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Understanding USB 3.1 : The Bridge to 10Gbps
USB 3.1 was a crucial stepping stone in the evolution of USB technology, introducing speeds far beyond the original USB 3.0 standard. Although much of the industry now focuses on the later USB 3.2 and 4 standards, understanding USB 3.1 is key to identifying the speed capability of many common devices and cables on the market today.
1. The Core Specifications of USB 3.1
The USB 3.1 standard introduced two main performance levels, using the "Gen" (Generation) naming convention:
| Specification Name | Previous Marketing Name | Data Transfer Rate | Connector Type |
| USB 3.1 Gen 1 | USB 3.0 (Renamed) | 5 Gbps | USB-A, USB-B, USB-C |
| USB 3.1 Gen 2 | SuperSpeed+ (New) | 10 Gbps | USB-A, USB-B, USB-C |
Key Takeaway: If a cable is advertised as "USB 3.1 Gen 2" or "10Gbps", it is capable of twice the speed of the older USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 standard.
2. The Power of USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
USB 3.1 Gen 2 enables significant performance improvements for common tasks:
Fast File Transfer: 10Gbps is fast enough to transfer a 20GB 4K movie file in about 16 seconds, making it ideal for moving large media libraries or editing directly from external solid-state drives (SSDs).
External Displays: While USB 3.1 primarily focuses on data, its higher bandwidth enables more complex docking solutions that combine peripherals, power, and high-resolution video streams through a single cable.
USB-C's Synergy: USB 3.1 Gen 2 reached its true potential when paired with the reversible USB-C connector, which supports the bandwidth required for these higher speeds.
3. Power and Display Capabilities
Cables rated for USB 3.1 Gen 2 commonly integrate the following features:
Power Delivery (PD): These cables often support early versions of the USB Power Delivery specification, commonly up to 60W or 100W, allowing them to rapidly charge laptops and tablets.
DisplayPort Alt Mode: Many USB 3.1 Gen 2 cables with USB-C connectors support DisplayPort Alternate Mode, enabling them to carry high-resolution video signals (like 4K resolution) to external monitors.
