If you’re setting up a new computer or entertainment center, you might be wondering how long the USB cable can be. Here’s everything you need to know about maximum USB cable lengths.
How long are USB cables?
The maximum length of a USB cable depends on which USB standard it is designed for and whether it is an active or passive cable (unlike passive ones, active ones have electronic circuitry to amplify the signal). Here are the maximum passive cable lengths depending on the version of USB it is designed for:
- USB 1.1: 5 meters
- USB 2.0: 5 meters
- USB 3.0: 2-3 meters
- USB 3.1: 3 meters
- USB 3.2: 3 meters
- USB 4: 0.8 meters
Please note that the connector type, such as USB-A or USB-C, does not always indicate the version or the maximum length of the cable.
In addition, many manufacturers claim to make cables capable of working with different USB standards, but this does not mean that they really do. Be very wary of cheap cables that claim to be high-speed and look for reliable manufacturers with good reviews.
Why do USB cables have a maximum length?
As previously mentioned, there are two types of USB cables: active and passive. In addition, factors such as the thickness of the metal conductors in the cable must also be taken into account. Things get more complicated if you’re using USB to send DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt, or other kinds of signals.
Passive USB cables, as the name suggests, are just metal conductors without any special circuitry inside. This means that they do not amplify any signals. As a result, the signals sent out will weaken as they progress. As a result, you may experience slower speeds and data loss if the cable is too long. Cable thickness also affects the signal, so thin cables can have a bad effect on signal quality.
If you combine these factors, i.e. use long and thin cables, you will experience signal degradation and the possibility of losing data. Another problem is noise from other electronic devices. Very long cables can increase the chances that noise will overwhelm data signals. In addition, there are more high-tech problems, such as jitter in the digital data signal, also called jitter.
Active cables, on the other hand, have chips inside to amplify the signals. This means that these stronger signals can propagate without degradation. However, such cables are more expensive than passive cables. The maximum length of active cables varies depending on the manufacturer and their amplification methods. Sometimes active cables can be supplied with an external power supply for this purpose.
Is there a safe way to go beyond the maximum USB cable length?
If you are using an active cable, you can typically extend a USB 2.0 cable up to 30 meters, while USB 3.0, 3.1, and 3.2 cables can reach 18 meters. At the time of writing, active USB 4 cables are still being introduced, so they are currently around 3 meters.
Another option is to use a USB hub. It functions as an active cable so you can plug the hub into a USB port and then attach long cables to the hub itself. This also means that hubs have the same length restrictions as active cables. Also, you can connect up to five hubs in a daisy chain to most computers, because the electricity needed to run them is taken from the computer’s USB port, which imposes such a limitation.
If 30 meters is too little for you, then there are more options. For example, using a USB to Ethernet adapter. This includes obtaining such an adapter and sometimes software to set it up. If you set everything up correctly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, USB-Ethernet will allow you to connect at a distance of about 100 meters and even more. Be sure to read the fine print on USB to Ethernet adapters because some are compatible with certain USB versions and may not reach the theoretical maximum length.
You can also use a fiber optic USB adapter. Like a USB to Ethernet adapter, it converts a USB connection into another form, in this case fiber optic. This allows you to lay cables up to 250 meters or more. As with USB-Ethernet, conversion specifications will vary depending on the adapter chosen and how it works. Also, this option introduces the nuances of fiber optic cables, which is another complex topic.
Frequently Asked Questions about the maximum USB cable length
What happens if I exceed the maximum passive cable length?
If you exceed the recommended maximum passive cable length, you may experience slow speeds, data loss, and other performance issues.
Will gold-plated conductors or other such features help increase cable length?
No. Such bells and whistles will not help you increase the length of the cable. For passive cables, thicker conductors may help a little, but the maximum cable length depends on the length that won’t cause slowdowns or data loss.
Source: Android Authority
Source: Trash Box
Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.
