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I note that USB cable and Ethernet cable (RJ45/Cat5/...) have the same function : to transmit data as fast as possible over a wire or a port that we can connect and disconnect. In their evolution they both try to maximize throughput in bit/second (for exemple 5Gbit/s for USB3 and 10Gbit/s for Giga Ethernet)

Why are the engineering forces splitted between these 2 ways of transmiting data over wires ? Why don't every protocol share the same support and connector type, possibly the one with the best performances ?

Malkio
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1 Answers1

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The answer is backwards compatibility and usage.

Registered Jacks (RJ) was created back in 1976 for telephone and communication use. Telecommunication wiring hasnt changed much over the years. The infrastructure is so ingrained and universal, changing it would be a massive and expensive undertaking.

USB was invented in 1999, specifically for computer peripheral use to unify connectors. Since computers are easily modifiable, connectors can and have easily changed over the years. There are currently 5 standard USB connectors: Typa A, Type B, Mini-B, Micro-A, and Micro-B. There are numerous non-standard USB connectors for devices like phone chargers as well. On top of that, USB 3.1 will introduce a new connector (similar to Apple's Lightning connector.

Is it possible to use one connector? Yes, but there are always limitations, being cost, the laws of physics, and practicality.

Keltari
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