Domain 1 of 5 · Chapter 2 of 4

Mobile Accessories

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Included in this chapter:

  • Every accessory rides one connection method
  • The wired connectors: USB, Lightning, and serial
  • Wireless: Bluetooth pairing and NFC taps
  • Docking stations and port replicators
  • How the exam frames mobile accessories

Mobile connection methods compared

AttributeUSB-CLightningmicro-USBBluetoothNFC
Connection methodWiredWiredWiredWirelessWireless
Reversible plugYesYesNon/an/a
Carries dataYesYesYesYesVery small amounts
Carries charging powerYes (USB PD)YesYes (low)NoNo
Carries videoYes (Alt Mode)Via adapterNoNoNo
Typical range and useOne cable for data, power, displayOlder iPhone charge and syncLegacy phone charge and syncAbout 10 m; audio and inputA few cm; tap to pay or pair

Decision tree

Wired connection needed? Yes No Docking a laptop (monitors + charge)? Quick tap to pay or pair? Yes No Yes No USB-C / Thunderbolt dock USB-C cable (Lightning on old iPhone) NFC (tap, a few cm) Bluetooth (pair, about 10 m)
Cheat sheet

Cheat sheet

  • Pick a connection method by what must cross it and wired vs wireless
  • A USB-C port only does what the hardware behind it supports
  • micro-USB and mini-USB are legacy connectors that insert one way only
  • Bluetooth links accessories over about 10 meters after a one-time pairing
  • An accessory must be in discoverable mode before it can be paired
  • NFC only works within a few centimeters, so you tap instead of pairing
  • NFC handles contactless pay, transit cards, and tap-to-pair
  • A docking station adds capability; a port replicator only duplicates ports
  • Thunderbolt docks use the USB-C connector but add 40 Gbps and daisy-chaining
  • A USB-C dock carries data out, video to monitors, and power back in one cable
  • USB Power Delivery negotiates up to 100 W to charge laptops over USB-C
  • Active styluses pair over Bluetooth; passive styluses just conduct touch
  • Audio accessories connect by 3.5 mm jack, USB-C, or Bluetooth
  • Serial is a legacy, low-speed wired method largely replaced by USB
  • Bluetooth profiles decide what a link carries: A2DP for stereo, HFP for calls, HID for input

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References

  1. CompTIA A+ Certification (Core 1 220-1201)