Chapter 2. Mobile Device Accessories

Which physical connector is the modern standard for Android devices and newer Apple iOS devices?

USB-C

What proprietary port and connector is used by older Apple iOS mobile devices for charging and syncing?

Lightning

What USB connector type was widely used on older Android devices before the transition to USB-C?

microUSB

What older, chunkier USB connector is rarely used on modern smartphones but can still be found on legacy mobile accessories?

miniUSB

What is the physical connection method called when you connect a mobile device to a computer via a USB cable to share its cellular internet connection?

USB tethering

What feature must a user enable on their mobile device to share its cellular data wirelessly with nearby computers over Wi-Fi?

Mobile Hotspot

What usually happens to a smartphone's own Wi-Fi capability when USB tethering is active?

It is disabled (the device must use its cellular connection)

What type of adapter allows a technician to use a mobile device's USB port to connect to and configure enterprise routers, switches, or industrial equipment?

USB-to-Serial (RS-232) adapter

What is the typical maximum transmission distance for Class 2 Bluetooth devices?

33 feet (10 meters)

What wireless technology allows a mobile device to share its cellular (4G/5G) connection with other Wi-Fi-enabled devices?

Mobile Hotspot

What frequency and typical data transfer rate does Near-Field Communication (NFC) use?

13.56 MHz transmitting at 100 to 400 kbps

What peer-to-peer wireless technology is the primary driver behind modern mobile payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Wallet?

Near-Field Communication (NFC)

What type of memory card is typically used to add long-term storage capacity to compatible mobile devices?

microSD card

What physical audio port, though increasingly omitted on modern devices, is used to connect traditional wired headsets or auxiliary cables?

3.5 mm audio jack

What are two common ways a mobile merchant can connect a physical credit card reader to a smartphone?

Through the 3.5 mm audio jack or wirelessly via Bluetooth

What tools are typically required to open modern, sealed consumer mobile devices for battery replacement?

A heat gun and proper shims (which can compromise the IP rating if not resealed correctly)

What is the industry-standard technology name for wireless/inductive mobile device charging?

Qi charging

What does the first digit in an Ingress Protection (IP) rating (such as the "6" in IP68) indicate?

The level of protection against solid matter and dust (6 means completely dust-tight)

What does the second digit in an Ingress Protection (IP) rating (such as the "8" in IP68) indicate?

The level of protection against liquid/water ingress (8 means immersion beyond 1 meter)

How does a docking station differ from a basic port replicator?

A docking station typically supplies power to charge the laptop and may support proprietary expansion/storage, whereas a port replicator only provides additional ports and does not supply power

What is the small, pressure-sensitive cursor controller nub located between the G, H, and B keys on some laptop keyboards?

A track point

What external device consists of a flat tablet surface and a stylus to allow precise drawing and illustration input on a computer?

A drawing pad (digitizer)