A question we are often asked is if there is a cable that will perform a particular function. The answer to this question depends less on the cable and more on the interfaces, or ports, of the devices. Compatibility of interfaces is the determining factor when choosing a cable. The most popular types of ports are network, I/O data, and video.
The first thing is to properly identify the interfaces or ports. The most common way ports are identified is visually. Most ports will have a symbol or a label near it. In some operating systems, it is possible to look up the available interfaces on the computer. It is important to know the interfaces on the device you are trying to connect, and the port you are connecting on the computer.
The second thing to know is the function of the port or interface. Just because something fits, doesn’t mean it’s going to work. You have to make sure the port or interface will support the function you are trying to achieve. For example a printer may have 2 USB ports, but they do not serve the same function. One USB port is a data port to connect the printer to the computer and the other USB port allows you to connect removable storage to print directly without a computer. They are both USB ports but function differently.
Some interfaces are mixed use and have multi-functions. For example, the new USB-C interface can be used for data, networking, sound, and video. This interface can be considered the Swiss Army Knife of interfaces. Also these interfaces are backwards compatible. This means new devices will work on older computers.
Finally, while there are cables that may allow devices to connect to one another, that does not guarantee it will perform the desired function. The communication between the devices has to be consistent. For example, a computer that outputs an analog video signal would not be able to communicate with a monitor that only accepts a digital input signal. Any cable can be created to fit, but function requires much more than a connection between devices (usually through some type of converter).
Ultimately, the choice of cables is dependent on the ports of the devices the customer wishes to connect and the compatibility of those ports. There are many ways to identify interfaces. We suggest taking pictures of the interfaces on the devices, so we can identify the proper cable visually.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Which cable do I need?
A question we are often asked is if there is a cable that will perform a particular function. The answer to this question depends less on the cable and more on the interfaces, or ports, of the devices. Compatibility of interfaces is the determining factor when choosing a cable. The most popular types of ports are network, I/O data, and video.
The first thing is to properly identify the interfaces or ports. The most common way ports are identified is visually. Most ports will have a symbol or a label near it. In some operating systems, it is possible to look up the available interfaces on the computer. It is important to know the interfaces on the device you are trying to connect, and the port you are connecting on the computer.
The second thing to know is the function of the port or interface. Just because something fits, doesn’t mean it’s going to work. You have to make sure the port or interface will support the function you are trying to achieve. For example a printer may have 2 USB ports, but they do not serve the same function. One USB port is a data port to connect the printer to the computer and the other USB port allows you to connect removable storage to print directly without a computer. They are both USB ports but function differently.
Some interfaces are mixed use and have multi-functions. For example, the new USB-C interface can be used for data, networking, sound, and video. This interface can be considered the Swiss Army Knife of interfaces. Also these interfaces are backwards compatible. This means new devices will work on older computers.
Finally, while there are cables that may allow devices to connect to one another, that does not guarantee it will perform the desired function. The communication between the devices has to be consistent. For example, a computer that outputs an analog video signal would not be able to communicate with a monitor that only accepts a digital input signal. Any cable can be created to fit, but function requires much more than a connection between devices (usually through some type of converter).
Ultimately, the choice of cables is dependent on the ports of the devices the customer wishes to connect and the compatibility of those ports. There are many ways to identify interfaces. We suggest taking pictures of the interfaces on the devices, so we can identify the proper cable visually.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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