In the case of a universal serial bus (USB) connection, a host detects a connection of a peripheral to the host via a USB interface of the host. The host then generates an informative command, which includes information on capabilities of the host. This informative command is provided for transmission via the USB interface to the peripheral. The peripheral receives the informative command and may for instance evaluate the included information for selecting a suitable USB mode that is to be entered or for deciding on becoming a host itself. Alternatively or in addition, the host may generate a request command for retrieving information on all classes offered in all USB modes of a peripheral.