Technology keeps getting better with time, and USB ports are doing the same. And with the announcement of the USB type-C port, we’re really learning what the future of USB and connectivity can be. Never heard of the USB type-C? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is It?

The idea of the USB type-C is nothing too complicated. In fact, it was actually created to make things simple. So imagine you have one type of port and USB cables that can work with anything and make it easier for you to work on your laptop. That’s what type-C is in a nutshell. You can do anything from charging your laptop to working with external hard drives using the USB type-C. It also allows you to eliminate the orientation process because it supports the reversible connection feature on most devices. It’s a smaller version compared to its USB counterparts in the past.

Benefits of a USB Type-C

There are many different benefits that come along with working with a USB type-C. Among many, one of them is faster data transfer. Inspired by the concept of USB 3.1, there are two different types of USB type-C. These are named Gen 1 and Gen 2. Gen 1 promises the ability to deliver 5 Gbps and Gen 2 ensures the delivery of 10 Gbps. Along with it being faster, it’s more compact. USB type-C is smaller in size and has a flexible port that will allow you to achieve an ultra-slim design. Tech experts believe that Android smartphones will start developing their future phones of this connectivity standard. Many people wonder how one single port can put some ease in your work life. It can easily be done by connecting an external USB type-C hub.

What’s to Come for the USB Type-C?

There is so much more in store for the USB Type-C, and this is just the beginning. Over time it’s expected to become faster, even more powerful, and create different ways to make your life a lot easier.

On average, about 3 billion USB ports are shipped each year, making it the most popular type of peripheral connection technology by far. Whether you plan on using a USB 3 cable, USB 2.0 cables, USB 3.2 cables, or any other USB cables there’s a lot that USB type-C can do for you and your work. It’s very flexible, and allows you to use one instead of many USB cables, and makes your work life a lot easier.

WiFi is everywhere: our homes, coffee shops, parks, and even our cars and planes. There were 3.74 billion internet users on Earth as of March 2017, and many of them experience the majority of their internet access via WiFi. In a wireless age, wires on technology can appear outdated but don’t be fooled — a wired internet connection still cannot be beat, especially in these four situations you may find yourself in as an internet user.

1. 1. You’re working with sensitive information
      WiFi connections, especially those in locations like shops and public transportation, are never fully secure. Information your device processes on WiFi can easily be intercepted and used, including private information and login credentials. It’s quite easy for unsavory people to set up a false WiFi network in a public space to fish for unsuspecting users’ information, and using a wired connection can minimize some of that risk. Using an Ethernet cable in public spaces doesn’t always negate the risk of an information breach, but using a wired connection at home especially ensures a safer web experience.

1. 1. You’re downloading or uploading large files
      Wireless connections often simply can’t handle the transfer of large files, so you’re stuck banging your head on your desk with a painfully slow connection. If WiFi coverage cuts out in the middle of a file transfer, all that slow progress can be lost in just a second. Wired connections provide a little more peace of mind that your files will get where they need to go on time.

1. 1. You frequently need to send or receive files from computers and devices on the same network
      You simply can’t beat the speed of file transfer from device to device on a wired network. If those little cutbacks in time used feel oh-so-satisfying to you when sharing across work computers or printing, a wired connection is the way to go.

1. You’re a gamer. Nothing is more annoying to a gamer than lag
   If you’re playing something that needs precision and good reaction time, a cabled connection is your best bet to keep up with the pack. WiFi sometimes lack the oomph to keep up with intense game-play, even if your gaming rig is prepared.

Keep in mind that there are many options in the realm of Ethernet cords, like cat5 cables, cat5e cables, and the heavyweight cat6 cable. Beyond Ethernet, fiber optic cables are an interesting alternative for you to research. If you need that extra boost of stability, speed, and security, take the time to find the perfect option for you or your workplace — your computer will thank you.

Although most households will fare just fine with a 100-Megabit network which would be run with Cat5e. However, avid gamers need high-speed, reliable internet access. That means that choosing the right Ethernet cable for gaming can feel as high-stakes as the games being played. There are a few considerations to keep in mind when selecting your Ethernet cable for these purposes. We’ve created a little guide to these considerations below.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Ethernet Cable For Gaming

• Length of Cable: A shorter patch is going to work best. Instead of buying the longest cable available, get a cable that offers the shortest distance without sacrificing personal comfort.
• Cable Category: As you may know, Ethernet cables come in a few different categories. Cat5e cables are good for the typical electronics user, while Cat6 Ethernet cables are often used in commercial or professional settings. But both Cat5e and Cat6 cables are also preferred by gamers. Cat5e cables are rated at 100MHz, while Cat6 cables are rated at 250MHz — which means the latter can offer higher speeds. Cat6 cables are also best-suited to the latest technologies and/or heavy game files. You can technically use either one, but serious gamers may opt for Cat6, assuming that the devices they use are top-of-the-line.
• Compatibility: Say you’ve decided you want to use the gold standard for gamers — the Cat6 cable. Before you make a purchase, you’ll need to make sure that all of your equipment is compatible. Double-check to make certain that all of the cables in your network are the same; if they aren’t, it can slow your entire system down and lead to gameplay interruptions. You may also want to purchase internet cables that are actually manufactured by the same provider, as these will provide peace of mind that both the jacks and cables will function properly. This isn’t necessarily a requirement, though.

If you’re a die-hard gamer, you’ll want to do everything you can to boost your internet connection. By selecting the correct type of Ethernet cable, you’re actually making an investment in your ability to play the way you want. For more information on the Ethernet cables we offer, please contact us today.