1.7 Overview of Wired and Wireless Connection Types

Question 1

What is USB?

Answer 1

Primary wired connection for mobile devices. Used for high-speed communication, charging, and syncing with computers.

Question 2

What is USB Type-A?

Answer 2

Standard rectangular connector found on most computers for peripherals.

Question 3

What is Mini-USB?

Answer 3

Older, bulkier connector, previously used in mobile devices, now mostly obsolete.

Question 4

What is Micro-USB?

Answer 4

Common for older mobile devices, compact but largely replaced by USB-C.

Question 5

What is USB-C?

Answer 5

Newer standard, reversible design, supports faster data transfer rates and power delivery. Capable of transmitting multiple signals, such as DisplayPort, HDMI, and Thunderbolt.

Question 6

What are the advantages of USB-C?

Answer 6

USB-C supports faster charging, higher data throughput, and better versatility, making it the standard for many modern devices.

Question 7

What is OTG (On-The-Go)?

Answer 7

A USB feature allowing mobile devices to act as a host and connect to peripherals (e.g., flash drives or keyboards).

Question 8

What is Lightning?

Answer 8

Apple’s proprietary 8-pin connector for iPhones/iPads.

Question 9

What are the advantages of Lightning?

Answer 9

Lightning connectors support higher power output for faster charging and offer a reversible design for easier plug-in.

Question 10

What is the compatibility of Lightning?

Answer 10

Found on iPhones and iPads, replaced in many Apple devices by USB-C (as of 2023 in newer iPhone models).

Question 11

What are the disadvantages of Lightning?

Answer 11

Proprietary to Apple, limiting compatibility with non-Apple devices.

Question 12

What is DB-9 (DE-9)?

Answer 12

Older serial communication standard (RS232 signals). Used to connect older devices like modems, switches, and routers.

Question 13

What is a USB-to-DB9 Adapter?

Answer 13

Required for laptops and desktops that lack serial ports, allowing communication with legacy devices.

Question 14

What is the RS232 Standard?

Answer 14

Often used for direct device-to-device communication, primarily in industrial settings.

Question 15

What is NFC (Near Field Communication)?

Answer 15

Used for close-proximity data transfers (e.g., mobile payments, device pairing, ID access).

Question 16

What is the range of NFC?

Answer 16

Operates within a very short range (~4 cm), making it ideal for secure, localized transactions.

Question 17

What is the difference between Passive and Active NFC?

Answer 17

Passive NFC tags don’t require power (e.g., access cards), while active NFC uses power for bidirectional communication.

Question 18

What is Bluetooth?

Answer 18

Popular for wireless peripherals like earbuds, headsets, and car audio systems.

Question 19

What are Bluetooth Versions?

Answer 19

With newer versions (like Bluetooth 5.0), you gain improved range, faster data transfer rates, and better power efficiency.

Question 20

What are profiles in Bluetooth?

Answer 20

Various Bluetooth profiles exist for specific functions, such as HFP (Hands-Free Profile) for audio headsets and A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality stereo audio.

Question 21

What is a Wi-Fi Hotspot?

Answer 21

Turns mobile phones into hotspots, allowing other devices to connect to the internet via 802.11 Wi-Fi, using the phone’s cellular network.

Question 22

What is the functionality of a Wi-Fi Hotspot?

Answer 22

Mobile devices can share their cellular data connection with other devices by acting as a Wi-Fi access point.

Question 23

What are carrier limitations regarding Wi-Fi Hotspot?

Answer 23

Some mobile carriers restrict hotspot usage or require additional fees to enable it.

Question 24

What is Thunderbolt?

Answer 24

Although not as common on mobile devices, Thunderbolt technology (supported via USB-C) allows very high-speed data transfers and is commonly used in laptops and other high-performance systems.

Question 25

What is Wireless Charging?

Answer 25

Becoming increasingly common in mobile devices, wireless charging uses Qi technology to charge devices without a physical connection.

Question 26

What is Infrared (IR)?

Answer 26

Some mobile devices still have infrared ports, often used as remote controls for TVs and other home appliances.