Layer 1
Physical fit
Do the modeled connector forms actually meet at every adjacency? Shape alignment is necessary, but never sufficient.
Connection Path Intelligence IV
Treat “will this connect?” as eight separate evidence questions.
A connector chain can physically fit and still fail for direction, protocol, conversion, cable, power, performance or exact-device reasons. V57 exposes those layers separately instead of collapsing them into a compatibility score.
Layer 2
Direction
Is the represented source/sender on the sending side and the sink/load on the receiving side? Bidirectional and unresolved roles stay explicit.
Layer 3
Protocol / mode
Do the exact ports and intermediate stages document the required data, display, media, network, audio or power mode? Connector shape does not answer this.
Layer 4
Conversion
Does the path require a converter, bridge, dock or other functional stage? Active/passive is shown only when the represented evidence actually says so.
Layer 5
Cable requirements
Is the actual cable represented, or is the chain relying on a generic cable placeholder? Data, display and power capability can differ on identical-looking ends.
Layer 6
Power / electrical
Does the path require auxiliary power, charging, PoE, USB-PD/PPS or another electrical condition? Power is a separate check unless represented directly.
Layer 7
Bandwidth / performance
Can the requested timing, rate, resolution, channel count or negotiated mode be supported end to end? V57 deliberately does not calculate this from connector form.
Layer 8
Exact-device evidence
Are the real source and destination models/ports represented? A class-level path can narrow the questions but cannot substitute for exact endpoint documentation.
No layer is a compatibility approval.
The workflow is intentionally conservative. A represented layer means the underlying stage evidence supports that narrow part of the model. It does not validate the entire chain, authenticate a cable or adapter, calculate negotiated behavior, or approve electrical safety.
Use the guide on a real chain
Build the actual source → cable/adapter/dock → destination sequence. The result will show each layer, the evidence status, and a prioritized next-check queue.
Open Connection Topology Studio → Browse represented intermediates →