无论是您的笔记本电脑还是台式电脑，每台电脑都配备了多个端口。所有这些端口都具有不同的形状和大小，并实现了不同且非常特定的目的。USB 2.0、USB 3.0、eSATA、Thunderbolt、Firewire和以太网(Ethernet)端口是最新一代笔记本电脑上的一些不同类型的端口。某些端口最适合连接外部硬盘驱动器，而其他端口则有助于加快充电速度。很少有人具备支持 4K 显示器的电源，而其他人可能根本没有电源功能。在本文中，我们将讨论不同类型的端口、它们的速度以及它们的使用方式。
大多数这些端口最初仅用于一个目的——数据传输(– Data Transfer)。这是一个日复一日的例行程序。为了提高传输速度并避免任何可能的问题，例如数据丢失或损坏，已经制作了不同的数据传输端口。一些最受欢迎的端口是USB端口、eSATA、Thunderbolt和FireWire。只需(Just)将正确的设备连接到正确的端口，就可以成倍地减少传输数据所花费的时间和精力。
USB 2.0、USB 3.0、eSATA、Thunderbolt 和 FireWire 端口有什么区别？(What is the difference between USB 2.0, USB 3.0, eSATA, Thunderbolt, and FireWire ports?)
本文深入探讨了各种连接端口的规格，并将帮助您找出最佳配置。
#1. USB 2.0
USB 2.0于 2000年4 月(April 2000)发布，是一种通用串行总线(Universal Serial Bus)( USB ) 标准端口，在大多数 PC 和笔记本电脑(Laptops)中都可以找到。USB 2.0端口几乎已成为标准连接类型，几乎所有设备都有一个（有些甚至有多个USB 2.0(USB 2.0)端口）。您可以通过它们的白色内部物理识别设备上的这些端口。
使用USB 2.0，您可以以 480mbps（兆比特每秒）的速度传输数据，大约是 60MBps（兆字节每秒）。
USB 2.0 可以轻松支持键盘和麦克风等低带宽设备，也可以轻松支持高带宽设备。其中包括高分辨率网络摄像头、打印机、扫描仪和其他大容量存储系统。
#2. USB 3.0
USB 3.0端口于 2008 年推出，彻底改变了数据传输，因为它们可以在一秒钟内传输高达 5 Gb 的数据。它因其比其前身 ( USB 2.0(USB 2.0) )快 10 倍左右而具有相同的形状和外形而受到普遍喜爱。它们可以很容易地通过它们独特的蓝色内部来识别。它应该是传输大量数据（如高清素材）或在外部硬盘驱动器中备份数据的首选端口。
USB 3.0端口的普遍吸引力也导致其价格下降，使其成为迄今为止最具成本效益的端口。它也因其向后兼容性而广受喜爱，因为它允许您在USB 3.0集线器上连接(USB 3.0)USB 2.0设备，尽管这会影响传输速度。
但最近，USB 3.1和 3.2 SuperSpeed + 端口已将焦点从USB 3.0移开。这些端口理论上可以在一秒钟内分别传输 10 GB 和 20 GB 的数据。
USB 2.0和 3.0 有两种不同的形状。在USB(USB)标准类型 A中更常见，而其他USB类型 B 只是偶尔发现。
#3. USB Type-A
USB Type-A连接器因其扁平和矩形的形状而最容易识别。它们是世界上最常用的连接器，几乎在所有笔记本电脑或计算机型号中都可以找到。许多电视(TVs)、其他媒体播放器、游戏系统、家庭音频/视频接收器、汽车音响和其他设备也更喜欢这种类型的端口。
#4. USB Type-B
也称为USB 标准 B(USB Standard B)连接器，它以其方形和略微斜角的角而闻名。这种样式通常保留用于连接打印机和扫描仪等外围设备。
#5. eSATA port
“eSATA”代表外部串行高级技术附件端口(Serial Advanced Technology Attachment port)。它是一种坚固的SATA连接器，用于将外部硬盘驱动器和SSD(SSDs)连接到系统，而常规SATA连接器用于将内部硬盘驱动器连接到计算机。大多数主板通过SATA接口连接到系统。
eSATA 端口允许从计算机到其他外围设备的传输速度高达 3 Gbps 。
随着USB 3.0的出现，eSATA 端口可能会显得过时，但在企业环境中却恰恰相反。它们越来越受欢迎，因为 IT 经理可以通过此端口轻松提供外部存储，而不是使用USB端口，因为通常出于安全原因它们被锁定。
eSATA over USB的主要缺点是无法为外部设备供电。但这可以通过 2009 年推出的 eSATAp 连接器解决。它使用向后兼容性来供电。
在笔记本电脑上，eSATAp 通常只为 2.5 英寸HDD/SSD提供 5 伏的电源。HDD/SSD或 5.25 英寸光驱）额外提供高达 12 伏的电压。
#6. Thunderbolt Ports
由Intel开发的Thunderbolt端口是正在接管的最新连接类型之一。一开始，这是一个相当小众的标准，但最近，他们在超薄笔记本电脑和其他高端设备中找到了归宿。这种高速连接是对任何其他标准连接端口的巨大升级，因为它通过单个微小通道提供两倍的数据。它将Mini DisplayPort和PCI Express组合成一个新的串行数据接口。Thunderbolt端口还允许将多达六个外围设备（如存储设备和显示器）以菊花链形式连接在一起。
(Thunderbolt)当我们谈论数据传输速度时，Thunderbolt连接将USB和 eSATA 抛诸脑后，因为它们可以在一秒钟内传输大约 40 GB 的数据。(USB)这些电缆起初看起来很贵，但如果您需要在传输大量数据的同时为 4K 显示器供电，那么 Thunderbolt 是您最好的新朋友。只要您有合适的适配器，USB和FireWire外围设备也可以通过Thunderbolt连接。(Thunderbolt)
#7. Thunderbolt 1
Thunderbolt 1于 2011 年推出，使用Mini DisplayPort 连接器(Mini DisplayPort Connector)。最初的Thunderbolt实现有两个不同的通道，每个通道都具有 10 Gbps的传输速度，这导致了 20 Gbps的组合单向带宽。
#8. Thunderbolt 2
Thunderbolt 2是第二代连接类型，它使用链路聚合方法将两个 10 Gbit/s通道组合成一个双向 20 Gbit/s通道，在此过程中使带宽翻倍。在这里，可以传输的数据量并没有增加，但是通过单个通道的输出增加了一倍。通过这种方式，单个连接器可以为 4K 显示器或任何其他存储设备供电。
#9. Thunderbolt 3 (C Type)
Thunderbolt 3通过其(Thunderbolt 3)USB C型连接器提供最先进的速度和多功能性。
它有两个物理 20 Gbps双向通道，组合为一个逻辑双向通道，将带宽翻倍至 40 Gbps。它使用协议 4 x PCI express 3.0、HDMI-2、 DisplayPort 1.2和USB 3.1 Gen-2提供两倍于Thunderbolt 2的带宽。它在一个纤薄紧凑的连接器中简化了数据传输、充电和视频输出。
英特尔的设计团队声称，他们现在和未来的大部分 PC 设计都将支持Thunderbolt 3端口。C 型(C Type)端口也在新的 Macbook 系列中找到了归宿(Macbook)。它可能是明显的赢家，因为它强大到足以使所有其他端口无用。
#10. FireWire
FireWire端口的正式名称为“IEEE 1394”，由Apple在 1980 年代末至 1990 年代初开发。今天，它们已经在打印机和扫描仪中找到了自己的位置，因为它们非常适合传输图片和视频等数字文件。它们也是将音频和视频设备相互链接并快速共享信息的流行选择。它能够以菊花链配置一次连接到大约 63 台设备是其最大优势。它因其能够在不同速度之间交替而脱颖而出，因为它可以让外围设备以自己的速度运行。
最新版本的FireWire可以让数据以 800 Mbps的速度传输。但在不久的将来，当制造商对当前的线缆进行大修时，这个数字有望跃升至 3.2 Gbps的速度。(Gbps)FireWire是一种点对点连接器，这意味着如果两个摄像头相互连接，它们可以直接通信，而无需计算机对信息进行解码。这与 USB 连接相反，USB连接必须连接到计算机才能进行通信。但是这些连接器的维护成本比USB高。因此(Hence)，在大多数情况下，它已被USB取代。(USB)
#11. Ethernet
(Ethernet)与本文中提到的其他数据传输端口相比，以太网更胜一筹。它通过其形状和用途而与众不同。以太网(Ethernet)技术最常用于有线局域网(Local Area Networks)( LAN(LANs) )、广域网(Wide Area Networks)( WAN ) 以及城域网(Metropolitan Network)( MAN )，因为它使设备能够通过协议相互通信。
您可能知道，局域网(LAN)是计算机和其他电子设备的网络，覆盖了一个小区域，如房间或办公空间，而广域网(WAN)，顾名思义，覆盖了更大的地理区域。MAN 可以互连位于城域内的计算机系统。以太网(Ethernet)实际上是控制数据传输过程的协议，它的电缆是将网络物理绑定在一起的电缆。
它们在物理上非常坚固耐用，因为它们旨在有效且高效地长距离传输信号。但电缆也必须足够短，以使两端的设备能够清晰地接收彼此的信号，并且延迟最小；因为信号可能会在长距离内减弱或被邻近设备中断。如果太多的设备连接到一个共享信号，媒体的冲突将成倍增加。
| |
USB 2.0 |
USB 3.0 |
eSATA |
Thunderbolt |
FireWire |
Ethernet |
| Speed |
480Mbps |
5Gbps
(10 Gbps for USB 3.1 and 20 Gbps for
USB 3.2 )
|
Between 3 Gbps and 6 Gbps |
20 Gbps
(40 Gbps for Thunderbolt 3)
|
Between 3 and 6 Gbps |
Between 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps |
| Price |
Reasonable |
Reasonable |
Higher than USB |
Expensive |
Reasonable |
Reasonable |
Note:
我们希望这篇文章USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0 vs eSATA vs Thunderbolt vs FireWire 端口(USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0 vs eSATA vs Thunderbolt vs FireWire ports)能够让您更深入地了解笔记本电脑和台式电脑上的各种端口。
USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0 vs eSATA vs Thunderbolt vs FireWire ports
Whether it be your laptop or desktop computer, each comes equipped with a number of ports. All of these ports have varying ѕhapes & sizes and fulfil a different and very specific purpose. USB 2.0, USB 3.0, eSATA, Thunderbolt, Firewіre, and Ethernet ports are some of the different types of ports present on the latest generation laptops. Some ports work bеst for connecting an external hard drive, while others help in fаster chargіng. Few pack the power to support a 4K monitor display whilе others may not hаve power capabilities at all. In thіs article, we’ll tаlk about the different types of ports, their speed, and how they are used.
Most of these ports were originally built for only one purpose – Data Transfer. It is a routine process that happens day in and day out. To increase the transfer speeds and avoid any possible problems such as data loss or corruption, different data transfer ports have been made. A few of the most popular ones are USB ports, eSATA, Thunderbolt, and FireWire. Just connecting the right device to the right port can exponentially reduce the time and energy spent in transferring data.
What is the difference between USB 2.0, USB 3.0, eSATA, Thunderbolt, and FireWire ports?
This article dives into the specifications of various connection ports and will help you figure out the best possible configuration.
#1. USB 2.0
Released in April 2000, USB 2.0 is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard port that is found in abundance in most PCs and Laptops. The USB 2.0 port has pretty much become the standard type of connection, and nearly all devices have one (some even have multiple USB 2.0 ports). You can physically identify these ports on your device through their white insides.
Using USB 2.0, you can transfer data at the speed of 480mbps (megabits per second), which is roughly about 60MBps (megabytes per second).
USB 2.0 can easily support low-bandwidth devices like keyboards and microphones, as well as high-bandwidth devices without shedding a sweat. These include high-resolution webcams, printers, scanners, and other high-capacity storage systems.
#2. USB 3.0
Launched in 2008, USB 3.0 ports revolutionized data transfer as they could move up to 5 Gb of data in a single second. It is universally loved for being around 10 times faster than its predecessor (USB 2.0) while possessing the same shape and form factor. They can easily be identified by their distinct blue insides. It should be the preferred port for transferring a large amount of data like high-definition footage or backing up data in an external hard drive.
The universal appeal of the USB 3.0 ports has also led to a decline in its price, making it the most cost-effective port so far. It is widely loved for its backward compatibility too, as it allows you to connect a USB 2.0 device on your USB 3.0 hub, although this will take a toll on the transfer speed.
But more recently, USB 3.1 and 3.2 SuperSpeed + ports have taken the spotlight away from USB 3.0. These ports, theoretically, in a second, can transmit 10 and 20 GB of data respectively.
USB 2.0 and 3.0 can be found in two different shapes. The more commonly found in the USB standard type A while the other USB type B is only occasionally found.
#3. USB Type-A
The USB Type-A connectors are the most recognizable due to their flat and rectangular shape. They are the most commonly used connectors in the world, found in almost every laptop or computer model. Many TVs, other media players, gaming systems, home audio/video receivers, car stereo, and other devices prefer this type of port as well.
#4. USB Type-B
Also known as USB Standard B connectors, it is recognized by its squarish shape and slightly bevelled corners. This style is usually reserved for connection to peripheral devices like printers and scanners.
#5. eSATA port
‘eSATA’ stands for an external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment port. It is a robust SATA connector, intended for connecting external hard drives and SSDs to a system while the regular SATA connectors are used to link an internal hard drive to a computer. Most motherboards are connected to the system via the SATA interface.
eSATA ports allow transfer speeds up to 3 Gbps from the computer to other peripheral devices.
With the creation of USB 3.0, eSATA ports may feel obsolete, but the opposite is true in the corporate environment. They have risen to popularity as IT managers can easily provide external storage through this port instead of using USB ports, as usually they are locked down for security reasons.
The main disadvantage of eSATA over USB is its inability to supply power to external devices. But this can be fixed with eSATAp connectors introduced back in 2009. It uses backward compatibility to supply power.
On notebooks, eSATAp usually supplies only 5 Volts of power to a 2.5-inch HDD/SSD. But on a desktop, it can additionally supply up to 12 Volts to larger devices like a 3.5-inch HDD/SSD or a 5.25-inch optical drive.
#6. Thunderbolt Ports
Developed by Intel, Thunderbolt ports are one of the newest connection types that are taking over. In the beginning, it was a pretty niche standard, but lately, they have found a home in ultra-thin laptops and other high-end devices. This high-speed connection is a huge upgrade over any other standard connection port as it delivers twice as much data through a single tiny channel. It combines Mini DisplayPort and PCI Express into a single new serial data interface. Thunderbolt ports also allow the combination of up to six peripheral devices (like storage devices and monitors) to be daisy-chained together.
Thunderbolt connections leave USB and eSATA in the dust when we talk about data transmission speed as they can transfer around 40 GB of data in a second. These cables seem expensive at first, but if you need to power a 4K display while transferring enormous quantities of data, thunderbolt is your new best friend. USB and FireWire peripherals can also be connected via Thunderbolt as long as you have the proper adapter.
#7. Thunderbolt 1
Introduced in 2011, Thunderbolt 1 used a Mini DisplayPort Connector. The original Thunderbolt implementations had two different channels, each capable of 10Gbps of transfer speed, which resulted in a combined unidirectional bandwidth of 20 Gbps.
#8. Thunderbolt 2
Thunderbolt 2 is the second generation of connection type that uses a link aggregation method to combine the two 10 Gbit/s channels into a single bidirectional 20 Gbit/s channel, doubling the bandwidth in the process. Here, the amount of data that can be transmitted hasn’t increased, but the output through a single channel has doubled. Through this, a single connector can power a 4K display or any other storage device.
#9. Thunderbolt 3 (C Type)
Thunderbolt 3 offers a state of the art speed and versatility with its USB C type connector.
It has two physical 20 Gbps bi-directional channels, combined as one logical bi-directional channel doubling the bandwidth to 40 Gbps. It uses protocol 4 x PCI express 3.0, HDMI-2, DisplayPort 1.2, and USB 3.1 Gen-2 to deliver twice the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 2. It streamlined data transfer, charging, and video output in a single thin and compact connector.
Intel’s design team claims that most of their PC designs in the present, as well as the future, will support Thunderbolt 3 ports. The C Type ports have found their home in the new Macbook line too. It could potentially be the clear winner as it is powerful enough to render all other ports useless.
#10. FireWire
Officially known as the ‘IEEE 1394’, FireWire ports were developed by Apple in the late 1980s to the early 1990s. Today, they have found their place in printers and scanners, as they are perfect for transferring digital files like pictures and videos. They are also a popular choice to link audio and video equipment to each other and quickly share information. Its ability to connect to around 63 devices at once in a daisy chain configuration is its greatest advantage. It stands out due to its ability to alternate between different speeds, as it can let the peripherals function at their own speed.
The latest version of FireWire can allow data to transfer at the speed of 800 Mbps. But in the near future, this number is expected to jump to the speed of 3.2 Gbps when the manufacturers overhaul the current wire. FireWire is a peer-to-peer connector, meaning that if two cameras are connected to each other, they can directly communicate without the need of a computer to decode the information. This is the opposite of USB connections which must be connected to a computer in order to communicate. But these connectors are more expensive than USB to maintain. Hence, it has been replaced by USB in most scenarios.
#11. Ethernet
Ethernet stands up when compared to the rest of the data transfer ports mentioned in this article. It distinguishes itself through its shape and use. Ethernet technology is most commonly used in wired Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WAN) as well as Metropolitan Network (MAN) as it enables the devices to communicate with each other through a protocol.
LAN, as you might know, is a network of computers and other electronic devices that cover a small area like a room or an office space, while WAN, as its name suggests, covers a much larger geographical area. MAN can interconnect computer systems that lie within a metropolitan area. Ethernet is actually the protocol that controls the data transmission process, and its cables are ones that physically bind the network together.
They are physically very strong and durable as they are meant to effectively and efficiently carry signals over long distances. But the cables also have to be short enough that devices at the opposite ends can receive each other’s signals clearly and with minimal delay; as the signal can weaken over long distances or be interrupted by neighbouring devices. If too many devices are attached to a single shared signal, the conflict for the medium will exponentially increase.
| |
USB 2.0 |
USB 3.0 |
eSATA |
Thunderbolt |
FireWire |
Ethernet |
| Speed |
480Mbps |
5Gbps
(10 Gbps for USB 3.1 and 20 Gbps for
USB 3.2 )
|
Between 3 Gbps and 6 Gbps |
20 Gbps
(40 Gbps for Thunderbolt 3)
|
Between 3 and 6 Gbps |
Between 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps |
| Price |
Reasonable |
Reasonable |
Higher than USB |
Expensive |
Reasonable |
Reasonable |
Note:
We hope this article USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0 vs eSATA vs Thunderbolt vs FireWire ports was able to provide you with a deeper understanding of the various ports one finds on laptops & desktop computers.
