We’re all used to using those standard, rectangle-shaped USB ports on our computers, but, over the years, there have been some drastic changes to the speeds, capabilities, and even the shapes of these ports. USB has undergone some major upgrades over the past few years, and competitive cables, like Thunderbolt and Lightning ports, have been making waves in this space as well.
So, which ports are going to offer the best speeds and options for the future of our devices, and, is it necessary to take these new ports into consideration when upgrading?
How Data Cables, Like USB, Lightning, and Thunderbolt, Differ
USB (Universal Serial Bus) – The standard USB cable we’re all familiar with has been around for many years. This cable type has several variants, which allow for multiple devices to connect to your computer. These include USB-A, micro USB, and mini USB, and USB type C.
USB cables have undergone several updates since their initial release of USB 1, to USB 2.0, to USB 3.0. USB 3.0 capable ports can be identified with a blue color on the inside of the connector and often include the letters “SS” on the cable itself. USB 3.0 data transfer speeds are capable of reaching 500 Mb/s in practice, but, theoretically, can achieve 5 Gbit/s. Many devices, which are now using USB 3.0 devices include hard drives, docking stations, cameras, and other peripheral devices.
Some devices, however, use USB Type C, which is shaped more like an oval and offers even higher data rates and capabilities than USB 3.0. Suppositionally, data rates with USB-C are capable of achieving 10 Gbit/s and offer charging capabilities, which makes this cable form factor more popular among cell phone and tablet manufacturers.
Not all USB cables are able to transfer data; some are only meant for charging your devices such as your smart phone or tablet. USB cables that are an octopus style cable where they have 3 different connects for charging different types of devices (i.e. macro USB, USB-C, & Lightning).
Thunderbolt – Although these cables were the least used amongst devices during its initial release, it has since been updated to Thunderbolt 3, which uses the same connection type as USB-C and, thus, has opened up to more devices. Thunderbolt 3 ports and cables are also compatible with USB-C, meaning that you can connect a USB-C cable to a Thunderbolt 3 port.
The advantages of Thunderbolt cables are higher transfer rates than even USB-C can offer as well as a wider variant of application uses across devices. Thunderbolt 3 data rate speeds are capable of reaching up to 20 Gb/s. Thunderbolt uses include connecting compatible devices to your computer, allowing for connecting external graphics cards, as well as sending video signals of up to 4K resolution to capable monitors.
Lightning – Following Apple’s 30-pin connector, the lightning cable is now Apple’s new standard for charging and connecting devices, like the iPhone and iPad, to your computer. The lightning cable is a flat, reversible port that plugs into your Apple device and has a USB-C or USB-A connector that plugs into your computer or charger. Other peripherals that work with lightning cables include Apple keyboards, mice, and even the Apple Air Pod ear buds. The lightning cable data transfer rate speeds are capable of up to 480 Mb/s.
Advancements in these cable types will continue to evolve and advance, providing us with better transfer rates and even more capabilities. As a managed IT services provider, Natural Networks works with all of these cable types and can assist you with determining what cables you might need for your computers and devices. If you’re interested in learning more about how Natural Networks can help you in your technology space, give us a call today.
