Peripheral Cables - CompTIA A+ 220-1101 - 3.1

Summary

This script explores the evolution of USB standards from USB 1.1 to USB 3.2, highlighting the speed and cable length advancements, and the introduction of USB-C connectors. It also covers the Thunderbolt technology, detailing its high-speed data and power capabilities, and the transition to USB-C. The script briefly touches on older serial connections like RS-232 and their current uses.

Takeaways

• 🔌 USB is a standard method for connecting peripherals to computers, with various versions offering different speeds and cable lengths.
• 🚀 USB 1.1 had two speeds: low speed at 1.5 Mbps with a 3m cable and full speed at 12 Mbps with a 5m cable.
• ⏫ USB 2.0 increased the speed to 480 Mbps over a 5m cable, improving upon USB 1.1.
• 🔄 USB 3.0, also known as SuperSpeed USB, supports 5 Gbps over a typically 3m cable, with a different connector design to accommodate higher speeds.
• 🔌 USB connectors have evolved from Standard-A, Standard-B, Mini-B, and Micro-B to the newer USB-C, which is reversible and can handle various signal types including data and video.
• 🔄 USB-C is a significant change, being a symmetric connector that works in any orientation and supports higher data rates.
• 📈 With the advent of USB 3.2, the naming conventions were updated, with USB 3.1 Gen 1 becoming USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 becoming USB 3.2 Gen 2, offering higher throughputs.
• 🔗 Thunderbolt is a high-speed connection technology that can carry both data and power, with versions 1-3 offering increasing speeds and using different physical connectors, including mini DisplayPort and USB-C.
• 🌐 Thunderbolt 3 provides a 40 Gbps throughput using USB-C connectors and supports daisy-chaining up to six devices.
• 🔌 Before USB, serial connections such as DB-9 and DB-25 were common for peripherals like modems, using RS-232 for serial communication.
• 🔄 USB standards have continually evolved to accommodate higher speeds and new types of signals, reflecting the changing needs of technology and peripherals.

Q & A

What is USB and what is its primary use?

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, and it is primarily used for connecting peripherals such as mice, keyboards, printers, and other devices to computers.

What were the two different speeds of USB 1.1?

USB 1.1 had two speeds: low speed at 1.5 megabits per second and full speed at 12 megabits per second.

What is the maximum cable length for USB 1.1 low speed and full speed versions?

The maximum cable length for USB 1.1 low speed is around 3 meters, while for the full speed version, it is 5 meters.

How does USB 2.0 differ from USB 1.1 in terms of speed and cable length?

USB 2.0 increased the maximum speed to 480 megabits per second and maintained the maximum cable length of 5 meters.

What is the term used to refer to the upgraded version of USB 2.0?

The upgraded version of USB 2.0 is referred to as USB 3.0, also known as SuperSpeed USB.

What is the maximum data transfer speed supported by USB 3.0 over a typical cable length?

USB 3.0 supports a maximum data transfer speed of 5 gigabits per second over a typical cable length of about 3 meters.

What are the common connectors used in USB 1.1 and 2.0 versions?

Common connectors in USB 1.1 and 2.0 versions include the Standard-A plug, Standard-B plug, Mini-B plug, and Micro-B plug.

How did USB 3.0 change the connectors to support higher speeds?

USB 3.0 introduced new connector designs, such as the USB 3.0 Standard-B and Micro-B plugs, which are different from their USB 2.0 counterparts to support higher speeds.

What is the main advantage of the USB-C connector over previous USB connectors?

The main advantage of the USB-C connector is its symmetric design, allowing it to be plugged in any orientation without worrying about top or bottom.

What does USB-C allow in addition to data transfer?

In addition to data transfer, USB-C allows the transmission of video and other signals.

How have the names of USB standards evolved with the introduction of USB 3.1 and USB 3.2?

With the introduction of USB 3.1, USB 3.0 was renamed to USB 3.1 Gen 1, and USB 3.1 Gen 2 became USB 3.2 Gen 2. USB 3.2 also introduced USB 3.2 Gen 1x2, which doubles the throughput of Gen 1 to 10 gigabits per second.

What is Thunderbolt and how does it differ from USB in terms of data transfer capabilities?

Thunderbolt is a high-speed serial connection capable of combining data and power on the same cable. Thunderbolt 3, for example, provides a total aggregated throughput of 40 gigabits per second, which is higher than USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 standards.

What are the physical connection types used by Thunderbolt in its early versions?

Early versions of Thunderbolt used mini DisplayPort as the physical connection type.

What is the maximum cable length for Thunderbolt connections over copper and fiber?

For copper connections, the maximum cable length is 3 meters, and for fiber connections, it is 60 meters.

How many devices can be daisy-chained together using Thunderbolt?

Up to six different devices can be daisy-chained together using Thunderbolt.

What were the common serial connections used before the advent of USB?

Before USB, nine-pin and 25-pin serial connections, such as DB-9 and DB-25 connectors, were commonly used for RS-232 serial communication, often for connecting modems.

What is the current common use of DB-9 and DB-25 connectors?

DB-9 and DB-25 connectors are currently commonly used to connect to serial consoles on peripheral devices like switches, routers, or firewalls for command-line configuration.

Outlines

00:00

🔌 Evolution of USB Standards and Connectors

The script discusses the progression of Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards starting from USB 1.1 with its low and full speeds of 1.5 Mbps and 12 Mbps respectively, up to USB 3.2 which offers a maximum throughput of 20 Gbps using an additional communication lane within the USB-C cable. It also covers the evolution of USB connectors, from Standard-A and B, mini-B, micro-B, to the versatile USB-C connector that supports any orientation and can carry various signals including data and video. The renaming of USB standards with each update is also highlighted, emphasizing the transition from USB 3.0 to USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2, and finally to USB 3.2 with its Gen 1 and Gen 2 times 2 versions.

05:03

🌩️ Thunderbolt and Legacy Peripheral Connections

This paragraph delves into the high-speed Thunderbolt connection, which can transmit data and power over the same cable. It starts with Thunderbolt 1, which offered 20 Gbps through two channels, and moves to Thunderbolt 2 with aggregated channels for the same throughput. The paragraph then discusses Thunderbolt 3, which utilizes the USB-C connector for 40 Gbps throughput and can operate over both copper and fiber connections, with varying cable lengths. The ability to daisy chain up to six devices is also mentioned. The script concludes with a brief on legacy serial connections, such as DB-9 and DB-25, which were used for RS-232 serial communication and are still found on devices like modems and networking hardware for command-line configuration.

Keywords

💡USB (Universal Serial Bus)

USB is a standard for connecting peripherals to computers, enabling data transfer and power supply. It is central to the video's theme, explaining the evolution of USB standards and their specifications. The script discusses various versions of USB, starting from USB 1.1 with its low and full speeds, to the higher speeds of USB 2.0 and 3.0, and the introduction of the USB-C connector.

💡USB 1.1

USB 1.1 represents an early version of the USB standard with two speed categories: low speed at 1.5 Mbps and full speed at 12 Mbps. It is mentioned in the script to illustrate the starting point of USB technology and how it has advanced over time, with maximum cable lengths specified for each speed.

💡USB 2.0

USB 2.0 is an upgrade from USB 1.1, significantly increasing the maximum speed to 480 Mbps, while maintaining the 5-meter maximum cable length. The script uses USB 2.0 to show the progression in data transfer capabilities of USB technology.

💡USB 3.0

Referred to as 'SuperSpeed USB' in the script, USB 3.0 supports a data transfer rate of 5 Gbps, typically over a 3-meter cable. It represents a significant leap in speed and is part of the narrative explaining the advancements in USB standards.

💡USB-C Connector

The USB-C connector is a newer type of USB connector that is reversible, allowing it to be plugged in any orientation. The script highlights its design and functionality, which is a departure from previous USB connector designs, and its ability to support various types of signals, including data and video.

💡Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt is a high-speed serial connection technology that can carry both data and power over the same cable. The script discusses its capabilities and versions, from Thunderbolt 1 with 20 Gbps throughput to Thunderbolt 3 using USB-C connectors for 40 Gbps, emphasizing its role in high-speed data transfer.

💡RS-232

RS-232 is a standard for serial communication, traditionally used for connecting peripherals like modems. The script mentions it in the context of older technology, where DB-9 or DB-25 connectors were used for serial connections, showing the historical context of peripheral connections before USB.

💡Serial Connection

Serial connections, such as the nine-pin and 25-pin connections mentioned in the script, were used for data transmission before the advent of USB. They are still found on some devices for specific uses like serial console connections, illustrating the evolution from these older technologies to USB.

💡Data Transfer Rate

Data transfer rate refers to the speed at which data can be sent over a connection. The script discusses the increasing data transfer rates of USB standards from 1.5 Mbps in USB 1.1 to 5 Gbps in USB 3.0 and beyond, highlighting the improvement in performance over time.

💡Cable Length

Cable length is an important aspect of USB standards, as it can affect the performance and usability of the connection. The script specifies the maximum cable lengths for different USB versions, such as 3 meters for USB 3.0, to explain the practical limitations of each standard.

💡Peripherals

Peripherals are external devices that connect to a computer, such as mice, keyboards, and printers. The script uses peripherals as examples to explain the use cases of different USB standards and connection types, emphasizing their role in everyday computing.

Highlights

USB is a common method for connecting peripherals to computers.

USB 1.1 had two speeds: low speed at 1.5 Mbps and full speed at 12 Mbps.

USB 1.1 cables had a maximum length of 3 meters for low speed and 5 meters for full speed.

USB 2.0 increased the maximum speed to 480 Mbps with a 5-meter cable length.

USB 3.0, also known as Super Speed USB, supports 5 Gbps over a 3-meter cable.

USB 3.0 connectors were redesigned to support higher speeds.

USB-C connector is reversible and can handle various types of signals including data and video.

USB-C is smaller and symmetrical, allowing for any orientation.

USB standards evolve with renaming to match new versions.

USB 3.1 Gen 1 is a rebranded USB 3.0 with 5 Gbps speed.

USB 3.1 Gen 2, or SuperSpeed+, doubles the throughput to 10 Gbps.

USB 3.2 effectively doubles the bandwidth of USB 3.1 Gen 2 to 20 Gbps.

USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 offers a maximum throughput of 40 Gbps.

Thunderbolt is a high-speed serial connection that can carry data and power.

Thunderbolt 1 provides 20 Gbps through two 10 Gbps channels.

Thunderbolt 2 aggregates channels for a total throughput of 20 Gbps.

Thunderbolt 3 uses USB-C connectors for 40 Gbps throughput.

Thunderbolt 3 supports both copper and fiber connections with varying cable lengths.

Thunderbolt allows daisy-chaining of up to six devices.

Before USB, computers used 9-pin and 25-pin serial connections for peripherals.

RS-232 signals were common for serial communication, such as with modems.

DB-9 and DB-25 connectors are still used for serial console connections on devices like routers.

Transcripts

One of the most common methods of connecting peripherals

to our computers is by using USB,

or the universal serial bus if you're

connecting a mouse, a keyboard, a printer, or almost

any other peripheral, you're probably using USB.

One of the early versions of USB was USB 1.1,

and it had two different speeds.

It had a low speed, which was 1.5 megabits per second

and a maximum cable length of around 3 meters,

and there was also a full speed version of USB 1.1,

which supported 12 megabits per second

over a maximum cable size of 5 meters.

Well, upgraded from USB 1.1 to USB 2.0

and increased the total maximum speed

to 480 megabits per second over the maximum 5 meter cable size.

USB 3.0 is an upgrade to USB 2, and sometimes you'll

see it referred to as super speed USB.

It supports 5 gigabits per second over what usually

is about a 3 meter cable.

The USB 3.0 standard doesn't specify a maximum cable length,

but 3 meters is one that's relatively common.

Some common connectors from the USB 1.1 and 2.0 versions

are the Standard-A plug, which is

very similar to the standard-A plug you would find

on most devices, the much larger standard-B plug,

and then especially on mobile devices,

we use the mini-B plug and the micro-B plug.

USB 3.0 change the connectors a bit

to be able to support these higher speeds of throughput.

The USB 3.0 standard-B plug is much

different than the USB 2.0 version,

although the standard-B plug does look very similar

in size and shape.

The USB 3.0 micro-B be plug though is

very different than the USB 2.0 version.

In recent years, we've started to roll out

a new type of connector for USB, called the USB-C connector

the USB-C connector is very different than the A connectors

that we're used to using where you have to plug them

in on exactly the right way to get them to work.

With USB-C we simply plug-in the connector

and there is no top or bottom it will

work in either orientation.

USB-C describes the connector itself,

and does not describe the type of signal

that you're sending over that connection.

And, indeed, over USB-C, you can send many different types

of connections that are not only related to data,

but you could also send video and other signals as well.

The USB-C connector is also quite small.

You can see the standard-A plug on the right side,

and the traditional micro-B plug on the left side.

The USB-C plug is slightly larger than the micro-B,

but not by much.

And you can see that it is symmetric,

so That it's able to work with any orientation.

As the USB standards change, we're

also changing the names of how we refer

to these different connections.

So each time there's an update to USB,

all of those connection types are renamed

to meet the new standard.

If you're looking at the USB 3.0 standard,

that is referred to as the super speed connector,

and it has a maximum speed of 5 gigabits per second.

We released an update to USB 3.0 called USB 3.1.

That update changes the name of USB 3.0 to USB 3.1 gen 1.

It's still superspeed USB.

It is still 5 gigabits per second,

but in this new standard it has the new name of USB 3.1 Gen 1.

USB 3.1 then is technically called USB 3.1 Gen 2,

or superspeed plus, and it supports a maximum throughput

that is double the USB 3.1 Gen 1 or 10 gigabits per second.

A new version of USB was released in September of 2017,

and that version is USB 3.2.

This effectively doubles the bandwidth available in USB

and uses USB C connectors to be able to provide

that throughput.

This standard uses an extra lane of communication inside

of that USB-C cable to provide that enhanced throughput.

And because this is a new standard,

we have renamed all of the old standards.

So the standard that used to be USB 3.0, which we change

to USB 3.1 Gen 1 is now called USB 3.2 Gen 1

or superspeed USB 5 gigabits per second.

Obviously, the speed hasn't changed

but the name of the standard has changed in USB 3.2.

USB 3.1, which we were calling USB 3.1 Gen 2,

is now called USB 3.2 Gen 2, and it of course,

supports exactly the same speeds of throughput.

USB 3.2 Gen 1 times 2 is effectively

using twice the number of Gen 1 lanes

to provide 10 gigabits of throughput.

There's also a USB 3.2 Gen 2 times 2.

The USB 3.2 Gen 2 is a 10 gigabit per second throughput,

so when you double that throughput

with the additional lane, you have a maximum

of 20 gigabits per second.

So here's the summary for USB 3.0, USB 3.1, and USB 3.2.

You can see all of the standards with the old names

and 3.0 and 3.1 are in this chart,

and the USB 3.2 names are listed on the left side,

along with the names, the speeds and the logos

that are used for those standards.

Another common peripheral connection type

is a Thunderbolt connection.

This is a high speed serial connection

that is able to put data and power on the same cable.

Sometimes you'll see these early versions of Thunderbolt

using this mini DisplayPort as the physical connection type.

Thunderbolt version 1 is a two channel technology

and you can put 10 gigabits per second

over each of those channels for a maximum throughput

of 20 gigabits per second.

There's also a Thunderbolt version 2

which has aggregated those channels together giving you

a total throughput for anything connected to that Thunderbolt

version 2 of 20 gigabits per second.

With Thunderbolt version 3, we're

taking advantage of the USB-C connector

and sending Thunderbolt signals over that USB-C cable.

This provides us with a total aggregated throughput

of 40 gigabits per second.

Thunderbolt signals can be set over both copper or fiber

connections.

If you're using copper you have a maximum cable length

of 3 meters, and if this is an optical or fiber connection,

you're running 60 meters in length.

You can also daisy chain six different devices together.

So you might have a single Thunderbolt interface

on the back of your computer, but all of your peripherals

may have multiple Thunderbolt interfaces,

so that you can simply extend to six different devices

by simply adding additional cables between all

of those different peripherals.

Before we had a universal serial bus,

we were using nine pin and 25 pin serial connections

on our computers to be able to connect peripherals.

These were commonly used to send RS-232 signals which

would allow us to send serial communication

between our computer and other devices, such as a modem.

This is a standard that's been around for such a long time

that it's very common to still find DB-9 or DB-25 connectors

on different devices.

This is commonly used these days to connect

to serial consoles that might be on a peripheral device.

So if you're plugging in a switch, a router or firewall,

you might use one of these serial console cables

to connect to the device and be able to configure that device

from the command line.