USB hub – the unsung hero

What is a USB Hub?  According to Wikipedia: "A USB hub is a device that expands a single USB port into several so that there are more ports available to connect devices to a host system."

There are also different USB standards for hubs and adapters: USB 1.0, 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0. When it comes to differentiating between the standards there are several differences but we'll focus on the speeds in this instance:

• USB 1.0 and 1.1: supports a maximum data rate of up to 12 Mbps
• USB 2.0: supports a much faster theoretical maximum rate of up to 480 Mbps
• USB 3.0: supports transmission speeds up to 5 Gbps

Essentially the latest standard USB 3.0, also known as SuperSpeed, is up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0.

If you have a newer laptop or computer it probably has USB 3.0 ports.  Older computers may have USB 1.1 or 2.0 ports – which look the same - and are backward compatible with USB 3.0.  That means that any USB standard will work in the port but will downgrade to the standard that the port supports.

Computers and laptops are commonly equipped with 1 or 2 USB ports.  However as more peripheral devices are developed for USB, such as keyboards, mice, storage, printers, adapters, cameras, etc., the chances are that your USB ports will be used up.  That is where USB hubs come in handy.  You can find USB hubs in 3-port, 4-port, 8-port and even 12-port varieties.

Kanex 4-Port USB 3 Hub easily adds four SuperSpeed USB 3 ports to a Mac or PC and speeds up the way users can move data, movies and music between their computer and devices.  Kanex hub also has a unique feature by adding a charging USB port.  Port 1 of the hub includes a 2.1-amps power port so users can charge devices such as the iPad, smart phones, cameras and other mobile devices.  Users can charge an iPad even when a PC is not powered on or when the USB Hub is not connected to a PC.

Tell us what USB devices you are connecting to your PC and if you found that USB 3.0 speeds are fast enough for you.

Need help? Call KVMGalore at 1-800-636-3434 or submit your question.