USB images

Type A and Type B

All USB hosts and devices have sockets, and all USB cables have plugs at both ends. The sockets on a host are Type A, and the sockets on peripheral devices are Type B or Mini-B (see below). Hubs have both Type A and Type B sockets because they function as a host to their devices as well as a device to the computer.

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USB Plugs and Sockets

Type B sockets are on printers and external devices such as disk drives, while Mini-B sockets are on PDAs, cameras and other portables. The two versions of Mini-B are distinguishable by their outer shells. Mini-A is the small counterpart of Type A, but not widely used.

Sockets on a Hub

This Belkin hub, which plugs into a wall outlet for power, is connected to the computer by a Mini-B/Type A cable. It provides four Type A ports for peripherals, netting out to only three extra, because one Type A port on the computer is used to connect the hub.

USB-based Land Warrior

Not your ordinary computer, the Land Warrior is a body-worn system that uses USB as its "personal network." Developed by Pacific Consultants, its USB controller was created by TransDimension. (Image courtesy of the U.S. Department of Defense.)