Communication between a host device and an accessory via an intermediate device

A method for establishing a wireless link between a host device and an accessory, the method comprising, by the host device:

• establishing a first wired connection to an intermediate device, wherein the host device and the intermediate device are configured to communicate over the first wired connection using a first protocol;
• detecting that the intermediate device has established a second wired connection to the accessory, wherein the first and second wired connections provide for an exchange of commands and data between the host device and the accessory, wherein the intermediate device and the accessory are configured to communicate over the second wired connection using a second protocol distinct from the first protocol, and wherein the intermediate device is configured to convert commands between the first and second protocols;
• requesting from the accessory, via the intermediate device, capability information pertaining to a wireless communication capability of the accessory, the information including a wireless address of the accessory;
• receiving from the accessory, via the intermediate device, the requested capability information;
• in response to receiving the capability information, providing to the accessory, via the intermediate device, link information defining a new wireless link between the accessory and the host device, the link information including a wireless address of the host device,
• wherein the wireless link is established in response to the accessory receiving the link information.

A method for establishing a wireless link between a host device and an accessory, the method comprising, by the accessory:

• establishing a first wired connection to an intermediate device, wherein the accessory and the intermediate device are configured to communicate over the first wired connection using a first protocol;
• detecting that the intermediate device has established a second wired connection to the host device, wherein the first and second wired connections provide for an exchange of commands and data between the accessory and the host device, wherein the intermediate device and the host device are configured to communicate over the second wired connection using a second protocol distinct from the first protocol, and wherein the intermediate device is configured to convert commands between the first and second protocols;
• receiving from the host device, via the intermediate device, a request for capability information pertaining to a wireless communication capability of the accessory, the requested capability information including a wireless address of the accessory;
• providing to the host device, via the intermediate device, the requested capability information;
• subsequently to providing to the host device the requested capability information, receiving from the host device, via the intermediate device, link information defining a new wireless link between the accessory and the host device, the link information including a wireless address of the host device;
• and
• establishing the wireless link in response to receiving the link information.