How to Extend A USB Cable?

Finding it difficult to connect your peripheral device to your computer? Is the length of the USB cable limiting the reach? Well, most USB cables available in the market come with a maximum length of 5 meters (for USB 2.0), and this small length often creates issues for connectivity.

In general, most USB cables, whether it is USB C, USB 3.2, or USB 1.0, they get an average maximum length of 3m. The limited length of the USB cable is due to maintaining efficient data transfer speed and power delivery.

So if you are wondering how to extend a USB cable, then you can easily do it by utilizing extension cables, USB hubs, extenders, wireless USB hubs, or network converters.

Before we move on to the method of extending a USB cable, first let’s check out how does a USB extension cable work.

How Does A USB Extension Work?

USB extension cables or hubs serve as a medium that helps you to extend the reach of a device up to 15m. Basically, the USB extension helps in boosting the signal in the duplex and reduces the chance of late collision when the distance increases.

The use of poor extension cable can reduce normal performance as the signal would lack the boost needed for traveling long distances. However, the efficiency of the data transfer and power delivery depends upon the extension cable or hub that is being used.

You just have to connect one end of the cable to the extension cable and then connect the male end to the device located far away. An extension cable mostly comes with single USB port support, but there are some extension cables that also support multiple USB ports.

Now, let’s start with the methods that will tell you how to extend a USB cable;

Extending Using A Passive USB Extension

The simplest and most straightforward way to extend your USB cable and help you connect a device located far away from your main device. A passive USB cable serves as the cheapest option, but it is only suitable when the overall length requirement is below 4 meters.

In general, if you are using a 1-meter or 3-meter cable, then you can use another 1-meter passive USB cable for extension purposes.

All normal USB cables found in the market are passive USB cables. If you extend more than the 4-meter length, then you would face degradation in data transfer rate and power delivery. To connect the USB extension:

1. Disconnect one end of the main USB cable that is connected to the primary device.
2. Take the disconnected male end of the USB cable and connect it to the female end of the extension USB cable.
3. You will just have to connect the male end of the extension USB cable to the peripheral device located far away.

Extending Using An Active USB Extension

However, if you want to extend a USB cable beyond the standard 4-meter limitation, then you will have to utilize an active USB extension. Unlike a passive USB cable, an active USB cable can have a maximum length of up to 30 meters without compromising on the data transfer speed and power delivery.

You can utilize an active USB extension to connect your computer to a peripheral device located anywhere in your house. Not only will you get the same transfer speed as the USB cable protocol you are using, but you will also get consistent power delivery.

However, these extension cables are generally costly and only sold by some top brands. The method to extend a USB cable using an active USB extension is the same as a passive USB extension. You just have to be careful with the male and female ends of the USB extension, and that’s it.

Extending Using A USB Hub

USB Hub serves as another medium that can help you extend a USB cable and connect to a device located in another corner of the room. The USB hub comes equipped with a long-distance capability as it doesn’t deteriorate the performance of the cable when you go beyond the 4-meter length. Let’s check how you can utilize the USB hub;

1. To begin with the process, first, you will have to connect the USB hub to the female end of the USB port located on your computer or laptop.
2. Then, you will have to use another standard USB cable and connect one end to the USB port located on that device.
3. Take the other end of the USB cable, which is a male connector, and hook it to the USB ports of the USB hub.

Once you establish the connection, your USB cable will extend efficiently, and that too without degrading the performance.

Extending Using An USB Extender

USB extenders are a modern solution for users who want to extend a USB cable and connect to a device that is placed far away in your house or your neighbor’s house. It has a maximum connection length of 50m, but it depends upon the device you are using and the CATx cable. Now, let’s see how you can do it;

1. Take one Ethernet cable and connect one end of the cable to the converted port. The USB port coming from the extender should connect to the port located on your computer.
2. Take a standard USB cable that is supported by both the converted port and the extender and use it to connect both devices.
3. Now take the other end of the Ethernet cable, which has not been connected, and connect it to the converted port.

Extending Using A Wireless USB

Another effective and modern solution to extend a USB cable is by utilizing a wireless USB. Most modern peripheral devices support wireless connectivity, so it gets easier for users to connect them. Here is how you can achieve the connection;

1. Keep the wireless transmitter in a suitable position near the computer or laptop.
2. Connect the wireless transmitter to your computer or laptop using the standard USB cable. The USB protocol you will be using depends upon the USB compatibility of both devices.
3. Now, you just have to allow the wireless transmitter to access all your devices and get connected. Generally, these wireless transmitters help in connecting devices in close proximity, but you can expand the connection up to 32ft.

Why Do USB Cables Get a Maximum Length?

All USB cables get a maximum length, and this length is set by the USB-IF depending upon the USB port version. This length is limited so that the cable can maintain the timing of the duplex method, where the USB host sends a signal at a specific time period.

And if the data signal has to travel further, the performance deteriorates, and it faces late collision. To achieve high data transfer, the length of the cable has been kept to a limited length so that the response time is low and the devices can achieve a high-speed data transfer.

Final Verdict

With all the methods we have mentioned, we are pretty confident that we have been able to answer your query “how to extend a USB cable .”All the methods are properly evaluated, so you won’t have to worry about any issues with the connectivity. We have properly explained all the methods and made sure you can easily follow each of them. You can also visit our USB cable wholesale store to buy more USB cables.