Connecting Mobile Devices

Question 1

Connecting mobile devices

Answer 1

• Phones and tablets
  – Many different ways to connect
• Wired and wireless connectivity
  – Standards and options change
  through the years
• Used for synchronization, connectivity,
  backup, and identification
  – Sometimes simultaneously

Question 2

USB

Answer 2

• Universal Serial Bus
  – High-speed wired communication
  – Used for charging and data transfers
• Micro-USB
  – A smaller USB connection
  – Common now worldwide
• Older devices may use Mini-USB
  – Slightly larger

Question 3

USB-C

Answer 3

• 24-pin double-sided USB connector
  – Used for both hosts and devices
• Acts as a USB 2.0/3.0/3.1/4 connection
  – Different signals can use the same connector
• Can transmit other signals
  – DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt

Question 4

Lightning

Answer 4

• Apple proprietary
  – 8-pin digital signals
  – iPhone and iPad devices
• Some advantages over Micro-USB
  – Higher power output for phones and tablets
  – Can be inserted either way
  – Simpler design

Question 5

Serial interfaces

Answer 5

• DB-9 - also called DE-9
• Commonly used for RS-232 signals
  – Recommended Standard 232
  – An industry standard since 1969
• Serial communications standard
  – Traditionally used for modem connections
• Now used as a configuration port
  – Switches, routers, firewalls, etc
  – Use a USB to DB-9 converter cable

Question 6

NFC

Answer 6

• Near Field Communication
  – Send small amounts of data wirelessly
  over a limited area
• Built into your phone
  – Payment systems, transportation,in-person
  information exchange
• Access token, identity “card”
  – Short range with encryption support

Question 7

Bluetooth

Answer 7

• High speed communication over short distances
  – PAN (Personal Area Network)
• Connects our mobile devices
  – Smartphones
  – Tethering
  – Headsets and headphones
  – Health monitors
  – Automobile and phone integration
  – Smartwatches
  – External speakers

Question 8

Hotspot

Answer 8

• Turn your phone into a WiFi hotspot
  – Your own personal wireless router
  – Extend the cellular data network
  to all of your devices
• Dependent on phone type and provider
  – May require additional charges and data costs