Intel maintainer Wika Westerberg has developed a new Linux driver that will merge into kernel version 7.2, launching in June 2026. The USB4Stream protocol enables direct file sharing between systems over USB4 cables without routing data through traditional network stacks. This bypasses the network driver entirely for faster transfers.

The implementation creates a character device at /dev/tbstreamX that applications can access using standard read(2) and write(2) system calls. Westerberg designed the protocol to support backup operations, file transfers, and hardware sharing like webcams or input devices across connected machines. However, initial setup requires manual configuration through the ConfigFS interface.

Because the receiving system controls the stream, developers could build applications similar to LocalSend without needing network connectivity. Data travels through a tunnel within the Thunderbolt/USB4 fabric, creating a direct pathway between hosts. This represents a shift toward hardware-accelerated file sharing on Linux platforms.

The upstream request describes USB4STREAM as enabling two or more hosts to transfer data directly over Thunderbolt/USB4 cables. Any application supporting basic file operations can utilize the device without code modifications, making integration straightforward for developers building cross-system tools.

Intel's approach could simplify workflows for Linux users who regularly move files between machines or share peripherals, eliminating network configuration while potentially offering better performance than WiFi-based solutions.