AVIXA Recognized AV Technologist Test

Which of the following is a key attribute of USB ports?

1. Works with optical repeaters

2. Allows for very long cables

3. Replaces serial and parallel ports

4. Can be used for connecting video to displays

The correct answer is: Replaces serial and parallel ports

The key attribute of USB ports being the replacement of serial and parallel ports highlights their significance in modern technology. USB (Universal Serial Bus) was designed to simplify and standardize the way peripheral devices communicate with computers. In contrast to the older serial and parallel connections, which were limited in terms of speed, the USB interface supports higher data transfer rates and can connect a wide variety of devices, from keyboards and mice to printers and external storage devices. USB ports have become the preferred interface due to their versatility and ease of use. They can connect multiple types of peripherals while requiring less physical setup than their predecessors. This transition has also facilitated the movement towards plug-and-play capabilities, allowing devices to be connected and recognized by the system without the need for complex configurations, which wasn't typically possible with serial or parallel connections. The other options do not represent core attributes of USB ports. For instance, USB cables have limitations in length compared to other technologies, and while USB can support video transmission through specific profiles (like USB-C), it is primarily designed for data and power transfer rather than exclusively for video connections.