Why there is the maximum length of the USB cable?
You may not know deeply what is a USB. Most communication protocols for transferring data between computers and other devices use duplex. When a USB host sends a data "packet" to a device connected over a USB cable, it waits for a response before sending the next packet. If no result is received, it is sent again.
The timing is obviously decisive. The usb computer transported data packets and responses less time as the data speed increased. The further the transmission of the signal takes place, the greater the risk of a so-called "late impact", so that shorter cables are often required for a longer transmission.
The 2.0 specification limits the length of a cable between USB 2.0 devices to16 feet. In other words, you cannot just connect a bunch of extension cables together and run them 30 feet to another room. However, you can connect a 6 foot cable with a 10 foot extension cable for a total of 16 feet, which is below the maximum cable length for USB 2.0.
USB 3.0 Max Cable LengthThe 3.0/3.1 specification does not specify a maximum cable length between USB 3.0/3.1 devices , but there is a recommended length of 9 feet. However, the biggest limitation to the length of the cable depends on the quality of the cable. with a high quality cable you should be able to go beyond 9 feet. To ensure you achieve the best results possible, use an active cable when going more than 10 feet.
|
USB Specification |
Max. Data Transfer Rate |
Recommended Cable Length |
|
|
USB 1.0 (Full Speed) |
12 Mb/s |
3 m (9 ft.) |
|
|
USB 2.0 (High Speed) |
480 Mb/s |
5 m (16 ft.) |
|
|
USB 3.0 Gen 1 |
5 Gb/s |
2-3 m (6-9 ft.) |
|
|
USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
10 Gb/s |
3 m (9 ft.) |
Here are two ways to extend USB cable lengths without losing signal strength or quality.
Active cables include circuits, usually at the receiving end, that re-generate the signal, allowing data to be transmitted over longer distances.Active cables are usually "bus-powered", but longer cables can choose an external AC adapter or USB-A connector to ensure that the signal boosters have sufficient power.
A passive cable is a simple cable assembly with a USB connector at each end. buying a good quality cable with thicker gauge copper conductors and better shielding will allow you to modestly extend signal transmission beyond the recommended maximum distance.
