Thursday, November 17, 2011

USB Implementers Forum Releases Mobile Broadband Spec

The USB Implementer's Forum released a Mobile Broadband Interface Model (MBIM) 1.0 Specification for host and device connectivity for desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. The specification supports multiple generations of GSM and CDMA-based 3G and 4G packet data services including the recent LTE technology.


MBIM 1.0 Specification Features:

  • Supports multiple IP connections per a single USB interface

  • Enables flexible, efficient and lower cost device implementations

  • Supports power-friendly implementations in diverse operating systems

  • Enables implementation of device-agnostic mobile broadband class drivers in diverse operating systems for desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile devices

  • Replaces cumbersome control channel mechanisms, such as AT-commands

  • Minimizes overhead and improves data transfer efficiency by sending raw IP frames, eliminating the need for Ethernet headers.


“The USB-IF is excited to add the MBIM specification to its set of specifications,�? said Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF President & COO. “USB technology benefits the mobile device consumer, and the MBIM specification expands the capabilities that USB delivers to mobile device platforms.�?http://www.usb.org