480Mbps

480Mbps refers to a data transfer speed of 480 megabits per second. This speed is commonly associated with the USB 2.0 standard, also known as Hi-Speed USB. Introduced in 2000, USB 2.0 significantly increased the data transfer capabilities compared to its predecessor, USB 1.1, which offered speeds of only 12Mbps.

The 480Mbps theoretical maximum throughput of USB 2.0 allowed for faster data transfer between computers and various peripheral devices such as external hard drives, flash drives, digital cameras, and printers. While this speed was a substantial improvement, it is important to note that real-world performance often falls short of the theoretical maximum due to factors like device limitations, cable quality, and system overhead.

In the context of modern technology, 480Mbps is considered a relatively slow speed. Newer USB standards like USB 3.0 (now known as USB 3.2 Gen 1) offer speeds of 5Gbps, and subsequent versions have increased this even further. However, USB 2.0 and its 480Mbps speed remain prevalent in many devices due to its cost-effectiveness and compatibility with a wide range of peripherals. It is still sufficient for many everyday tasks, such as transferring documents, music, and standard-definition videos.