Intel USB4Stream Driver Enables a more direct way to move data between connected Linux systems, and the new protocol is headed for Linux kernel 7.2. Developed by Intel maintainer Mika Westerberg, the driver is designed to let devices share files over USB4 without going through the network stack, which could make local transfers and device sharing simpler for developers and advanced users alike.
What the USB4Stream driver does
The new USB4Stream protocol is built around direct communication over a Thunderbolt/USB4 cable. Instead of routing traffic through networking, it exposes a character device that applications can read from and write to.
In practical terms, that means two or more connected hosts can exchange data directly over the cable. The setup could also support sharing hardware devices such as webcams or input peripherals.
How it is intended to be used
The protocol is aimed at easier file transfers, backups, and access to data across connected systems. Because the receiving side controls the stream, the approach may also give app developers a way to build tools with LocalSend-style functionality without relying on a network connection.
The implementation is also designed to be broadly usable by software that already works with standard file input and output calls.
- Direct data transfer over Thunderbolt/USB4
- No need to pass through the network stack
- Potential support for backup and file-sharing workflows
- Possible use for sharing peripherals such as webcams or input devices
- Compatible with applications that use standard read and write operations
Setup still requires some manual work
For now, the feature is not a plug-and-play experience. Users need to configure devices through ConfigFS, and the upstream request includes example commands and setup steps for the protocol.
The character device created by the driver is named /dev/tbstreamX, where X is the minor number starting from 0.
What to expect next
The driver is expected to arrive with Linux kernel 7.2, which is slated to launch in June 2026. At this stage, the feature is aimed at the Linux ecosystem, but its design leaves room for more flexible data-sharing tools built on top of the new transport.
Source
Source: TechPowerUp