Converter support --->
251 &lt;*&gt; USB Serial Converter support 252 &lt;*&gt; USB Serial Converter support
252 &lt;*&gt; USB Prolific 2303 Single Port Serial Driver (NEW) 253 &lt;*&gt; USB Prolific 2303 Single Port Serial Driver (NEW)
253</pre> 254</pre>
254 255
255<p> 256<p>
256Now that your options are set, you can (re)compile the kernel and USB support 257Now that your options are set, you can (re)compile the kernel and USB support
257should be functional once you reboot into the new kernel. You can now proceed 258should be functional once you reboot into the new kernel. You can now proceed
258to <uri link="#postkern">Seeing USB at work</uri> and see if everything is 259to <uri link="#postkern">Seeing USB at work</uri> and see if everything is
259working as it should. 260working as it should.
260</p> 261</p>
261</body>
262</section>
263 262
263</body>
264</section>
264<section id="2.4.xconfig"> 265<section id="2.4.xconfig">
265<title>Config options for the 2.4.x kernel</title> 266<title>Config options for the 2.4.x kernel</title>
266<body> 267<body>
267 268
268<p> 269<p>
269We will look at the options the we will have to enable in the 2.4 kernel to 270We will look at the options the we will have to enable in the 2.4 kernel to
270ensure proper USB support for our devices. If you are using a 2.6 kernel, 271ensure proper USB support for our devices. If you are using a 2.6 kernel,
271please look at <uri link="#2.6.xconfig">Config options for the 2.6.x 272please look at <uri link="#2.6.xconfig">Config options for the 2.6.x
272kernel</uri>. 273kernel</uri>.
273</p> 274</p>
274 275
275<note> 276<note>
276Examples in this document will show configuration options for basic USB 277Examples in this document will show configuration options for basic USB
277support as well as those needed commonly, for example a USB mass storage 278support as well as those needed commonly, for example a USB mass storage
278device (most cameras and USB pen drives). If you have a specific USB device 279device (most cameras and USB pen drives). If you have a specific USB device
279that needs to be configured, please look up your device's manual or search 280that needs to be configured, please look up your device's manual or search
280online to see if that device has support built-in into the kernel or custom 281online to see if that device has support built-in into the kernel or custom
281drivers that you can use. Please note that for the sake of ease, all examples 282drivers that you can use. Please note that for the sake of ease, all examples
282have the options compiled into the kernel. If you would like to have a modular 283have the options compiled into the kernel. If you would like to have a modular
283kernel, ensure that you note down the various modules and adjust your config 284kernel, ensure that you note down the various modules and adjust your config
284files accordingly. 285files accordingly.
285</note> 286</note>
286 287
287<pre caption="make menuconfig options for 2.4 kernels"> 288<pre caption="make menuconfig options for 2.4 kernels">
288<comment>(This immediate config is only for those who have USB input devices. Input</comment> 289<comment>(This immediate config is only for those who have USB input devices.
289<comment> core support is needed by USB HID later.)</comment> 290Input core support is needed by USB HID later.)</comment>
290Input core support ---&gt; 291Input core support ---&gt;
291 &lt;*&gt; Input core support 292 &lt;*&gt; Input core support
292 &lt; &gt; Keyboard support 293 &lt; &gt; Keyboard support
293 &lt; &gt; Mouse support 294 &lt; &gt; Mouse support
294 &lt; &gt; Event interface support 295 &lt; &gt; Event interface support
295 296
296USB support ---&gt; 297USB support ---&gt;
297 298
298<comment>(This is the root hub and is required for USB support. If you'd like to compile this as a module,</comment> 299<comment>(This is the root hub and is required for USB support.
299<comment> it will be called usbcore.o)</comment> 300If you'd like to compile this as a module, it will be called usbcore.o)</comment>
300&lt;*&gt; Support for USB 301&lt;*&gt; Support for USB
301 302
302<comment>(Enable this option to see your USB devices in /proc/bus/usb. This is recommended.)</comment> 303<comment>(Enable this option to see your USB devices in /proc/bus/usb.
304This is recommended.)</comment>
303 [*] Preliminary USB device filesystem 305 [*] Preliminary USB device filesystem
304 306
305<comment>(Select at least one of the HCDs. If you are unsure, picking all is fine.)</comment> 307<comment>(Select at least one of the HCDs. If you are unsure, picking all is fine.)</comment>
306--- USB Host Controller Drivers 308--- USB Host Controller Drivers
307&lt;*&gt; UHCI Alternate Driver (JE) support 309&lt;*&gt; UHCI Alternate Driver (JE) support
308&lt; &gt; OHCI (Compaq, iMacs, OPTi, SiS, ALi, ...) support 310&lt; &gt; OHCI (Compaq, iMacs, OPTi, SiS, ALi, ...) support
309 311
310<comment>(This is the device section. Select only what you need.)</comment> 312<comment>(This is the device section. Select only what you need.)</comment>
311--- USB Device Class drivers 313--- USB Device Class drivers
312&lt; &gt; USB Audio support 314&lt; &gt; USB Audio support
313&lt;*&gt; USB Mass Storage support 315&lt;*&gt; USB Mass Storage support
314&lt; &gt; USB Modem (CDC ACM) support 316&lt; &gt; USB Modem (CDC ACM) support
315&lt;*&gt; USB Printer support 317&lt;*&gt; USB Printer support
316 318
… …
324 &lt;*&gt; USB Serial Converter support 326 &lt;*&gt; USB Serial Converter support
325 &lt;*&gt; USB Prolific 2303 Single Port Serial Driver (NEW) 327 &lt;*&gt; USB Prolific 2303 Single Port Serial Driver (NEW)
326</pre> 328</pre>
327 329
328<p> 330<p>
329Now that the options are set, you can (re)compile the kernel and USB support 331Now that the options are set, you can (re)compile the kernel and USB support
330should be functional once you reboot into the new kernel. 332should be functional once you reboot into the new kernel.
331</p> 333</p>
334
332</body> 335</body>
333</section> 336</section>
334</chapter> 337</chapter>
335 338
336<chapter id="postkern"> 339<chapter id="postkern">
… …
338<section> 341<section>
339<title>dmesg is your friend!</title> 342<title>dmesg is your friend!</title>
340<body> 343<body>
341 344
342<p> 345<p>
343The time has finally come to play with those USB devices :) So let's get 346The time has finally come to play with those USB devices :) So let's get
344started. In this chapter, we'll see how the system responds to various USB 347started. In this chapter, we'll see how the system responds to various USB
345devices. We'll start by plugging in a USB 512 MB Memory Stick/Pen Drive. You 348devices. We'll start by plugging in a USB 512 MB Memory Stick/Pen Drive. You
346could use some other similar mass storage device. We will primarily use 349could use some other similar mass storage device. We will primarily use
347<c>dmesg</c> to see what is happening and how the system responds to the 350<c>dmesg</c> to see what is happening and how the system responds to the
348device. 351device.
349</p> 352</p>
350 353
351<note> 354<note>
352<c>dmesg</c> will generally give a lot of output up front before coming to the 355<c>dmesg</c> will generally give a lot of output up front before coming to the
353info we need, as it reads the kernel ring buffer that has all the boot up 356info we need, as it reads the kernel ring buffer that has all the boot up
354messages as well. The output in the following examples have only the relevant 357messages as well. The output in the following examples have only the relevant
355portion(s) and extra spaces in between to enable better readability. If needed 358portion(s) and extra spaces in between to enable better readability. If needed
356please use a <c>dmesg | more</c> or <c>dmesg | less</c> to see the output 359please use a <c>dmesg | more</c> or <c>dmesg | less</c> to see the output
357better in your system. 360better in your system.
358</note> 361</note>
359 362
360<pre caption="dmesg output for Memory Stick"> 363<pre caption="dmesg output for Memory Stick">
361<comment>(Plug in Memory Stick into available USB port and then..)</comment> 364<comment>(Plug in Memory Stick into available USB port and then..)</comment>
362# <i>dmesg | less</i> 365# <i>dmesg | less</i>
363 366
364<comment>(The device is picked up as a USB 1.1 and allocated an address. Also says what HCD it is using.)</comment> 367<comment>(The device is picked up as a USB 1.1 and allocated an address.
368Also says what HCD it is using.)</comment>
365usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 2 369usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 2
366 370
367<comment>(SCSI emulation automatically kicks in)</comment> 371<comment>(SCSI emulation automatically kicks in)</comment>
368scsi0 : SCSI emulation for USB Mass Storage devices 372scsi0 : SCSI emulation for USB Mass Storage devices
369usb-storage: device found at 2 373usb-storage: device found at 2
… …
388<comment>(When the device is disconnected, the system acknowledges the same)</comment> 392<comment>(When the device is disconnected, the system acknowledges the same)</comment>
389usb 1-1: USB disconnect, address 2 393usb 1-1: USB disconnect, address 2
390</pre> 394</pre>
391 395
392<p> 396<p>
393Once the device is connected and mounted, you can access it like a normal hard 397Once the device is connected and mounted, you can access it like a normal hard
394disk. Usual operations like <c>cp</c>, <c>mv</c>, <c>rm</c> etc work fine. You 398disk. Usual operations like <c>cp</c>, <c>mv</c>, <c>rm</c> etc work fine. You
395could also create a filesystem on the USB stick/format it. 399could also create a filesystem on the USB stick/format it.
396</p> 400</p>
397 401
398<pre caption="Accessing the Memory Stick"> 402<pre caption="Accessing the Memory Stick">
399# <i>mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/usb</i> 403# <i>mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/usb</i>
… …
404none 189M 0 189M 0% /dev/shm 408none 189M 0 189M 0% /dev/shm
405/dev/sda1 490M 34M 457M 7% /mnt/usb 409/dev/sda1 490M 34M 457M 7% /mnt/usb
406</pre> 410</pre>
407 411
408<note> 412<note>
409Digital cameras can be accessed the same way as memory sticks. I have a Nikon 413Digital cameras can be accessed the same way as memory sticks. I have a Nikon
410Coolpix 5200 and this is the way I access it. The camera is set to behave like 414Coolpix 5200 and this is the way I access it. The camera is set to behave like
411a USB mass storage device (as against PTP mode, which most cameras have these 415a USB mass storage device (as against PTP mode, which most cameras have these
412days) and the procedure is exactly the same, because of which I have not 416days) and the procedure is exactly the same, because of which I have not
413explained in detail about the same. Please note that this may NOT work in all 417explained in detail about the same. Please note that this may NOT work in all
414cases and with all digital cameras that have USB support. 418cases and with all digital cameras that have USB support.
415</note> 419</note>
416 420
417<p> 421<p>
418How would a USB mouse show up in case you had one? It will show up as an HID 422How would a USB mouse show up in case you had one? It will show up as an HID
419device. 423device.
420</p> 424</p>
421 425
422<pre caption="USB Optical Mouse"> 426<pre caption="USB Optical Mouse">
423# <i>dmesg | grep USB</i> 427# <i>dmesg | grep USB</i>
… …
425usb 1-1: new low speed USB device using address 2 429usb 1-1: new low speed USB device using address 2
426input: USB HID v1.10 Mouse [Logitech USB-PS/2 Optical Mouse] on usb-0000:00:07.2-1 430input: USB HID v1.10 Mouse [Logitech USB-PS/2 Optical Mouse] on usb-0000:00:07.2-1
427</pre> 431</pre>
428 432
429<p> 433<p>
430Another nifty command you can use to see the status of your USB ports is 434Another nifty command you can use to see the status of your USB ports is
431<c>lsusb</c>. This is part of <c>sys-apps/usbutils</c> and will be covered in 435<c>lsusb</c>. This is part of <c>sys-apps/usbutils</c> and will be covered in
432the next chapter. 436the next chapter.
433</p> 437</p>
434 438
435</body> 439</body>
436</section> 440</section>
… …
441<section> 445<section>
442<title>Nifty tools</title> 446<title>Nifty tools</title>
443<body> 447<body>
444 448
445<p> 449<p>
446So far we've seen how much support exists on the kernel/system side for USB on 450So far we've seen how much support exists on the kernel/system side for USB on
447Linux. Now we'll take a peek into what kind of support is provided by Gentoo 451Linux. Now we'll take a peek into what kind of support is provided by Gentoo
448for USB in the userspace. 452for USB in the userspace.
449</p> 453</p>
450 454
451<p> 455<p>
452One of the most useful tools around is <c>lsusb</c>. This lists all the usb 456One of the most useful tools around is <c>lsusb</c>. This lists all the usb
453devices connected to the system. Installing it is a breeze. 457devices connected to the system. Installing it is a breeze.
454</p> 458</p>
455 459
456<pre caption="Installing usbutils"> 460<pre caption="Installing usbutils">
457# <i>emerge usbutils</i> 461# <i>emerge usbutils</i>
458</pre> 462</pre>
459 463
460<p> 464<p>
461Once installed, you can just run <c>lsusb</c> to get simple info on the USB 465Once installed, you can just run <c>lsusb</c> to get simple info on the USB
462devices attached to the machine. 466devices attached to the machine.
463</p> 467</p>
464 468
465<note> 469<note>
466You have to be root in most cases to run <c>lsusb</c>. 470You have to be root in most cases to run <c>lsusb</c>.
467</note> 471</note>
468 472
469<warn> 473<warn>
470<c>lsusb</c> reads the information for the USB devices from 474<c>lsusb</c> reads the information for the USB devices from
471<path>/proc/bus/usb</path>. If you have not enabled that in your kernel, 475<path>/proc/bus/usb</path>. If you have not enabled that in your kernel,
472chances are that <c>lsusb</c> may not work at all. Please ensure you have 476chances are that <c>lsusb</c> may not work at all. Please ensure you have
473<path>/proc</path> filesystem support enabled in your kernel and that 477<path>/proc</path> filesystem support enabled in your kernel and that
474<c>usbfs</c> is mounted at <path>/proc/bus/usb</path> (which should happen 478<c>usbfs</c> is mounted at <path>/proc/bus/usb</path> (which should happen
475automatically). 479automatically).
476</warn> 480</warn>
477 481
… …
484<comment>(This is the root hub)</comment> 488<comment>(This is the root hub)</comment>
485Bus 001 Device 001: ID 0000:0000 489Bus 001 Device 001: ID 0000:0000
486</pre> 490</pre>
487 491
488<p> 492<p>
489If you are one of those types who love to see lots of information, you have 493If you are one of those types who love to see lots of information, you have
490the option of running <c>lsusb -v</c>. Try that and see the amount of info it 494the option of running <c>lsusb -v</c>. Try that and see the amount of info it
491gives out. Another good option is that <c>lsusb</c> dumps the current physical 495gives out. Another good option is that <c>lsusb</c> dumps the current physical
492USB hierarchy as a tree and thus makes it easier to understand the exact 496USB hierarchy as a tree and thus makes it easier to understand the exact
493device map. The command is <c>lsusb -t</c>. For example, 497device map. The command is <c>lsusb -t</c>. For example,
494</p> 498</p>
495 499
496<pre caption="lsusb showing USB hierarchy"> 500<pre caption="lsusb showing USB hierarchy">
497# <i>lsusb -t</i> 501# <i>lsusb -t</i>
… …
500 |-Dev# 2 Vendor 0x046d Product 0xc00e 504 |-Dev# 2 Vendor 0x046d Product 0xc00e
501 `-Dev# 3 Vendor 0x0c76 Product 0x0005 505 `-Dev# 3 Vendor 0x0c76 Product 0x0005
502</pre> 506</pre>
503 507
504<p> 508<p>
505You can easily correlate the outputs of <c>lsusb</c> and <c>lsusb -t</c>, 509You can easily correlate the outputs of <c>lsusb</c> and <c>lsusb -t</c>,
506which helps debugging as well as understanding how USB works. 510which helps debugging as well as understanding how USB works.
507</p> 511</p>
508 512
509</body> 513</body>
510</section> 514</section>
511
512<section> 515<section>
513<title>Hot or Cold plug??</title> 516<title>Hot or Cold plug??</title>
514<body> 517<body>
515 518
516<p> 519<p>
517Gentoo uses two packages, <c>sys-apps/hotplug</c> and <c>sys-apps/coldplug</c> 520Gentoo uses two packages, <c>sys-apps/hotplug</c> and <c>sys-apps/coldplug</c>
518to do some magic with <e>hot-pluggable</e> devices. Just like any other magic 521to do some magic with <e>hot-pluggable</e> devices. Just like any other magic
519trick, there is a simple logic behind this one too. We shall now see what that 522trick, there is a simple logic behind this one too. We shall now see what that
520is, and in the process hopefully we will be able to understand these twins 523is, and in the process hopefully we will be able to understand these twins
521better. 524better.
522</p> 525</p>
523 526
524<p> 527<p>
525Firmware can be defined as the software on a piece of hardware that is loaded 528Firmware can be defined as the software on a piece of hardware that is loaded
526and executed but can't be modified easily. Many devices have firmware in them 529and executed but can't be modified easily. Many devices have firmware in them
527to ensure that they work properly and often firmware may contain code that is 530to ensure that they work properly and often firmware may contain code that is
528critical to ensure that the hardware performs as expected. Firmware is present 531critical to ensure that the hardware performs as expected. Firmware is present
529in a wide variety of computer devices ranging from ROM chips to state of the 532in a wide variety of computer devices ranging from ROM chips to state of the
530art USB and PCMCIA cards. When a device is plugged in, the firmware (which may 533art USB and PCMCIA cards. When a device is plugged in, the firmware (which may
531in some cases be the driver as well) is read and loaded onto memory after 534in some cases be the driver as well) is read and loaded onto memory after
532which the device can be used by the system. 535which the device can be used by the system.
533</p> 536</p>
534 537
535<p> 538<p>
536To cut the long story short, Gentoo uses <c>sys-apps/hotplug</c> to handle 539To cut the long story short, Gentoo uses <c>sys-apps/hotplug</c> to handle
537the firmware side of things in <e>hot-pluggable</e> devices. 540the firmware side of things in <e>hot-pluggable</e> devices.
538<c>sys-apps/hotplug</c> will use the required firmware to make that device 541<c>sys-apps/hotplug</c> will use the required firmware to make that device
539usable. The firmware should be put in the <path>/lib/firmware</path> directory 542usable. The firmware should be put in the <path>/lib/firmware</path> directory
540and is picked up from there. Getting it is simple, the usual emerge will do. 543and is picked up from there. Getting it is simple, the usual emerge will do.
541</p> 544</p>
542 545
543<pre caption="Installing hotplug"> 546<pre caption="Installing hotplug">
544# <i>emerge hotplug</i> 547# <i>emerge hotplug</i>
545</pre> 548</pre>
546 549
547<p> 550<p>
548Now the obvious question would be, what is coldplug and why is it needed? 551Now the obvious question would be, what is coldplug and why is it needed?
549<c>sys-apps/coldplug</c> does what hotplug does, but it does it for 552<c>sys-apps/coldplug</c> does what hotplug does, but it does it for
550<e>hot-pluggable</e> devices that are already connected at boot time. A good 553<e>hot-pluggable</e> devices that are already connected at boot time. A good
551example of this would be a USB Network card. Earlier hotplug was the package 554example of this would be a USB Network card. Earlier hotplug was the package
552responsible for handling both but then it was split into hotplug and coldplug, 555responsible for handling both but then it was split into hotplug and coldplug,
553each with their distinct purposes. Emerge it if you have <e>hot-pluggable</e> 556each with their distinct purposes. Emerge it if you have <e>hot-pluggable</e>
554devices that you need activated on boot up. 557devices that you need activated on boot up.
555</p> 558</p>
556 559
557<pre caption="Installing coldplug"> 560<pre caption="Installing coldplug">
558# <i>emerge coldplug</i> 561# <i>emerge coldplug</i>
559<comment>(And you can add it to the boot runlevel)</comment> 562<comment>(And you can add it to the boot runlevel)</comment>
… …
561 * coldplug added to runlevel boot 564 * coldplug added to runlevel boot
562 * rc-update complete. 565 * rc-update complete.
563</pre> 566</pre>
564 567
565<note> 568<note>
566The above initscript does what hotplug's initscript used to do (for already 569The above initscript does what hotplug's initscript used to do (for already
567attached hot-pluggable devices). hotplug does not have an initscript of its 570attached hot-pluggable devices). hotplug does not have an initscript of its
568own as of now. 571own as of now.
569</note> 572</note>
570 573
571</body> 574</body>
572</section> 575</section>
… …
577<section> 580<section>
578<title>References</title> 581<title>References</title>
579<body> 582<body>
580 583
581<p> 584<p>
582A good number of documents online helped me during writing this, and there are 585A good number of documents online helped me during writing this, and there are
583some that are that are highly technical but truly interesting. I thought they 586some that are that are highly technical but truly interesting. I thought they
584all deserve some credit. So here we go! 587all deserve some credit. So here we go!
585</p> 588</p>
586<p> 589
590<ul>
5871) <uri link="http://www.usb.org">The Official USB Website</uri> 591 <li><uri link="http://www.usb.org">The Official USB Website</uri></li>
588</p>
589<p>
5902) <uri link="http://www.usb.org/faq">The USB FAQ</uri> 592 <li><uri link="http://www.usb.org/faq">The USB FAQ</uri></li>
591</p> 593 <li>
592<p> 594 <uri
5933) <uri link="http://h18000.www1.hp.com/productinfo/development/openhci.html">Compaq's OHCI Standard</uri> 595 link="http://h18000.www1.hp.com/productinfo/development/openhci.html">Compaq's
594</p> 596 OHCI Standard</uri>
595<p> 597 </li>
598 <li>
5964) <uri link="http://developer.intel.com/technology/usb/uhci11d.htm">Intel's UHCI Standard</uri> 599 <uri link="http://developer.intel.com/technology/usb/uhci11d.htm">Intel's
597</p> 600 UHCI Standard</uri>
598<p> 601 </li>
602 <li>
5995) <uri link="http://www.intel.com/technology/usb/ehcispec.htm">Intel's EHCI Standard</uri> 603 <uri link="http://www.intel.com/technology/usb/ehcispec.htm">Intel's EHCI
600</p> 604 Standard</uri>
605 </li>
606</ul>
601 607
602</body> 608</body>
603</section> 609</section>
604</chapter> 610</chapter>
605</guide> 611</guide>
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