I was contemplating recently on the idea of making a wireless USB communication system akin to irDA but with a laser for a greater range. Basically just channeling the bit data trough a laser instead trough the cable.
From what i've read on the USB port...it's not that easy.
USB 2.0 has a 12MHz operating speed on high speed. Low speed is around 1.5 MHz, but anything beyond a mouse or keyboard needs faster speeds.
Getting a laser diode to work at those speeds???
Next...USB needs clock sync with the device connected. This is a deal breaker as well.
Furthermore...usb uses a mechanism to detect the speed of the bus, which requires changing the polarity of the data lines (as well as i believe the voltage...not sure on this one).
That alone would require a separate protocol that interprets the signals on one end and transmits to the other. Screwing up the clock along the way.
To conclude...this is far....FAR, from a weekend project.
What are your thoughts?