USB-HID
HID = Human Input Device ; output emulated like a keyboard.
The data is entered at the point of the cursor or current focus (in a form).
Language and keyboard selection need to match between scanner and host!

USB-VCP
VCP = Virtual Comm Port ; output is send to the assigned comm port.
Uses a device specific driver, provided by the manufacturer of the device.
For each device type this driver should be installed prior to using the device.

USB-CDC
CDC = Communications Device Class ; output is send to the assigned comm port.
Uses the generic available base class driver of the Operating System. An advantage is that this driver is always available, a downside could be that not all functionality of the device is supported.

USB-MSD
MSD = Mass Storage Device ; emulates storage like an USB-stick.
Plugging in the device in this mode makes the devices' internal storage directly accessible from your host.
In general in Windows you will see a pop-up/notification of a drive letter that has been mounted.

USB-OTG
OTG = On The Go ; enables the USB port to act as a host on PDA's/smartphones and tablets, allowing input from a keyboard.
The data is entered at the point of the cursor or current focus (in a form).
Language and keyboard selection need to match between scanner and host!

ETHERNET
Wired Ethernet connection via DHCP or Fixed IP.

ActiveSync
Communication through Microsoft ActiveSync.

RS232
Communication through the wired direct RS232 protocol.

Wedge
Old style PS/2 connections for keyboard/mouse communication.

Physical connections:

USB type connections (most common):

subD9 type serial/RS232C connections:

RJ45 type serial/RS232C connection:

RJ45 type ethernet connection: