The Future of USB Connection.
- crossportweb
- Apr 17, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: May 7, 2022
USB4 is the next generation of standards for USB and will pose as the fastest in the competition of connection cables, while maintaining the relevancy if the USB-C connector. It is expected to be the connector for lightning fast data transfers, displaying the best quality to screens, connecting devices together, and charging capabilities.

Introducing USB4
USB4 builds on the characteristics of USB 3.2 by keeping the USB-C end, while setting a standard 20Gbps throughput minimum with a potential to double that speed. Thunderbolt standards are improved with the tunneling of DisplayPort and PCIExpress compatibilities to provide higher resolution to screens and allowing USB Power Delivery. It is the cable to dominate the competition by offering the same features with enhanced performance for current USB users.
What's so Special About it?
All while being a better alternative to Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4, USB4 offers too many benefits to simply ignore.
Data transfer rates are set to a minimum of 20Gbps which is comparable to USB 3.2, but is only limited to the device that is connected to it; if devices allow, 40Gbps throughput is achievable.
Along with this bandwidth capacity comes the ability to support DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0, allowing for 8k resolution output at 60Hz with HDR10 color.
But did you know you can efficiently do two in one? USB4 allows maximum available bandwidth for data transfer all while streaming 4k resolution flawlessly.
And don't forget the 100W power delivery to fast charge devices and maintain power for phones, tablets, laptops and more.
Design was intended for the backwards compatibility with previous generation USB cables, although needing USB-A to USB-C convertors for USB 1 and USB 2 devices to work.

USB4 vs USB3
USB4 already beats its younger predecessor in both maximum and minimum potential. 5Gbps just doesn't cut it anymore and we need a more modern minimum of at least 10Gbps which more devices will continue to implement and allow in the future.
Compatibility and versatility play a role in this as technology will be encouraged to adapt to USB-C as the standard, overall better port.
USB3 can offer 4k resolution output all while sacrificing bandwidth, while USB4 can produce both 8k and 60Hz without letting transfer speeds suffer.
Conclusion
Offering greater performance while carrying over previous features; I think we know who the clear winner here is. A simpler solution in handling today's device problems, this one cable will allow for less cables and chargers in your house overall.
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