1.3a - Connecting Mobile Devices: Professor Messer

Exam Objectives

PART A (This Video):

• Connection methods

  • Universal Serial Bus (USB)/ USB-C/microUSB/miniUSB: High-speed wired communication between phones to computers, and phones to power sources.

    • Computers use Type A USB connectors, while older devices may use a Micro B plug or Mini B plug.

      

  • Newer devices typically use a USB-A to USB-C connector: USB-C is a double-sided 24-pin connector (looks like a rounded rectangle), that supports multiple USB signals, and can support DisplayPort and HDMI signals.

    

  • Lightning: Proprietary 8-pin connector for Apple devices (iPad, iPhone), some advantages over microUSB, including higher output, simpler design (can be inserted both ways).

  • Serial interfaces: Typically DB-9 (or DE-9) interfaces; 9-pin connector that uses RFC232 standard communications. Often used in legacy devices (modem, mice, etc.).

    • May need to connect an older laptop (that uses DB-9) to a newer laptop (that uses USB) via a DB-9 to USB cable.

  • Near-field communication (NFC): Wireless communication that allows a small quantity of data to be sent at a near distance. Built into phones, often for payment and transportation. Can also be used for access tokens or ID cards as they support encryption.

  • Bluetooth: Wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances, typically within a range of about 30 feet. Typically used for connecting peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, and headphones.

  • Hotspot/mobile hotspot: Extends a cellular data network from your phone so different devices can connect via 802.11

Introduction to Device Connectivity

• Modern phones and tablets feature a remarkable amount of technology that includes various connectivity options.

• Connectivity can be categorized into:

  • Wired Connectivity

  • Wireless Connectivity

• This connectivity allows users to perform various functions such as:

  • Accessing the internet (email, web browsing)

  • Backing up data

  • Device identification

  • Synchronizing systems with multiple devices.

Wired Connectivity

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

• Primary wired connection for phones and tablets.

• Designed for high-speed communication, used to:

  • Connect devices to computers or power sources.

• Common USB types include:

  • Type A: The larger plug found on computers.

  • Mini B: Older devices may use this connector.

  • Micro B: Commonly used for many modern mobile devices.

• USB-C Connector:

  • Newer devices often utilize USB-C connectors.

  • Supports high-speed data transfer and various types of signals (DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt).

Apple Lightning Connector

• Proprietary eight-pin connection specific to Apple devices (iPhones, iPads).

• Advantages over micro-USB:

  • Higher power output for faster charging.

  • Reversible design allows insertion in either orientation.

  • Technicians must manage various cables (USB, mini-USB, micro-USB, Lightning).

Serial Communication (DB-9)

• Prevalent before Universal Serial Bus was introduced.

• DB-9 (or DE-9):

  • Nine-pin connection used for serial communication.

  • Transports RS232 signals, commonly found in legacy devices (modems, mice).

• Older infrastructure might still require DB-9 connections.

• Modern laptops often lack DB-9 connectors; USB-to-DB-9 conversion cables may be necessary.

Wireless Connectivity

NFC (Near Field Communication)

• Facilitates small data transfers between devices in close proximity.

• Common uses include:

  • Mobile payment systems.

  • Information transfer between devices.

  • Access control using devices like identification cards.

Bluetooth

• Widely used for wireless communication with mobile devices.

• Common applications include:

  • Wireless earbuds or headsets.

  • Connecting to automobile audio systems.

Wi-Fi and Hotspot Features

• Mobile phones can serve as wireless hotspots:

  • Enables other devices to connect to the internet via the phone's cellular network.

  • Utilizes 802.11 protocols for wireless communication.

  • Note that not all phones support this feature, and some carriers may charge extra for this capability.

• Important for gaining internet access in locations without public Wi-Fi.