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Power and performance: USB hub with power supply

Power and performance: USB hub with power supply

the essentials in brief

What are externally powered USB hubs?

Externally powered USB hubs are hubs that, in addition to being powered by the USBConnection also have their own power supply.

What should you watch out for with USB hubs?

When buying USB hubs, you should pay attention to the number of available USB ports and the speed. Find out more about important purchase criteria for USB hubs here...

Is it possible to charge via USB hub?

Yes, many USB hubs have ports that can be used to charge devices such as smartphones, tablets, and portable chargers. Learn more about USB hubs here...

USB hubs with Power Supplies – with their help you can Save desk space and create a tidy work environment! These are small devices that make it possible to connect multiple USB devices to a computer and operate them simultaneously. In this blog article, we're going to examine the pros and cons of powered USB hubs and what to consider when buying one!

USB Hub – what is it actually?

A laptop USB hub allows you to connect multiple USB devices to your laptop.

A USB extender - also called a USB hub - is an excellent way to increase the number of USB ports on your computer or laptop. With a USB extension you can connect multiple USB devices at the same time without needing additional USB ports on your computer.

For example, if you have a laptop that only has a few USB ports, then a USB extender or laptop USB hub is a great way to connect multiple devices like Mice, keyboards, printers, scanners and connect other devices at the same time.

A USB hub with a power supply also has one external power sourceto power the connected devices. These hubs can also be referred to as USB hubs.

USB 3.0 chip

A USB 3.0 chip is a small integrated circuit that enables data transfer speeds over USB 3.0 ports. Compared to the older USB 2.0 ports, the speed of USB 3.0 chips is up to ten times faster, which is crucial especially when transferring large files such as videos or backups.

Types of USB hubs

There are many different types of powered USB hubs, ranging from simple models with just a few ports to complex hubs with multiple ports and functions. Some models have additional functions such as charging functions for mobile devices or Ethernet ports for connecting to a network.

Other models are designed with gamers in mind, offering multiple USB ports and faster transfer speeds to keep gamers busy needs of gaming peripherals such as keyboards, mice and headsets.

Some of the most common and popular types of USB hubs are presented below.

  • USB 2.0 hubs: This type of hubs is the older and slower version from USB hubs. However, they are still widely available and often less expensive than other types of hubs. They are well suited for simple devices such as keyboards, mice or USB sticks.
  • USB 3.0 hubs: USB 3.0 hubs are faster than USB 2.0 hubs and can transmit data at up to 5 Gbit/s. They are well suited for devices with high data transfer rates such as external hard drives or cameras.
  • USB-C hubs: This type of hubs is specially designed for Devices with USB-C connection designed. They often offer multiple ports and may also offer other functions such as device charging. However, they are often more expensive than other types of hubs.
  • Powered USB hubs: Powered USB hubs have a external power supply, to a higher Performance and ensure stability. They are well suited for devices with higher power requirements such as external hard drives or printers.
  • Multiport hubs: This type of hubs offers a combination of different ways of connections such as USB, HDMI, Ethernet and SD card readers. They are good for users who need to connect multiple devices to their computer.

Tip: Not all USB devices are compatible with USB hubs. Therefore, check in advance whether your devices are compatible with the USB hub.

Pros and cons of USB hub with power adapter

A USB hub for the PC allows you to connect multiple USB devices to a single USB port on the computer.

A powered USB hub is a device that offers multiple USB ports and has a separate power supply. Below we consider them Advantages and disadvantages of USB hubs with power supply.

Benefits

Higher power supply: A USB hub with a power supply offers a higher power supply. This makes it possible to connect and use devices with higher power consumption.
Faster data transfer: A powered USB hub can also offer higher data transfer speeds as it can be compatible with USB 3.0 or higher standards.
Connect multiple devices: A USB hub with power supply allows you to connect multiple USB devices at the same time without having to worry about power supply or transfer speed.

Disadvantages

Bigger and heavier: A USB hub with a power supply is usually larger. This can create desk space issues and limit mobility.
Power supply required: Because a powered USB hub requires a separate power supply, it's not always the best choice for on-the-go use.
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The most important purchase criteria

USB distributors for the PC are particularly useful if you only have a few USB ports.

It is important to note that not all powered USB hubs have the same specifications and features. Therefore, when purchasing a USB hub with a power supply, the number of USB ports that maximum transmission speed, the maximum current and the additional functions are taken into account.

USB ports

The number of ports is an important factor when purchasing a USB hub. Make sure you have enough ports for your devices. Also check the cable length of the USB hub to make sure it is easily accessible and you have enough freedom of movement.

Make sure the USB hub is compatible with your devices and operating systems to ensure smooth use. Be sure to use a USB hub from a renowned brand to buyto ensure higher quality and longer service life.

transmission speed

Another important criterion is the speed of the USB hub. Check the speed to make sure it's fast enough for your needs. Most USB hubs support USB 3.0 or 3.1 and offer a higher speed than older USB 2.0 models.

Features

Some USB hubs offer additional ones Features like SD card reader or Ethernet ports. Check if these features are relevant to your needs. By keeping these purchasing criteria in mind, you can ensure that you choose the right USB hub for your needs and ensure smooth use.

Maximum current

If you want to connect devices with high current consumption, it is important to choose a USB hub with sufficient power supply. Some models have an external power supply to allow high current draw. The form factor is another criterion. USB hubs are in different form factors available, including desktop, wall and portable models. Choose the form factor that best suits your needs.

Additional information: A USB hub with power supply is ideal for connecting external hard drives to your computer or laptop. Most USB hubs for external hard drives require a power supply to function properly. A USB hub for external hard drives ensures that the external hard drive receives enough power and can therefore be operated stably and safely. It is important to ensure that the external hard drive USB hub provides enough power to power all connected devices at the same time, especially when dealing with power-hungry devices such as external hard drives.

Tips on caring for and using USB hubs

If you own a USB hub, it's important to take care of and use it properly to ensure it's reliable for a long time. Here are some Tips for care and use from USB hubs:

  • Do not use the hub under high current loads for long periods of time: If you connect multiple USB devices to the hub at the same time, this can lead to a high current load. In this case, it is important not to use the hub for a long time to avoid overheating and damage.
  • Do not use the hub on uneven surfaces: A USB hub should always be placed on a flat surface to prevent it from being accidentally knocked over or dropped.
  • Keep the hub clean: Dust and dirt can accumulate inside the hub and affect performance. It is therefore advisable to regularly clean the hub to remove dirt and dust.
  • Use a USB hub with sufficient power supply: If you're connecting a lot of USB devices to the hub, it's important to make sure the hub has enough power to power all of the devices. Otherwise, the devices may not work properly or damage may occur.
  • Do not use the hub without power for a long time: Using an unpowered USB hub can damage the connected devices. Therefore, always use the hub with sufficient power supply.
  • Do not abruptly disconnect the hub from the computer: Before you disconnect the USB hub from the computer, it is important to unplug it to avoid damage.
  • Check regularly for updates: Make sure you regularly check for firmware updates for your USB hub to ensure it's always up to date and working reliably.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your USB hub works reliably and lasts a long time.

Attention: Make sure that the USB hub does not overheat by not placing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

USB hub combined with power supply

Overall, powered USB hubs are an excellent way to multiple USB devices to a computer connect and ensure the power supply. So if you have multiple USB devices and don't have enough USB ports, a powered USB hub may be the perfect solution for you.

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