[6083] in cryptography@c2.net mail archive
USB smartkeys etc.
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Perry E. Metzger)
Wed Nov 17 11:52:00 1999
To: cryptography@c2.net
From: "Perry E. Metzger" <perry@piermont.com>
Date: 17 Nov 1999 11:20:45 -0500
Message-ID: <87903xozs2.fsf@snark.piermont.com>
Steve points out that USB is not meant for repeated connect-disconnect
cycles to the extent needed for "smart keys" and such, and that many
machines have inconveniently placed USB ports.
However, it would be reasonable to build a small extension
cable+alternative connector that *was* able to handle repeated
cycles. Such a thing would have negligible cost in bulk, unlike smart
card readers.
This would probably be a significant boon. Smart card readers are
expensive, and smart cards are way too stupid. This, however, might
actually provide a reasonably easy way to make the underlying idea fly.
--
Perry Metzger perry@piermont.com
--
"Ask not what your country can force other people to do for you..."
