A technician is connecting a high-performance external NVMe storage array to a workstation to handle raw 8K video editing. The workstation motherboard features a USB Type-C interface marked with a lightning bolt icon. The technician connects the storage array using a standard USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-C) passive cable. Although the array functions correctly, data transfer rates peak at 5 Gbps rather than the array's advertised 40 Gbps throughput. Which of the following best explains the reason for this performance limit?
- The cable used is rated only for USB 3.2 Gen 1 data rates and lacks the high-speed signaling capability required for Thunderbolt throughput.Answer
- BThe lightning bolt icon indicates that the USB Type-C port is dedicated strictly to power delivery (USB-PD) and cannot carry PCI Express data signals.
- CUSB Type-C connectors must be flipped 180 degrees upon insertion to activate secondary high-frequency lanes necessary for 40 Gbps transmission.
- DExternal storage devices operating over 10 Gbps require an unshielded twisted-pair Ethernet connection using RJ45 connectors instead of USB interfaces.
Answer
The cable used is rated only for USB 3.2 Gen 1 data rates and lacks the high-speed signaling capability required for Thunderbolt throughput.
While the physical port on the workstation supports Thunderbolt (indicated by the lightning bolt symbol) and the storage array supports 40 Gbps, the cable inserted is only rated for USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps). Data links negotiate parameters based on the lowest-rated component in the connection path; therefore, a standard USB 3.2 Gen 1 cable limits transfer speeds to 5 Gbps.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Distinguishing physical USB Type-C connectors from protocol capabilities and cable category throughput ratings.
Estimated Time:2m 0s