All you need to know about USB Ports
USB, short for Universal Serial Bus, is a standard type of connection for many kinds of devices. Generally, USB refers to the types of cables and connectors used to connect these many types of external devices to computers.
USB Versions
There have been several major USB standards, USB4 being the newest:
USB4: Based on the Thunderbolt 3 specification, USB4 supports 40 Gbps (40,960 Mbps).
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: Also known as USB 3.2, compliant devices are able to transfer data at 20 Gbps (20,480 Mbps), called Superspeed+ USB dual-lane.
USB 3.2 Gen 2: Previously called USB 3.1, compliant devices are able to transfer data at 10 Gbps (10,240 Mbps), called Superspeed+.
USB 3.2 Gen 1: Previously called USB 3.0, compliant hardware can reach a maximum transmission rate of 5 Gbps (5,120 Mbps), called SuperSpeed USB.
USB 2.0: USB 2.0 compliant devices can reach a maximum transmission rate of 480 Mbps, called High-Speed USB.
USB 1.1: USB 1.1 devices can reach a maximum transmission rate of 12 Mbps, called Full Speed USB.
Most USB devices and cables today adhere to USB 2.0, and a growing number of USB 3.0.
Important: The parts of a USB-connected system, including the host (like a computer), the cable, and the device, can all support different USB standards so long as they are physically compatible. However, all parts must support the same standard If you want it to achieve the maximum data rate possible.
USB Versions
There have been several major USB standards, USB4 being the newest:
USB4: Based on the Thunderbolt 3 specification, USB4 supports 40 Gbps (40,960 Mbps).
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: Also known as USB 3.2, compliant devices are able to transfer data at 20 Gbps (20,480 Mbps), called Superspeed+ USB dual-lane.
USB 3.2 Gen 2: Previously called USB 3.1, compliant devices are able to transfer data at 10 Gbps (10,240 Mbps), called Superspeed+.
USB 3.2 Gen 1: Previously called USB 3.0, compliant hardware can reach a maximum transmission rate of 5 Gbps (5,120 Mbps), called SuperSpeed USB.
USB 2.0: USB 2.0 compliant devices can reach a maximum transmission rate of 480 Mbps, called High-Speed USB.
USB 1.1: USB 1.1 devices can reach a maximum transmission rate of 12 Mbps, called Full Speed USB.
Most USB devices and cables today adhere to USB 2.0, and a growing number of USB 3.0.
Important: The parts of a USB-connected system, including the host (like a computer), the cable, and the device, can all support different USB standards so long as they are physically compatible. However, all parts must support the same standard If you want it to achieve the maximum data rate possible.
