USB reliable only with 2m or less cable?

,8,1 · 22-02-2009 11:55AM #1

I have read that USB cables are reliable only up to about two metres? Is this true, and is this the case for other cable standards also?

Tillotson · 22-02-2009 02:25PM

Theory says 5m for usb2 and 3m for usb1. A hub will probably act as a repeater though.
Same for other cables. Cat5 has a maximum of 100m for example.
This is only theory specification though, you might get double(?) this under different conditions.
Fiber optic is an exception.
Do a google search for "maximum segment length xxx"

Capt'n Midnight · 22-02-2009 03:07PM

the distances are due to timing issues so a better cable won't help much
in general the lower the speed the longer the distance.

if you are using a lot of ordinary usb extenders / usb hubs to increase the length then probably best to use a powered one at the far end so there is still enough power for the device as the voltage drop might be too much.

you can get extenders with electronics in them that allow you to use Cat5 cable to get further away

usb 1 can go a lot further and if you are using low speed devices this is worth looking at

Gadgetman496 · 23-02-2009 01:30AM

I've used these (as mentioned by Capt'n Midnight above) to extend USB 2.0 connections using Cat5e without any issues.

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alansweeney100 · 23-02-2009 11:25AM

I have three 5metre usb repeaters (boosters) connected from from PC to printer, just cheap repeaters I got on ebay, works a treat, afaik the longest you can go with USB 2.0 using repeaters is 25m

USB reliable only with 2m or less cable?

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