There are many different way to connect mobile devices to the internet or other devices. Here we’ll examine the common wired mobile device connections. Wired connections offer the following over wireless connections:
- Low noise
- Less interference
- Low risk of eavesdropping
- Higher speeds
- Better reliability
Micro-USB/Mini-USB/USB-C
The European Union standardized on having a Micro-USB connection for mobile devices. Micro-USB is also common worldwide.
Older devices may use the older and slightly larger Mini-USB connection.
The latest mobile devices will come with a USB-C type connection. USB-C is a 24 pin double sided USB connector, meaning that it can be inserted right side up or upside down and it will still work. It supports USB 2.0 and USB 3.1 technology up to 10 Gbps. USB-C also includes analog audio so that you can purchase an adapter to convert the USB-C to a 3.5 mm jack for audio.
Lightning
The lightning connector is proprietary to Apple devices. It’s a 8 pin connector commonly found in iPhones, iPads, and iPods.
The lightning connector provides a higher power output compared to Micro-USB connectors, meaning that charging times with a lightning connector can be faster than with a Micro-USB connector. Like the USB-C connector, the lightning connector can be plugged in with any side up.
Tethering
Tethering is the process of connecting a secondary device to your mobile device in order to use your mobile device’s Internet/data connection on the secondary device. For example, you can connect your computer to your mobile phone via a USB cable and your computer can now have access to the Internet via your mobile phone.
Additional service fees or configuration may need to be done by your wireless carrier in order to enable tethering.
Proprietary vendor-specific ports (communication/power)
Earlier mobile devices had a vast array of proprietary cables. You might have one cable to charge your device, and a secondary proprietary cable was needed for data transfer. Each manufacturer had a different cable for their devices. Even within the same manufacturer, diffent models of devices would require different cables. The European Union helped to create a standardization.