A USB-C cable is a USB-C port on one side... and just about anything on the other! There is a multitude of different ports that can be found at the other end of the cable and it is essential to clearly identify what you need.

To connect a recent iPhone, for example, you will have to turn to a USB-C to the lightning solution. If you're looking for a second USB-C port, pay attention to the standard. The USB 3.0 will give you high-end performance, but will increase the price of the cable: ask yourself if you need it or even if you have a compatible device before you start.

For USB Type-A, there are again several standards: USB 2.0, 3.0 (can also be referred to as USB 3.1 Gen 1), and USB 3.1 Gen 2, from less good to more efficient. Again, check your hardware compatibility, which will tell you which type of cable is right for you.

What are the maximum speeds that a USB-C cable can achieve?

The speed allowed by the cables is directly induced by the type of port. At the top of the hierarchy, we find Thunderbolt 3 and its speeds of up to 40 Mb / s.

But few devices are compatible to date. On type-A, USB 3.1 Gen 2 is the best for the general public with a maximum speed of 10 Gb / s. But it is not yet so widespread, especially if your material is dated.

USB 3.1 Gen 1 is a good compromise with its 5 Gb/s, while the 480 Mb/s of USB 2.0 are starting to pale in comparison in 2020. But you really need such cables since there are still many devices with this type of socket.

What power to take advantage of fast charging?

Make sure the amperage and voltage are high enough to charge your device quickly. A tip that we particularly recommend that you apply if you plan to connect the cable to a powerful external charger that allows ultra-fast charging. Compare the technical specs of the cable you're looking for with the specs of the gear you already have to find out how much power you want.

What is the longest USB to USB cable and what length should you prefer?

The USB 2.0 specification confines the cable length between USB 2 to 5 meters. Think about your setup and what you plan to do with the cable, so you can estimate the length of cable you need. Generally, a long cable does not cost much more than a smaller model with equal performance and can be very practical in certain situations. But there's no point in cluttering up your space unnecessarily with a long cable if you know you won't need it.

The standard in USB C cable:

A USB C cable is not an ordinary USB cable that is only used to transfer data from point A to point B or to charge a smartphone via the computer's USB port. It is a multi-purpose smart cable that is manufactured to a very strict standard.

Each model is designed for a specific use which is generally specified by the manufacturer on the product packaging. Thus, the dimensions depend on the task to be performed.

The specification does not specify a maximum length for USB C cables. On the other hand, it is very clear in terms of the electrical requirement. These should be flexible enough.

Nevertheless, a size range is suggested for best performance. For USB C cables with the USB 2.0 version, for example, the length must not exceed 4 meters. With the 3.1 Gen 1 standard, the maximum length is increased to 2 meters. Finally, the length is reduced to 1 meter for cables using the USB 3.1 Gen 2 protocol.

USB uses a tiered-star topology as a physical interconnection. To obtain this topology, hubs are used to connect multiple devices to the same port. The original port is found on the computer, which with a cable is connected to a hub, from the ports of this Hub you can connect to other Hubs or functions. The Hub is the main center of the device. The cable is the connection between the computer and the Hub or function.

Function and Hubs are USB device types. The difference between a role and a USB C multiport hub is that the role receives and sends information from/to the system. This function is the devices that are connected to the computer, devices that mouse, keyboard, mp4, and others. The Hub is the most important device for the USB topology because it is the Hub that connects multiple functions to the same port. Each Hub uses one port and makes more than one available, usually four or eight.

Due to propagation time restrictions between cable and iPad Pro dock, the maximum number of layers is seven, with the seventh being only able to connect devices.

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