4G wireless nomadic devices in the form of USB dongles and Pocket modems are fast becoming the preferred devices for wireless broadband access amongst 4G operators. Due to benefits of lower cost and smaller form factor, 4G wireless nomadic devices now account for 39%* of total WiMAX devices shipped in 2010, and this tendency is set to continuously increase in the coming years as 4G becomes pervasive. Greenpacket 4G nomadic devices now provides an option to allow the use of generic Virtual Ethernet link protocol (USB CDC or RNDIS) to connect with these external host controllers running on any operating systems as an alternative to the traditional CU approach. We call this feature “Hostless” connectivity. Very similar to how an end-user would connect a USB memory stick, this new Hostless feature can be visualized as a generic version of a CU, borrowing the native USB Ethernet driver and management features from the host operating system. This paper explains the implementation scenarios of both the CU approach and Hostless approach to match specific needs. We will then dive in detail to understand the concept background of Hostless by looking at the system architecture and describing the step-by-step of how Hostless works within the host terminal from an end user perspective.

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2. Abstract
4G wireless nomadic devices in the form of USB dongles and Pocket modems are fast becoming
the preferred devices for wireless broadband access amongst 4G operators. Due to benefits of lower
cost and smaller form factor, 4G wireless nomadic devices now account for 39%* of total WiMAX
devices shipped in 2010, and this tendency is set to continuously increase in the coming years as
4G becomes pervasive.
Generally, 4G wireless USB dongles cannot function alone and require an external host controller in
the form of a terminal (example: personal computer, netbook, tablet) to process the data packets,
which normally runs on a specific protocol governed by the host operating system (e.g: Windows,
Linux, Mac). Therefore, conventional installation of a 3rd party application is required to manage the
remote access connections. Commonly known as a “Connection Utility (CU)”, this 3rd party
application manages all data flows in the background and provides status of the
administrator-defined connection.
Alternatively, technology for 4G chipsets has advanced significantly and now there exist a simple way
for 4G wireless USB dongles to be connect to the internet. Greenpacket 4G nomadic devices now
provides an option to allow the use of generic Virtual Ethernet link protocol (USB CDC or RNDIS) to
connect with these external host controllers running on any operating systems as an alternative to
the traditional CU approach. We call this feature “Hostless” connectivity. Very similar to how an
end-user would connect a USB memory stick, this new Hostless feature can be visualized as a
generic version of a CU, borrowing the native USB Ethernet driver and management features from
the host operating system.
This paper explains the implementation scenarios of both the CU approach and Hostless approach
to match specific needs. We will then dive in detail to understand the concept background of
Hostless by looking at the system architecture and describing the step-by-step of how Hostless
works within the host terminal from an end user perspective.
* Maravedis – 4GCounts Quaterly report – issue 14 (April 2011)
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3. Contents
Knowing your 4G Wireless USB dongles 01
What is a Connection Utility (CU) and how it works 02
- Limitations of CU implementation
Introduction RNDIS/ USB CDC drivers and the concept of Hostless 04
What is Hostless and how it works 06
- Architecture
- Hostless installation process
- Integrating advance utility features in a Hostless environment
Why go Hostless 10
- Hostless for chipset/device manufacturer
- Hostless for Operator
- Advantage of Hostless for Subscriber
Conclusion 13
Greenpacket, Bringing You Total HOSTLESS Freedom 14
References 15
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4. Knowing your 4G Wireless USB dongles
4G wireless USB dongles can be categories as a simple 4G wireless device. The basic system architecture of a typical
4G wireless USB dongle consists of a baseband processor, a radio front-end, memory, and an USB interface.
To minimize the size and cost of the 4G wireless USB dongle, device manufacturer tend to rely on the processing power
of an additional host controller outside the 4G wireless USB dongles via a standard physical data protocol link. Figure 1
show the standard USB interface between the USB dongle and an additional host controller (generally a personal
computer) required to process the dataflow. In addition to the physical data protocol link, device drivers is required to
allow the host controller to interact with the 4G wireless USB dongles.
Intel WiMAX Connection Intel WiMAX Connection
® ®
Host 2400 Baseband Chip 2320R Dual-Band Radio
RCI System-in-Package
Control
IQ
Front
USB/SDID
TX
Modem
End
LMAC
MAC
Driver USB/
AFF
SDIO CTRL Synth
2xIF
2xRX
Memory
Intel Solution
Figure 1: Example of an Intel 4G solution which represents a basic architecture of 4G USB dongles,
we can see that an additional host processor, device driver, and USB link is generally required.
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5. What is a Connection Utility (CU) and how it works
Consumers nowadays generally assume that drivers and managing programs for all the commonly used USB devices
exist and supported by the operating systems. In fact, most USB hard drives, cameras, mouse, keyboards, flash
memories, headsets and other mass market and matured consumer electronic devices do already exist and is pretty
much a plug-and-play. On the other hand, with 4G nomadic wireless devices being relatively new, compatible device
drivers are not yet installed in the common operating system.
The conventional implementation is to have the chipset or device vendors to develop a specific application program
which contains the drivers and device/data management features which is installed as a driver to enable management
function in the host controller. This application is commonly known as a “Connection Utility” (CU). Figure 2 shows the
architecture relationship between a CU and host computer.
COMPUTER
CU application 4G USB Dongle
(with CU)
Device Driver
Data Flow Management
RF Frontend
Connetion Status Management & Display
(Value-added Service) Baseband
Browser
(Value-added Service) Storage of CU
Installation Files
USB Data Power USB
Figure 2: Conventional architecture and relationship of a connection utility and host controller.
Traditionally, a CU is an application program that runs in the background of the OS while managing data flows and status
of the 4G wireless USB dongle. The CU application is commonly embedded within the memory of the device with all the
OS associated installation and execution files included. Upon plugged for the first time, the associated installation files
will be detected and installed. A typical installation procedure for a CU is illustrated in Figure 3.
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6. Step 1 Step 4
Once the device is connected to the laptop/PC, the Installation will take several minutes to complete
Auto-Installation program will start running. with a message prompt (e.g: InstallShield Wizard
Complete). Click Finish to complete the process.
Step 2
Step 5
Read the License Agreement message prompted.
Select “I accept the terms in the license A computer reboot might be required.
agreement”, click “Next” to continue.
Step 3
Click “Next” to accept the default installation folder
OR click “Change” to specify a different location,
then click “OK” and “Next”.
Figure 3: Installation steps for a typical Connection Utility program.
Limitations of WiMAX CU implementation
Functioning as a client installed within the host terminal, CU has consistent dependencies and requirements that vary
widely according to host software system (OS), protocols and interfaces. WiMAX emerging as a new 4G standard fast
being adopted also means that constant innovation and new chipsets and devices from various vendors are constantly
being rolled out with improved features and functionalities. Over 198 device variations are certified with WiMAX Forum
with hundreds more being compliant and constantly adding to the list. This means that interoperability to the host
terminal and customization is required leading to a longer service commercialization timeline to be implemented.
This inherent drawback might be a hassle to certain operators looking for an instantly deployable 4G USB device to
bring service offerings as fast as possible to the market due to dependencies on the remote access connection utility.
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7. Introduction RNDIS / USB CDC drivers and
the concept of Hostless
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a specification meant to establish a generic communication link between devices and a host
controller. To extend this concept even further, USB communication device class (USB CDC) is a composite USB device
class primarily used for modems. USB CDC supports computer networking features, providing an interface for
transmitting Ethernet or ATM frames onto a physical format. Therefore, to assist the connection of wireless USB devices,
all modern operating systems now supports this built-in generic Virtual Ethernet link protocol for USB devices.
Microsoft Windows versions prior to Windows Vista do not support the networking parts of the USB CDC, instead it
promotes Microsoft's own derivative named Microsoft RNDIS, a serialized version of the Microsoft NDIS (Network Driver
Interface Specification). The remote NDIS is an application programming interface (API) that is specifically designed for
the use in USBs and other plug and play devices. With a well defined network driver interface specification, chipset and
device vendors no longer need to define a message set that is independent from I/O buses when writing NDIS device
drivers. Due to the commonality of the name RNDIS, we will generalize USB CDC and RNDIS as “RNDIS” for
convenience within the context of this paper.
TCP/IP TCP/IP
Remote NDIS
NDIS
to Ethernet Driver
Remote NDIS Remote NDIS
Host Device
Miniport Core Driver
Remote NDIS
API (RNDIS-USB Interface)
USB Transport
USB Bus Driver USB Driver
USB Controller Driver API (Bus-Slave Interface)
USB Controller (HW) USB Slave Driver
USB Slave (HW)
USB Cable
Software architecture of USB network devices using RNDIS Protocol
Figure 4: Conventional architecture and relationship of a Hostless device and host controller.
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8. One of the main functions of a remote NDIS is to convert a slave USB interface into a LAN interface, similar to a
broadband gateway implementation. The host controller which is typically a Window-based PC is connected to the
gateway, where the Ethernet traffic can be passed between the Host controller to and from the USB device. For systems
using the legacy TCP/IP interfaces, the remote network driver interface can also be used to allow USB connectivity. This
means that no changes is required in the older host drivers or additional invest required for new firmware within the USB
network device.
Green packet WiMAX Green packet WiMAX
Hostless USB device Hostless USB device
RNDIS Windows series platform CDC on linux/MAC-OS platform
Figure 5: Applying RNDIS/CDC protocol on WiMAX USB devices.
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9. What is “Hostless” and how it works
Architecture
RNDIS is a convenient protocol that allows a compliant USB dongle to appear as a simple Ethernet link to the operating
system, removing the dependency and responsibility of connectivity management from the CU, a client on the host
controller to the device (firmware) or otherwise known as a “Hostless” device. This new Hostless feature can be visualized
as though it is a universal CU as it functions by borrowing the native RNDIS driver and management features from the
host operating system. Similar to the CU’s approach in connectivity management, instead of installing a client on the host
controller Hostless enabled 4G USB dongles also have the ability to store, process and display device status,
but through a web browser interface.
COMPUTER
4G USB Dongle
RNDIS/CDC (with CM)
Device Driver
RF Frontend
Browser Baseband
Connection Status Display RNDIS Support
(Value-added Service) Connection Status
Management
Data Flow
Management
USB Data Power USB
Figure 6: Conventional architecture and relationship of a HOSTLESS device and host controller.
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10. Figure 7 show a series of the auto installation process of a Hostless device when attached to a host controller for the
first time.
Hostless installation process
Step 1
Upon attaching the Hostless USB dongle to the notebook/PC for the first time, an error message will
automatically prompt the user, neglecting this message allows the operating system to move forward with the
installation process.
Step 2
A USB mass storage device will be displayed while the RNDIS driver automatically installs, upon completion, a
recognizable drive will be created which indicates a successful installation.
Step 3
Checking the available network connections shows that the connection has been successfully established where
the user can now access the internet services via the WiMAX network.
Figure 7: Automatic installation process of a Hostless device
To the end users, the Hostless approach means an actual full plug-and-play (zero-installation) experience. Once the
device is plugged in, it connects to the network immediately via an embedded Connectivity client within the device
firmware. The whole experience and behavior is similar to how a user would connect to a fixed modem today.
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11. Integrating advance utility features in a Hostless environment
End users are conventionally familiar with the conventional Connection Manager (CM) (a Software Client that incorporates
both the CU function with a GUI and other advance modular features and funtions) implementation and notification that
comes along with the graphical user interface (GUI). This is critical as part of the whole nomadic and mobile usage of USB
based dongles as there exist a difference in user experience when compared to a fixed access gateway. In the fixed access
gateway scenario, the device is normally placed in a fixed location, thus not requiring an additional client (CM) to perform
management of the connection or provide connectivity status information to the end user. In the case of a USB dongle, this
is critical as the usage environment changes with movement, thus the connectivity status is constantly changing where
connectivity status notification is important as a form of interaction with the user. Similarly, in the scenario of Hostless, this
can also be implemented with the simple approach via the web.
Web-based Feature
The nature of the web and its design allows complete flexibility for the Hostless architecture to utilize web-redirection or
HTML pop-up to provide the end-user with device status display as a form of notification interface similar to the CM
approach which is normally communicated via the graphical user interface (GUI).
Web Redirection
The web redirection feature in Greenpacket’s WiMAX Hostless device redirects all web requests to the “Web based User
Interface (UI)” page (redirection portal) when the WiMAX network is lost or not connected. This page can be customized by
the operator with notification information; for example, when the WiMAX network connection is lost due to poor radio signal,
and upon user trying to access a specific website via the explorer, the web redirection will kick in and automatically redirects
the session to the default URL to allow the operator a channel to informing the users that there is a problem with the network
connections and provide suggestive guideline to the end-user in restoring the connection.
DNS Cached Notification
Web redirection is triggered with the device reporting a private device IP in the DNS response when the WiMAX connection
is not available. A drawback exist as most web browsers automatically caches the DNS lookup request in order to speed
up future request, thus in the scenario that when the WiMAX connection is re-connected, there is no way to refresh the web
browser (domain name) to clear the DNS cache table with redirection still persisting and the user will still be redirected to the
default cached “Web based UI” page. The only approach to clear the DNS cache is to restart the browser application and
how can this be done.
The simple workaround exist as an additional step with DNS Cache Notification, where in the scenario that when the
connection is re-established and upon user trying to access the internet via the web browser, a re-direction happens where
the user is brought to the DNS Cache Notification page that informs the user to restart the web browser and upon a restart,
the user experience will return as usual.
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12. Web Message
Within the Web based UI, the CGI allows flexibility to the operator to insert notification information of upgrades,
guidelines, promotions or announcements.
Auto HTTP/FTP Update
Hostless implementation supports HTTP based update feature and OMA-DM mechanism. This allows the operators who
have deployed HTTP update servers or OMA servers to instantly migrate to Hostless without additional investment or
staff re-training. Similarly, operators implementing TR-069 can perform provisioning and configuration management
through HTTP or FTP protocols.
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13. Why go Hostless
Innovations in 4G USB dongle developments towards a Hostless approach in access network connectivity and
management will create a transformational change for chipset and device manufacturer to fast-track device creation and
proliferation into the market as well as benefit operators and end-users in simplifying service creation and utilization.
Hostless for chipset/device manufacturer
Ever since the development of wireless modem emerged in the form of USB dongles, there has been a significant
demand due to the simplicity and compactness of the form factor, USB dongles has brought about true personal
broadband to wide adoption. It is no surprise that device manufacturers are constantly finding ways to bring
differentiation with the number of vendors having similar category of product offering.
The main transformation that Hostless brings about the chipset and device manufacturer is the significant time-to-market
advantage as it is instantly usable out of the box and a guaranteed trouble free functionality over time. Due to its simple
architecture, developers no longer need to maintain several component suites/versions of CU to ensure compatibility
with different operating systems, interfaces and communication protocols. GUI customization of Hostless is done based
on HTML programming, adding significant convenience to the overall functionality to provide service information not
available through the CU.
Innovations and improvement of RNDIS and CDC driver by OS developers ensure rich features, compatibilities and an
optimized performance is constantly maintained on the host controller
Leverage existing RNDIS/CDC for
Solution available out of box
Plug and play interface
Optimized 4G performance enabled
Compatibility on all OS by Laptop/PC native driver
QUICK
Shorter Time-To-Market START
• Reduced development and support time/cost
• Optimized performance ensured by OS developers
10
Figure 8: Value proposition of Hostless implementation to Chipset and Device manufacturers
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14. Hostless for Operator
Operators constantly add, remove and change product strategies as part of marketing campaigns and service packages
plans to continuously stimulate subscriber or average revenue per user (ARPU) growth. The myriad availability of 4G
wireless USB dongles in the market is also an advantage to operators, but truth to fiction for a 4G WiMAX operator
wanting to moving from one device offering to another or implement a variety of device offering requires detail strategies
in place.
Operators taking the path of using native CU provided by the device vendors will need to ensure that customer support
is enhanced with sufficient technical and product training to be able to assist subscribers on device issues resulting from
connectivity.
With Hostless implementation, operators targeting mass consumer market can now significantly bring the
service/device to market almost instantly as the native device in ensured to interwork on the subscriber end with any
host controller as there are no dependency on OS, language, interface and protocol. Delivering something that is
simple and easily accessible.
Transparent to OS language Easy maintenance/management
Compatibility for operators
Education Free installation Reduced customer support
Instant compatibility,
interoperability and reduced
customer support
• Lower cost of software maintenance and customer support
• Easy customization onweb GUI
Figure 9: Value proposition of Hostless implementation to Operators
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15. Figure 10: Hostless customizable Web
based user interface
Advantage of Hostless for Subscriber
Benefits to subscriber are most significant with the change in usage trends. Speed of access, flexibility of portability, cost
of the device and simplicity in configuration are key aspect that user look for when selecting a device. The device has to
truly transform itself to be as simple as possible as a user regard the USB dongle as just a device to allow them in
accessing the internet and not a device that they expect to interact directly with.
To the end user, installation of a HOSTLESS device is almost instant on any host controller running on any OS that is
configured on any language through a common universal USB interface, a true plug-and-play experience.
Simple 123 setup for subscribers Common recognizable interface
Accessibility anytime, anywhere,
Compatibility on all OS
on any device
Enhanced end-user experience
• Common trouble-free experience
12
Figure 11: Value proposition of Hostless implementation to end-users
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16. Conclusion
Operators, chipset and device manufacturers now have the flexibility and choice of approach when it comes to access
network connectivity management with the addition of Hostless now supported in all Greenpacket 4G Wireless Nomadic
Devices that includes the UH high-gain USB dongle, UT USB dongle and Pocket modem.
Table 1 shows the generic feature supported by both the CU and Hostless implementation with each having its unique
value proposition.
Features USB Dongle with CU USB Dongle Hostless
Additional application required YES NO
Required Hard drive Space > 2MB <500kB
Processed by USB dongle and
Device status data Limited
displayed through browser
Can function alone without
NO YES
host processor
Value added Service option YES and flexible Limited
Support background service YES NO
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17. Greenpacket, Bringing You Total Hostless Freedom
Operators around the world have successfully leveraged on WiMAX to start realizing the dream of true Wireless
Broadband Freedom. At Greenpacket, we have helped many WiMAX Operators achieve this through our best-in-class
and award-winning USB modems.
Let us show you new perspectives on how to effectively extend the new age in Hostless connectivity and meet the
demands of your subscribers.
With Greenpacket, limitless freedom begins now!
Free Consultation
If you would like a free consultation on empowering your subscribers with seamless mobility and extending a better
connectivity experience, contact us at marketing.gp@greenpacket.com (kindly quote the reference code DWP0820
when you contact us).
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WHITEPAPER NOTE
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18. References
1. Maravedis – 4GCounts Quaterly report – issue 14 (April 2011)
2. Intel - Enabling small form factors and energy-efficient performance with an integrated WiMAX chipset solution.
3. http://www.intel.com/technology/wimax/2400.htm
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19. About Green Packet
Greenpacket is the international arm of the Green Packet Berhad group of companies which is listed on the Main Board
of the Malaysian Bourse. Founded in San Francisco’s Silicon Valley in 2000 and now headquartered in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, Greenpacket has a presence in 9 countries and is continuously expanding to be near its customers and in
readiness for new markets.
We are a leading developer of Next Generation Mobile Broadband and Networking Solutions for Telecommunications
Operators across the globe. Our mission is to provide seamless and unified platforms for the delivery of user-centric
multimedia communications services regardless of the nature and availability of backbone infrastructures.
At Greenpacket, we pride ourselves on being constantly at the forefront of technology. Our leading carrier-grade
solutions and award-winning consumer devices help Telecommunications Operators open new avenues, meet new
demands, and enrich the lifestyles of their subscribers, while forging new relationships. We see a future of limitless
freedom in wireless communications and continuously commit to meeting the needs of our customers with leading
edge solutions.
With product development centers in USA, Shanghai, and Taiwan, we are on the cutting edge of new developments in
4G (particularly WiMAX and LTE), as well as in software advancement. Our leadership position in the Telco industry is
further enhanced by our strategic alliances with leading industry players.
Additionally, our award-winning WiMAX modems have successfully completed interoperability tests with major WiMAX
players and are being used by the world’s largest WiMAX Operators. We are also the leading carrier solutions provider
in APAC catering to both 4G and 3G networks.
For more information, visit: www.greenpacket.com.
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Member
Copyright © 2001-2011 Green Packet Berhad. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language, in any form
by any means, without the written permission of Green Packet Berhad. Green Packet Berhad reserves the right to modify or discontinue any product or piece of literature at anytime without prior notice.