So i tried to connect steamdeck to pc using usb and i read its immpossible because steamdeck is a computer and some explanation on quora about strong master slave relationship. But then why is it possible for android phones to connect to pc whilist also having the ability to use USB and other usb c accesories. Also why cant it be a toggle? So that you can change whetewer this usb( or device ) is reciving data ot sending data .

      • Rustmilian@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        6 months ago

        Possibly. But from my research it seems to really depend.

        the USB-C ports on the two PCs need to support USB OTG (On-The-Go) functionality, which allows the ports to dynamically switch between host and device modes. This is what enables the direct PC-to-PC communication over the USB-C connection.

    • TimeSquirrel@kbin.social
      0·
      6 months ago

      Ethernet had this figured out almost 30 years ago with auto-negotiation. Last crossover cable I ever used was in 2004 for a customer’s old hub they didn’t want to replace. Yes, “hub”, not “switch”.

      • Markaos@lemmy.one
        0·
        6 months ago

        Not a fair comparison IMHO - Ethernet is designed to be a connection between two or more otherwise independent peers (on L2), while USB’s goal was to allow connecting simple peripheral devices to computers. There was never meant to be a situation where it’s unclear which side is the Host.

        Also note that the bridging “cable” is literally just two USB devices, one for each computer (although they are both on the same chip, so there’s that), with some internal link to pass the data.

    • Skull giver@popplesburger.hilciferous.nl
      0·
      6 months ago

      This is perfectly supported in Thunderbolt, USB 4, and optionally available in USB since USB OTG was introduced.

      Many computers don’t bother to implement more than USB 3 in host-only mode, that’s why connecting PCs is hard. Modern hardware and hardware with better support (phones and such!) work in multiple modes.