220-1201 Mobile Devices Study Guide for the CompTIA A+ Core Series Exam

Connectivity and Accessories

Mobile devices are often compatible with a variety of peripheral accessories as well as multiple connectivity options. You should be able to differentiate between, compare, and contrast different connection methods and accessories.

Connection Methods

Connection methods vary by device but may include all of the same connection methods as desktop devices.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Types

USB is the most common type of connection and can be in any USB form factor, including USB-C, micro USB, or mini USB. You should be able to identify common USB connector form factors by sight.

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USB— The USB-A connector, often referred to as simply “USB,” is a highly common connection medium with nine pins that commonly offers speeds up to 10 Gbps.

USB-C—The USB-C is the latest iteration of the USB connector, offering increased data transfer speeds and increased power delivery. The USB-C has 24 pins and is symmetrical, allowing for connection not dependent on orientation.

micro USB—The micro USB is a smaller version of the USB connector and is directionally dependent. The micro USB offers data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps through five pins.

mini USB—The mini USB is larger than the micro USB, offering speeds up to 480 Mbps through four or, more commonly, five pins.

Lightning

A Lightning connection is an eight-pin connection device that is proprietary to Apple products and is used primarily on iPhones and iPads. Apple has eliminated the Lightning charger for newer iPhones and iPads, employing USB-C instead. Macs and MacBooks can also have Lightning ports for device charging.

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Near-Field Communication (NFC)

Near-field communication (NFC) is a wireless connection type that uses short-range wireless communication technology. It uses electromagnetic induction to transmit and receive data between connected devices, typically at no more than 10 centimeters apart. NFC is a common technology and is used in numerous applications, including wireless payments, data exchange, access management, and asset tagging.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless connection method that uses radio waves to create a connection between devices. It is primarily used for the connection of headsets, speakers, and input devices. Bluetooth has a limited range, most commonly 10 meters (approximately 33 feet).

Tethering/Hotspot

A hotspot is a wireless connection type that allows the connection to the internet through a wireless access point, typically used for public connection in places such as libraries and restaurants. Unlike NFC and Bluetooth, a hotspot has the ability to host multiple devices on a single access point and is most commonly accessible from a fixed device. Tethering is a wireless connection technology that allows an internet-connected device, most commonly a cellular phone, to share its internet connection with a connected device, essentially turning the mobile device into a hotspot.

Accessories

Accessories for mobile devices are numerous and include input/output tools, security devices, communication enablers, and mobile commerce endpoints.

Stylus

A touch pen, or stylus, is a pen-shaped accessory used as a writing implement or pointing device that acts as an input device allowing for freeform writing, drawing, or clicking. A stylus can be either passive or active. A passive stylus does not contain any electrical components and is compatible with any device that is finger-responsive. An active stylus contains electrical components that interact with a compatible digitizer, allowing for increased functionality, including pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, and palm detection, among others.

Headsets

A headset is an audio input/output device that typically uses a USB or audio jack for connection. Most laptops will automatically detect and configure a headset when it is connected to the mobile device.

Speakers

Speakers are audio output devices that typically connect via a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection, a USB connection, or an audio jack. They will usually configure automatically upon connection.

Webcam

A peripheral web camera can be connected to a mobile device via a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection or a USB port. It will typically configure automatically upon connection.

Docking Station

A docking station is a laptop peripheral that allows for the connection of a compatible laptop to an increased bank of expansion capabilities, including additional ports, full-sized drive bays, expansion bus slots, optical drives, and memory card slots.

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Port Replicator

A port replicator is a laptop peripheral device that allows a compatible laptop to connect to additional ports, such as the ones found on the mobile device itself, and can be used to connect a keyboard, mouse, or printer. The port replicator ensures the continual connection of these peripheral devices, which can be used when the mobile device is connected to the port replicator.

Track Accessories

A track accessory is a pointing device that allows for interface control, navigation, and manipulation.

trackpad— A trackpad is a pointer device primarily used for cursor control and interface navigation. A trackpad commonly offers only basic control functions and is finger-responsive.

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drawing pad—A drawing pad is a larger, more advanced input device that offers increased features such as pressure response, active stylus compatibility, programmable buttons, and higher resolution.

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trackpoints—A trackpoint is a small analog pointing device integrated into a keyboard that allows the user to manipulate the cursor without moving their hands from the typing position.

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