The most recent USB4 technology is capable of 40Gbps. In fact, USB has advanced significantly since the 12Mbps era in the 1990s. Since data transfer rates have dramatically increased, we are now able to use powerful configurations with high-resolution monitors and fast external storage.
And now, thanks to the upcoming USB4 version 2.0, we could expect even greater performance, possibly even double the speed of Thunderbolt 4 and USB4.
It Can Deliver Performance Up to 80Gbps
The next USB version has been pre-announced by the USB Promoter Group. For the first time, USB4 unites the USB and Intel Thunderbolt protocols, increasing USB's functionality while further segmenting the technology into various performance classes, according to Ars Technica.
USB4 is by far the most advanced USB generation because of features like dynamic bandwidth allotment.
Although USB4 version 2.0's technical specifications are still being worked out, some of the key features include the previously mentioned support for 80Gbps, type-c connectors, backwards compatibility with earlier USB and Thunderbolt 3 standards, and support for the most recent DisplayPort and PCIe specifications.
Per PC Gamer, the suggestion that the new specification will enable USB 3.2 devices to potentially exceed 20Gbps is even more intriguing. It is unknown exactly how this will be done at this time.
More Details Will Be Announced Soon
The ability to support up to 80Gbps transfer speeds on existing 40Gbps USB cables is a welcome development, meaning a high-quality 40Gbps USB connection should continue to function flawlessly for many years to come.
A naming method has not been decided upon by the USB developers. The name USB 4.0 Version 2.0 is merely a placeholder.
Regardless of names, adopting faster USB connections can only be positive. The capacity to transfer large amounts of data at faster rates will undoubtedly be appreciated in my home as external SSDs become popular.
In November, there will be two USB developer days where further technical information will be made available.
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Previous USB Generations
Ars Technica noted that the USB-C connector is used by all USB4 products, but not all USB-C ports and cables support the USB4 protocol.
USB4 is capable of supporting Thunderbolt 3 and 4 and is compatible with USB 2.0 and 3.2. Keep in mind that you will receive the lowest data transfer rate that is offered. For instance, you can anticipate the cable to operate at 5Gbps if you insert a USB4 40Gbps cable into a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port on your laptop.
The ability to operate at 40Gbps sets USB4 apart from USB 3.2; nonetheless, it is optional to use that maximum potential transmission rate. Similar to USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB4 demands at least 20Gbps.
Additionally, USB4 adds the capability of using multiple data and display protocols at once and allotting the total bandwidth available in accordance with demand.
A pair of bidirectional cable lanes allow USB4 to handle 40Gbps speeds in addition to the 20Gbps it is required to operate at.
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