USB is a serial bus standard interface used for communication between different devices.
History:
USB was created by USB-Implementers Forum ( USB-IF ) in 1996.
Compaq, Digital Equipment Corporation ( DEC ), IBM, Intel, Microsoft and NEC, joined later by HP, Lucent and Philips got together and designed USB.
Why USB?
The USB was created out of a need for universal communication between devices.
Before the USB every new computer device needed a different serial port.
USB versions:
USB 1.1: Full speed USB with maximum transfer rate of 12 mbps.
USB 2.0: High speed USB with maximum transfer rate of 480 mbps.
USB 3.0: Super speed USB with maximum transfer rate of 5 gbps.
USB 3.1: Super speed+ with maximum transfer rate of 10 gbps.
Applications:
Used to connect hardware such as printers, scanners, keyboard, mouse, flash drives etc..to computers of all kinds.
Many portable devices like smartphones, tablets, ebook readers use USB primarily for charging.
Used to transfer data between the computer and USB storage devices like flash drives, external drives etc..and smartphones, camera and other USB devices.
Advantages:
Universal design. One fits all.
Very simple and easy to install and use.
Power efficient.
USB cables and connectors are cost effective.
It has true plug and play nature.
Disadvantages:
Do not support broadcasting.
Speed is less compared to ethernet and other interfaces.
