Overview
This lecture covers common types of input/output device interfaces, focusing on their roles in connecting, configuring, and troubleshooting computing devices, and includes networking, peripheral, and display technologies.
Networking Interfaces
- RJ45 connectors are used with Ethernet cables (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A) for wired networking, offering speeds up to 10 Gbps.
- SFP (Small Form Factor Pluggable) connectors are hot-swappable interfaces found in fiber optic networking for fast, long-distance connections.
- Bluetooth provides short-range (≈30 ft), wireless, low-power connections for devices like keyboards and speakers.
- NFC (Near Field Communication) is a very short-range technology (a few cm) used for contactless payments and data transfer via tapping.
- 802.11x (Wi-Fi) standards like 802.11n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) offer wireless networking with speeds from a few hundred Mbps up to 9+ Gbps.
Networking Devices and Tools
- Crimper tools attach connectors (e.g., RJ45) to network cables for secure electrical connections.
- Cable testers check the integrity and correct wiring of network cables to identify faults or miswiring.
Peripheral Device Interfaces
- USB (Universal Serial Bus) connects a variety of peripherals; common types include USB-A (rectangular), USB-B (square, often for printers), and USB-C (reversible, supports high data and power).
- Thunderbolt interfaces (versions 3 and 4) use USB-C connectors and support data transfer, power, and display through one cable up to 40 Gbps.
- Bluetooth is also used as a wireless interface for peripherals like headphones and mice.
- Radio Frequency (RF) interfaces use dongles for older wireless peripherals.
- Lightning connectors are proprietary to Apple devices, used for data, charging, and connectivity.
Display Ports and Display Technologies
- VGA is an analog video connector (15-pin, blue), now mostly outdated.
- DVI provides a digital (and sometimes analog) video signal; versions include DVI-D (digital), DVI-A (analog), and DVI-I (integrated).
- HDMI supports high-definition video and audio on TVs, monitors, and consoles, with versions supporting up to 4K+ resolution.
- DisplayPort is commonly used for computers, supporting high resolutions, refresh rates, audio, and sometimes USB data.
- USB-C is increasingly used for video output with technologies like Thunderbolt and DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
Display Sharing Methods: Mirroring and Casting
- Mirroring duplicates a device’s screen onto an external display using HDMI, DisplayPort, or wireless methods like AirPlay or Google Cast.
- Casting streams content directly to an external device, allowing independent use of the sending device (e.g., Google Cast, Miracast, DLNA).
Key Terms & Definitions
- RJ45 — Standard connector for wired Ethernet networking.
- SFP — Hot-swappable interface for fiber optic or copper network connections.
- Bluetooth — Short-range wireless standard for connecting peripherals.
- NFC — Technology for very short-range, tap-based wireless communication.
- USB — Universal interface for connecting external devices.
- Thunderbolt — High-speed data, display, and power connector, often using USB-C.
- VGA — Analog video connector for older monitors.
- DVI — Digital or analog video connector, supports HD video.
- HDMI — Digital video and audio connector for displays.
- DisplayPort — Versatile digital video connector, often used for computers.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review connector types and functions for CompTIA Tech Plus exam.
- Practice identifying and differentiating input/output interfaces.
- Complete any assigned readings or practice questions on device interface troubleshooting.