Imagine a world where one would not be required to use USB hubs. There could be a time in the future wherein a single port would allow one to connect any device of choice with the MacBook. In the meantime, multi USB c hubs are indispensable.
In the latest version of the MacBook, one comes across three USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 hubs. If one wants to connect a USB-C type device to MacBook, one does not need a multi USB c hub. But the MacBook supports other devices as well. If there is a device that is meant to be connected to a computer, one can connect it to the MacBook using a multi USB c hub. There’s a way to do it, sometimes different for different devices.
The USB-C ports that we see over the MacBook are more than USB-C ports. They are powered by Thunderbolt 3 technology and can connect a range of devices to the MacBook, such as DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-A devices.
A multi USB c hub eases life for one in several ways. It is a compact accessory, lightweight and portable. One can carry it comfortably in one’s laptop bag. One can then use a multi USB c hub to connect a range of devices to one’s MacBook, at home or office.
Different multi USB c hubs are nowadays available
One can nowadays come across different types of multi USB c hubs in the market. The prime variations among them are two. One is the number of ports that they have. The other is the types of ports available. Similarly, there are variations in the length of the cable that connects the multi USB c hub to the MacBook. This should be in accordance with the USB-C specifications. When the total length of cables between the MacBook and the connected devices is too long, it reflects the strength of the data or power signal. At longer distances, the signal may diminish in its entirety.
The total length of the cable over here refers to the length of the device’s cable, which will be connected to the MacBook, and the length of the cable of the multi USB c hub. In some cases, the device may not have a cable at all, wherein one uses a connecting cable, such as a 10 ft USB c cable.
In other cases, a user may use an extension cable as well. But the total length of all cables used should be in the order of the specs of the devices that are being connected. Just as an instance, the total length of USB 2.0/2.1 devices should be 5 meters (16 feet 5 inches). In the same way, in the case of USB 3.0/3.1 devices, the maximum cable length should be 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches). This goes to show that using a 10 ft USB c cable may not be a feasible arrangement in all cases.
Active (repeater cables)
In order to accentuate the signal that is being transmitted, active or repeater cables may also be used. Active or repeater cables strengthen the signal when it passes through the cable. Correspondingly, the signal does not lose its integrity at the destination.
USB 2.0 active cable is a repeater device. Since an active cable buffers the signal during the passage, it is likely to be long, such as a 10 ft USB c cable. The buffering is done in a specific way, such that it meets the electrical and timing specifications of USB.
USB extender cables are of different types. A few of them provide an Ethernet connection to the prevailing Ethernet cables. It runs for a maximum length of 150 feet. A few of the other important products available among extender cables include USB 2.0 extenders and USB extension through thru Cat 5E cable. While an active USB extender cable should be high quality, safety is also an important parameter.
USB active cables have many unique qualities and features that a user should be aware of. They bring ease to set up a network connection in many cases. In other cases, they enable setting up a network connection.
There are limitations over how long the total cable length for USB 1.0/1.1, 2.0, and 3.0/3.1 devices can be. Similar limitations are present in overactive/repeater cables as well. There are similar limitations over how many extension cables are used in total.
But active cables nevertheless stand the potential to significantly increase the distance that prevails between MacBook and connected devices. Just as an instance, some active cables can connect related devices to MacBook, such that the distance between the two increases by up to five times. A USB device can then be used from a distance of 200 feet or more, using a wired USB connection. Active cables are nevertheless not needed for all connections involving USB, and regular cables will suffice for many applications, such as 10 ft usb c cable.
Another important feature of active cables is that they are plug-and-play devices in most cases, and do not require the use of drivers. In most cases, an external source of power is not required as well.
A USB extender cable may be different types of cables, such as Cat6 RJ/45, Cat5e, or Cat5 cables.
USB Extender cables sometimes enable support for two devices. In this case, they can replace a multi USB c hub, in case an end-user does not need many different kinds of ports or too many ports. Active cables that connect multiple devices to a MacBook deliver the basic functionality, such as connecting a mouse and a keyboard to a MacBook at the same time.
Extender cables that connect two devices come in handy if one does not intend to use the MacBook for varied applications, such as daisy chaining, connecting 4K monitors, or a home theatre. For such applications, the use of HDMI and DisplayPort will be essential. A user will then be using a multi USB c hub with the necessary ports. Similarly, a 10 ft USB c cable will come in to be handy.
In some cases, an extender cable may be made available for specific purposes, such as connecting a camcorder to a MacBook. They feature connectors such as RCA, S-video, and VGA connectors.
