Referring to FIG. 5B, a similar USB system 550 to USB system 500 is featured. In one embodiment, USB host device 510′ and USB peripheral device 512 may be coupled to receptacles 524a and 524b situated in vehicle center console 508, respectively. During the USB enumeration process, USB host port 526 in head unit 502 may identify the device (USB host device 510′) coupled to USB receptacle 524a as being capable of USB host operation. In one embodiment, head unit 502 may send USB command signals through USB host port 526 to control circuit 506 via USB hub 504. In turn, control circuit 506 may send a control signal to signal repeater 514 such that a (peripheral) signal path is established between USB peripheral port 522 to the multiple input/output end of first signal repeater 518. Control circuit 506 may also send another control signal to first signal repeater 518 such that only the USB signal to/from peripheral port 522 is repeated. As a result, there is a point-to-point signal path established between head unit 502 and USB host device 510′, by-passing USB hub 504. In this instance, USB host device 510′ may take control of the active signal path established and thus exercise control over certain functions of head unit 502, such as controlling information display an in-dash vehicle display unit.