Advantages of USB | disadvantages of USB interface

This page covers advantages and disadvantages of USB interface. It mentions USB advantages or benefits and USB disadvantages or drawbacks. It provides links on various topics on USB interface.

What is USB?

Introduction:
The USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is interface similar to RS232 and RS485 but supports higher data rates at various distances. USB port based memory storage devices are also available which support large amount of information and are portable.

Benefits or advantages of USB interface

Following are the benefits or advantages of USB interface:
➨USB connector is very simple and hence available in the computing devices such as desktop, laptop etc. USB hubs are available to increase the number of ports (if any).
➨It is very easy to install USB device and requires only OS (Operating System).
➨USB sockets are very small in size compare to RS232 and other parallel interfaces.
➨External power is not needed.
➨USB supports different data rates from 1.5 Mbps to 5 Gbps with different distances.
➨USB protocol notifies transmitter to retransmit the data in case of errors. The USB driver makes sure that error-free communication takes place.
➨USB interface based devices, components, cables and connectors are available at low cost very easily.
➨USB devices operate on +5V and draw current in mA range.

Drawbacks or disadvantages of USB interface

Following are the disadvantages of USB interface:
➨Though the speed supported is higher in latest USB variants of USB V3 and V4, it is lower compare to gigabit ethernet and Firewire interfaces.
➨USB supports peer to peer communication. In this type of interface, communication takes place between host and peripheral and not between two hosts (or peripherals). Using OTG (On the Go) version of USB, this issue is avoided. In OTG device can function both as peripheral and host.
➨USB standards support cables with length upto 5 meters. Beyond this, USB hubs are required to expand connectivity.
➨Broadcasting is not possible in USB and communication of messages take place between host and peripheral only.



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