1.3 Connecting mobile devices

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

• High-speed wired communication

• Used for charging and data transfers

Micro-USB

• A small USB connection

• Common now worldwide

Mini-USB

• Slightly larger

• Older devices may use this USB

USB-C

• 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 e.g. display port, HDMI, Thunderbolt

Lightning

• 8-pin digital signals

• iPhone and iPad devices

• Higher power output for phones and tablets

• Can be inserted either way

• Simple design

DB-9

• Also called DE-9

• Commonly used for RS-232 (Recommended standard 232) signals

• Industry standard since 1969

• Now used as a configuration port e.g. switches, routers, firewalls

• Use a USB to DB-9 converter cable

Near field communication (NFC)

• send small amounts of data wirelessly over a limited area

• Built into our phones

• Payment systems, transportation, in-person information exchange

• Access token, identity “card”

• Short range with encryption support

Bluetooth

• High speed communication over short distances

• Personal Area Network (PAN)

• Connects our mobile devices

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