USB hubs

USB hub

A USB hub is a device that increases the number of USB ports you have around your computer or laptop.

Types of USB hubs

USB hubs are usually powered by a single USB port and increase the number of ports, usually from 3-4 to 7-10 ports. These ports are fully functional and can be used to connect various peripherals, such as a keyboard, mouse, flash drive, external hard drive.

USB hubs operate with a nominal voltage of 5 VDC and a maximum current of up to 2 amperes. They can also be used as a power supply or charger for a mobile phone, tablet, Bluetooth headphones, smartwatch or other devices with a USB port.

Types of USB hubs are divided into types according to different characteristics such as:

• power supply - active USB hub;
• without power supply - passive USB hub;

 

• by number of ports - 2 to 8 ports;

 

• port type - USB-A 2.0, USB-A 3.0, USB-C;

active USB hub

An active hub is a USB hub that has additional power and does not rely only on the current coming from the main device. This allows more consumers to be connected regardless of whether they have high consumption.

passive USB hub

The passive hub does not have an additional power supply and relies only on the power coming from the computer or laptop. In such a case, it is not desirable for the power strip to have more than 3-4 sockets. With a passive hub, there may also be an interruption in the operation of devices with high power consumption or they may not be recognized, such as USB external drives.