5m usb cable - do I need an active cable

Latest Articles

Author

Message

JB

Joined: 08 Jun 2005
Posts: 7757
Location: 91° N

Posted: Mon Apr 22, 13 4:19 pm Post subject: 5m usb cable - do I need an active cable
Exactly as it says. Ultimately I'd like 20m cables on the video, keyboard and mouse but 5 will do for now. But at that length do I need active cables?

vegplot

Joined: 19 Apr 2007
Posts: 21298
Location: Ynys Môn

Posted: Mon Apr 22, 13 4:23 pm Post subject:
You may not be be okay with 5 metres. 5 metres for full speed devices and 3 metres for any low speed devices (unpowered).

stumbling goat

Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 1989

Posted: Mon Apr 22, 13 4:55 pm Post subject:
I can not answer the specific question. However, when I tried using an extension cable to link my printer to my PC it did not work. I Googled the issue and found that over a certain length extension USB cables will not work. Having gone to wireless and Bluetooth I no longer have the problem. Is this not an option for your situation? sg

Barefoot Andrew
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 21 Mar 2007
Posts: 22780
Location: In the 17th century

Posted: Tue Apr 23, 13 7:57 am Post subject:
I routinely use 5m cables for various bits of unpowered kit. All works lovely except for one device, which has the odd tantrum every now again. No idea at which length active cables become a requirement, but my own experiences would suggest than anything more than 5m is pushing one's luck. A.

RichardW

Joined: 24 Aug 2006
Posts: 8443
Location: Llyn Peninsular North Wales

Posted: Tue Apr 23, 13 4:03 pm Post subject:
The max cable length will also be affected by which port you use. On newish laptops some ports still only supply the standard 500mA yet others will supply more & hence allow either more devices or longer cables. I think you can also get powered hubs that have a similar effect.

MarkS

Joined: 01 Aug 2006
Posts: 2626

Posted: Sun May 12, 13 8:32 pm Post subject:
I've used 4x 5m cables daisy chained without issues. (webcam on the end of chimney brushes to assist in removing the brush stuck in the chimney )

	Downsizer Forum Index -> IT Matters	All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1

View Latest Posts