In the modern world of digital technologies, their structure is based on the transfer of information between nodes and objects of a particular network. The reliability of the protocols and methods used in this case depends on how the technology is implemented. In particular, it is assigned to the data transmission interfaces.
What it is?
As follows from the official definition, the data transfer interface is a certain boundary between two objects or nodes that are governed by a particular accepted standard and are implemented using established methods, tools and rules.
In simple terms, this is a kind of adapter between nodes that knows how to transfer data, what to use and what to expect in return.
The main types of data transfer interfaces
One of the varieties was encountered by every computer user. This is an Ethernet data interface . Its primary purpose is communication between office devices. To implement the first connections, a linear topology was used, as well as a simple coaxial cable. Today, this approach is outdated. And now the star topology is the cornerstone of networks, implemented and divided into parts by routers and switches. In industrial networks, information can be sent via the Ethernet data interface at speeds of 10, 100 Mbit / s, and less often 1 Gbit / s. This performance is guaranteed by a transmission medium such as twisted pair or optical fiber.
One of the features of the interface is the presence of a mandatory MAC address, which is “sewn” into the hardware of the equipment. Using it, the recognition of the node that sent and received data occurs. In fact, each address must be unique. For this, device developers share a common set of values. Three high-order bytes in the MAC address are assigned to their manufacturer.
It is worth noting that when registering a MAC, this happens once during the initialization of network equipment. Further storage falls on the shoulders of the operating system. And this means that the address can be changed at any time.
USB
Another common serial communication interface is the Universal Serial Bus. Almost every modern device is equipped with one or another of its varieties, whether it be a microversion or a mini.
Its main feature is the use of Plug and Play technology. This means that any USB device can be connected and started working, in most cases avoiding installing various drivers.
Also bringing in a number of different connectors and standards to one common view is a special one. Now you can connect joysticks, mice, keyboards, hard drives, printers and much more equipment to the computer using one universal connector.
It is worth noting another plus of USB - power supply on one of the contacts. This allowed the connection of external hard drives and similar devices.
HDMI
This is also a data transfer interface that allows you to transfer media. Unlike the outdated VGA, it can work not only with video, but also with sound. This standard has high bandwidth. Therefore, it is used to broadcast high-definition video. By the way, the acronym HDMI is decrypted just like that - High Definition Multimedia Interface. What does the high definition multimedia interface mean?
IrDA
The article would not be complete without a description of the data transfer interfaces allowing this to be done wirelessly. And probably, IrDA is a pioneer among them.
Perhaps it’s morally and technically outdated, but it is still found on a variety of archaic devices. Its task is to connect two devices with IrDA using infrared radiation. The limitations of the standard do not allow its use over long distances. Therefore, to transfer data, for example, between two phones, it was necessary to keep them at a close distance from each other. The transmission speed was very low and ranged from 2400 to 115,200 bps.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth has replaced the infrared port and is actively used in many devices to create a connection between them. These are computer mice, phones, laptops and many other devices.
The range of the interface is officially announced at 100 meters. However, in practice, the presence of noise and various obstacles in the form of walls narrow the distance to about 10 meters. The average data transfer speed via Bluetooth is no more than 3 Mbps.
Wifi
Probably there is no such person who would not hear about this data transfer interface, which allows transmitting information at high speeds and at convenient distances.
The main advantage of the standard is a wireless connection. And this is a significant savings in both space and money costs for cables and infrastructure.
The ubiquity of Wi-Fi has led to the fact that even light bulbs come with it today. That is, the interface has become one of the most popular. Everyone faces it when buying a new device, whether it is a TV, smartphone or laptop.
Wi-Fi specifications are constantly improving. Theoretically, under ideal conditions, it can transmit data at speeds up to 7 Gb / s. The average on ordinary household devices varies from 450 to 1300 Mbit / s when using multiple antennas.
Cons Wi-Fi
Despite the many advantages, the interface also has disadvantages. For example, most devices are capable of operating at 2.4 GHz. However, many means of wireless data transmission, as well as some household appliances also have this indicator. And this significantly affects the quality of data transfer, which, in turn, affects the speed. However, in the latest models of devices this problem has already been solved by adding an additional operating frequency of 5 GHz.
In Russia, there are minor problems with the installation of Wi-Fi adapters, the electromagnetic radiation index of which exceeds 100 mW, since it is necessary to register them.