General Articles

Where computer hardware, industry history, engineering experience, and personal observations connect.

Ethernet - a short history

Myles KelvinGeneral
Ethernet Explained: The Technology That Built Modern Networking Few technologies have shaped modern computing more profoundly than Ethernet. From the earliest local area networks at Xerox PARC in the 1970s to today’s multi-hundred-gigabit hyperscale data centers, Ethernet has evolved from a simple shared coaxial cable into the dominant wired networking technology on Earth. Ethernet now powers nearly every major category of digital infrastructure: Enterprise networks Data centers Industrial autom

Should I Wait for PCIe Gen 6 SSDs?

Myles KelvinGeneral
When it comes to technology, the promise of something better is always just around the corner. In the world of storage, that next big leap is PCIe Gen 6 SSDs. With speeds projected to double that of PCIe Gen 5, it’s hard not to wonder: should you hold out for PCIe Gen 6, or is now the time to invest in current-generation SSDs? Let’s break it down. What Is PCIe Gen 6? PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is the high-speed interface that allows your SSD, GPU, and other peripherals to c

USB - A brief History - introducing USB4

Myles KelvinGeneral
Before we plunge into the realm of USB4, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. USB, or Universal Serial Bus, has been the backbone of peripheral connectivity for over two decades. From humble beginnings with USB 1.0 to the lightning-fast speeds of USB 3.2, this ubiquitous interface has evolved to meet the ever-growing demands of modern computing. USB (with an "A" connector) USB 1.0, the groundbreaking interface that revolutionized connectivity! USB 1.0, standing for Universal Serial Bus, bro

About the COTS Computers Blog

Find technical explanations, historical context, and practical examples related to rugged and portable computing.

The blog covers portable computers, rugged workstations, deployable servers, storage, expansion hardware, displays, networking, USB, PCIe, and the history of personal computing.

It is intended for engineers, technical buyers, procurement professionals, field teams, and anyone researching how portable and rugged computer systems work. 

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