As technology evolves, so do the types of cables and cords we need to use with our electronic devices. While some of the old standards are still in use, many new types of cables have been developed to meet the needs of today’s high-tech gadgets.
Ethernet Cable
The Ethernet cable is the old standard for connecting devices to the internet. It is most commonly used to connect a computer to a router or modem.
How does it work?
Ethernet cables are made of copper wire and they transmit data using electrical signals. These signals are sent through the wires at high speeds, up to 100 megabits per second. The cable itself is relatively thick and not very flexible. It uses a large, rectangular connector that can be plugged in upside down. Similar to the HD44 cable, it is also ideal for multiple disconnects and reconnects.
Why do I need it?
If you have a desktop computer, chances are it uses an Ethernet connection. Many newer laptops also have an Ethernet port, although most people use wireless connections these days. If you need to connect to the internet using a cable, you will need an Ethernet cable. They are also handy to have around if you need to connect multiple devices to the internet, as they can be daisy-chained together.
USB Type-C Cable
This is a relatively new type of USB cable and it is slowly becoming the new standard. Most newer phones, laptops, and other devices use this type of connector. It works with both older and newer versions of USB and it is also reversible, so you don’t have to worry about which way to plug it in.
How does it work?
The USB Type-C cable has a small, rectangular connector that is reversible. This means that it can be plugged in upside down and still work properly. The connector can carry up to 100 watts of power, which is enough to charge a laptop. It can also transfer data at high speeds, up to 40 gigabits per second. The cable itself is also much smaller and more durable than older USB cables.
Why do I need it?
If you have any newer devices that use the USB Type-C connector, you will need a cable that is compatible with it. This type of cable is also handy to have around if you are frequently using USB devices, as it is much easier to connect and disconnect than older cables.
HDMI Cable
Although it has been around for a while, the HDMI cable is still one of the most popular types of cables used today. It is commonly used to connect a TV to a Blu-ray player, game console, or streaming device.
How does it work?
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. The HDMI cable carries both audio and video signals from one device to another. These are in form of digital signals, which means that they can be transmitted over longer distances without losing quality. It uses a small, rectangular connector and can be plugged in upside down. The cable itself is relatively thin and flexible.
Why do I need it?
If you have any devices that use HDMI, such as a TV or Blu-ray player, you will need an HDMI cable to connect them. You never know when you might need an extra one, so it’s always good to have a few on hand. It’s also worth noting that many new devices are now using HDMI as their standard input, so it’s a good idea to have at least one HDMI cable.
Lightning Cable
The Lightning cable is used to connect Apple devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod, to a computer or charger.
How does it work?
The Lightning cable uses a small, rectangular connector that can be plugged in upside down. The cable itself is relatively thin and flexible. It uses a digital signal to transmit data and can carry up to 100 watts of power.
Why do I need it?
If you have any Apple devices that use the Lightning connector, you will need a compatible cable. These cables are also handy to have around if you are frequently using USB devices, as they are much easier to connect and disconnect than older cables.
As you can see, there are a variety of cables that are used for different purposes. While some are more common than others, all of them serve an important purpose. When it comes to electronics, it is always better to be safe than sorry and have the right cables on hand. You never know when you might need them.
