Which hub to choose. USB-Hub - choose a USB-splitter for home and ... for the soul! USB hubs as docking stations

Today, there are more and more devices that connect to a computer via USB ports. These can be mice, keyboards, printers, external hard drives, flash drives, additional cooling fans and other necessary devices. In addition to such necessary equipment, the industry even produces coffee makers and lamps, which are powered through this port. All this is great, but as standard, computers have only a few USB inputs. In the presence of a large number of such devices, a problem arises:

there is nowhere to turn on the next device. Well, if one of the connected ones can be disconnected without prejudice to work. What if there is no such possibility? You need to increase the number of these ports. This can be done by purchasing a USB hub. It is a small device that usually has one USB input and several USB outputs. The number of such ports on one device can be from 2 to 90, but most often there are models with up to 10 inputs. Design, color and decoration are very diverse.

USB hubs can be of several types:

It is very important that when you connect a USB hub, programs and drivers are automatically installed to ensure the operation of additional ports. After the installation is completed, the system displays a message about readiness for operation.

Sometimes when connecting multiple USB devices, difficulties arise due to the very closely spaced ports. There are models where the inputs are on flexible wires, such as the CH 170 USB Hub. This device also has what is also sometimes necessary to connect cameras, cameras and other equipment.

You have purchased a USB hub, connected it, but a problem arises: where to put it. There are models that simply stand on a table or system unit, and there are devices that provide for mounting on a wall or any other vertical or horizontal surface.

In general, there are a lot of models. They differ in the number of ports, the type of their location, appearance, size, method of attachment, installation and, of course, price. In such a variety, you will no doubt find what you want.

What if you need to move information from one flash drive to another, or synchronize data to several external devices, and such necessary USB ports are already occupied by a printer, keyboard, mouse, camera, or USB modem? Disconnect all unnecessary devices at the moment, and after the necessary actions, connect again? Inconvenient, tedious and harmful to the computer. To solve such problems, a device called a USB hub or USB hub was invented. This article will show you how to choose the right USB hub for your needs.

What is a USB hub?

A USB hub (hub is the center of activity) or a hub is a kind of port splitter that allows you to expand the functionality of your computer by increasing the number of connected external devices equipped with a USB interface. This is an intermediary between the computer and USB devices. The USB interface (Universal Serial Bus), as the name implies, was originally developed to ensure the connection of any devices to the corresponding controller on the computer. Such a controller is called a USB controller, it is programmatically controlled and provides software logic for communication with external devices, which are connected using a special USB cable. This cross-sectional cable has several (2 to 6) copper twisted pair copper wires (twisted pair) for transmitting and receiving data, and two wires for providing power to an external device. If we draw a free analogy, then a USB hub is a road junction with a traffic controller on a walkie-talkie.

Briefly about USB

As mentioned above, a USB hub provides communication between any peripheral devices and a computer. The interface itself was developed back in 1994, and has since been divided into several specifications. Since modern USB hubs have ports with several specifications on their body, it is worth understanding how they differ from each other in order to choose a good device. Specifications differ in the supported data transfer rate, the maximum current that the controller can output, and the number of connected devices.

• USB1 Data transfer modes: Low-speed - from 10-1500 Kbps; Full-speed - from 0.5-12 Mbps; support for up to 127 connected devices; The controller is capable of delivering up to 500mA at 5V.
• Usb0 Data transfer modes: in addition to Low-speed and Full-speed, Hi-speed is available - 25-480 Mbps, other characteristics are the same. Full compatibility with USB 1.1, that is, older devices work with the new interface, only at reduced speeds.
• USB0 Cable type changed. Added 4 copper transmit/receive wires in the form of another pin row. Fully compatible with previous specifications. Maximum speed up to 4.8 Gbps. The current output by the controller has been increased from 500 to 900 mA.
• USB1 A new connector that allows you to insert the USB cable into the port in either direction. Data transfer speed doubled compared to USB 3.0. The current from the controller has increased to 5 A.

Device types

Before giving any specific advice on choosing a reliable USB hub, let's look at the main types of hubs:

1. PCI or PCI-express card. Such a hub is designed as a module for the computer motherboard, and is placed directly in its PCI or PCI-express slot. Relatively cheap models on the external panel have from 2 to 8 USB ports of different specifications.
2. External passive (not powered) USB hub. An inexpensive, but reliable option, made in the form of an external device with several ports (from 3 to 7) USB and a USB cable directly connected to the computer. Has its pros and cons. Of the pluses, the obvious compactness, the minus is the small number of ports and the lack of an external power source. Do not forget that many connected devices do not have their own power supply, and when working with several particularly “gluttonous” devices (printer, projector, scanner, digital camera), problems may arise.

1. External active (externally powered) USB hub. Usually a very compact external device with a large number of USB ports (more than 10) of different specifications. Unlike the previous type, it is equipped with a power cable with an AC plug, but is also connected to a computer with a USB cable. Has no restrictions for connecting devices. Including allows you to comfortably work with several (up to 5) lower-level USB hubs, that is, connected as external devices.
2. The ExpressCard controller is a laptop accessory. It is necessary to insert a small module into the ExpressCard slot and you will get several working USB slots.

Which to choose?

So we come to the main question: how to choose a USB hub? First of all, calculate how many and what devices you will need to connect to the hub. Calculate the total energy consumed by them. The energy consumption can be found on the Internet or in the user manual of the device.

Internal device types

First of all, you need to think about what type of hub you need. Internal or external? If internal, then check that the motherboard has a free corresponding slot (PCI or PCI-express). Such an internal USB hub board will take power from the computer's power supply, so check that it is enough for all connected devices. There are excellent models in terms of price-quality ratio, but nevertheless, this choice is losing popularity and is used most often when the built-in controller does not meet speed requirements, for example, when switching from USB 1.1 to USB 2.0. Experts do not recommend installing an internal USB hub on your own, because it involves opening the cover of the system unit, and also requires the installation of additional software.

If your choice fell on the external type, then which one? With or without external power? The former are more expensive, but the benefits are great. There will be no sense from 7 ports if there is not enough power for them.

External passive device

Passive models will reduce the power consumption of the USB port if there is not enough power for the device connected to it, and accordingly the data exchange speed will drop, and even the best USB hub of this type will turn out to be disappointing for you. But on the other hand, if you didn’t plan to connect in addition to a flash card and a USB lighter, then due to the compactness and mobility of the latter, you can save your workspace and, if necessary, take the device with you. Try to choose with the future in mind. Now the connector - USB 2.0 is already losing ground and manufacturers, given the compatibility with younger devices, are trying to equip their hubs with new USB 3.0 buses. For example, one of the popular models in 2016 from d-link DUB-1341 has 4 USB 3.0 ports.

Active external USB hubs

If you need a lot of additional USB connectors, it is better to choose an active hub, its own power supply will make it possible to connect a wide variety of devices without sacrificing speed. When you come to the store, take a closer look at the device, estimate the length of the outgoing cable (from the USB hub to the computer), make sure that it is long enough for the connection. Inspect the outgoing cable itself, the conductors in it should be packed in foil, on top of which there are copper stockings, ending with ferrite fasteners. Only such a cable is reliably protected from electromagnetic vibrations.

There are often complaints on the forums, even for devices with a high rating, that the USB connectors are too close to each other, which does not allow you to connect some devices “next door”. Consider the weight of the USB hub. It should be neither too light nor too heavy. be guided by the weight of the DVD player or Wi-Fi router, unless, of course, you want the playful breeze rushing through the window to knock over your newfound friend along with the wires, and connecting devices will do without overdoing the lightweight device.

USB devices for various purposes are now divorced, that mushrooms after the rain: fans, lamps, tea and coffee makers, heated slippers, etc. Almost everything tries to connect to USB, they charge smartphones and tablets. Some of the devices use USB for their main purpose, but most of the new products use USB as a five volt power source.

The lack of USB connectors is resolved using hubs that branch not only the interface, but also the power bus. And simple USB interface splitters in the form of passive hubs can be found in hundreds, if not thousands of varieties. Sometimes they are created in the form of fanciful figures; here there is no limit to design ideas.

Along with the usual (simple) hubs, there are also USB hubs on the market equipped with an additional external or built-in power supply. Why such a decision is being promoted, now we will figure it out.

The lack of free USB ports for connecting external devices happens most often precisely because the computer user plugs various devices into the USB connectors, the need for which is very doubtful. Regular USB connectors from four pieces, brought outside the computer case in the standard configuration of the south bridge of the chipset, where at least two basic (root) hubs are present, should be enough in almost any application.

The need to expand the number of devices connected to a computer is often built into the external devices themselves. Card readers with USB hubs on board are no exception. And in other devices, a hub is often placed, just as a buffer circuit element to reduce the load on the computer. Such devices have the ability to connect their own power supply or recharge from the second and subsequent USB ports of the computer.

Hubs with external power are designed to connect devices that are critical to power from the computer bus via a USB connector. The USB port's load capacity limit is spec'd at less than half an amp in specification standard two. And in order to save, including batteries in laptops, most often computer equipment manufacturers build such power schemes in which standard load current values ​​\u200b\u200bare not provided.

It is not always and there is no need to supply the device with as much power from each connector as this device does not need. Overrun due to redundancy is addressed in the expensive embodiment of the end product. Therefore, in order to save power circuits, they make it so that it is enough to feed the buffer elements of external device circuits.

For example, a mouse or flash drive does not need a power supply of two or more watts. Printers connected to computers and laptops via USB also have a separate power supply. Since in no way can a printer or a multifunctional device (MFP) be powered from one USB bus connector.

Smart people themselves realize that you can not rely on "fool protection" and load USB ports, and even more so overload, while stupidly guided by the USB interface specification standard. Therefore, when connecting devices, they take care of turning on the external power supplies of devices and hubs, without experimenting and tempting fate, whether it will withstand the load or not.

The external (additional) power supply of the hub provides load distribution for the USB interface connector. Thus, the load on the circuits of the main (motherboard) board of a computer or laptop remains within acceptable values. That protects an expensive product from failure due to overloading of buffer circuits, power wiring buses and other components.

Today, almost every computer is connected to a lot of peripheral equipment. Be sure to come to use printers, scanners, various useful USB gadgets ...

But sometimes things go so far that there are no more free USB ports on the computer. And those that are involved are physically unable to maintain a high data transfer rate due to a decrease in their own (5 W and 0.5 A) voltage, which is initially guaranteed in the standard USB 1.0 interface!

In order to solve this type of problem once and for all, you just need to buy a modern portable USB splitter for your own needs (which can be called a USB hub, USB hub, USB extension cable), with which you can (and should) be with an unsurpassed Easily connect a variety of useful USB devices to your computer.

Most modern USB hubs are capable of supporting the new network interface in the form of USB 2.0 by default, which can easily transfer data at a maximum speed of up to 480 Mb / s!

This figure is much higher than the USB 1.0 interface, capable of transferring data at a maximum speed of no more than 12 Mb / s. Of course, the latest USB 3.0 interface can support speeds up to 4.7 Gb / s, but the latter will need a completely different port, which still needs to be looked for in new computer technology ...

But the advantages of splitters do not end there. Most multifunctional USB hubs have their own power supply, which ensures that the voltage is never equally divided between all connected peripherals. Those. these devices can be divided into a passive USB splitter, which does not have an external power source, and an active one, which has such power, such gadgets are required for energy-intensive devices. An example of a simple passive USB hub.

An example of an externally powered hub.

Moreover, modern USB splitters have a powerful processing processor or speed translator (Multi-TT - transaction translators), which is valuable in that it is able to set the download speed personally for each individual device in a fully automatic mode.

What does this mean in general practice?

For example, if the user simultaneously works with a printer, scanner and a cell phone memory card, then the processor of the splitter is able to independently determine which device should be given priority in terms of data transfer speed. And the “hanging” of the main computer, which was observed earlier, will not be observed in principle!

As mentioned above, all USB splitters have their own 220 V power supply. This fact is valuable in that it allows you to recharge any USB gadgets that have run down in practice. For example, if an MP3 player's charge dipped heavily when downloading music, then now it is enough to turn on the USB splitter, as the player's battery, after downloading music, will be charged to the maximum possible level.

What's more, USB hubs are stylish and beautifully designed (just like the aquarium version), take up minimal space on your computer desk, and are reasonably priced. If you take into account the many advantages (just to highlight the extremely useful "plug and play" function that starts the device instantly), it becomes clear why the USB hub is gradually becoming popular among the majority of computer users.

USB technology, which was invented to connect computer and telecommunications devices, is now the main means for connecting many gadgets. Their number is simply amazing - these are keyboards, mice, modems, coolers, external hard drives, printers, flash drives, even coffee makers and lamps. And since all these devices need to be connected to a computer, there are currently not enough USB ports.

There are two ways to solve this problem. The easiest way is to connect only those devices that are needed at the moment, and disconnect devices that are not in use, thereby freeing up USB ports. And the second way is to purchase an original device called a USB concentrate (USB hub).

A USB hub is a small device that has multiple USB ports. It connects to one of the computer's USB ports (thus taking up one USB port in total), and allows you to use multiple USB devices. Thus, the USB hub increases the number of USB connectors on the computer, reduces wear and tear, and also facilitates the process of using multiple devices.

Types of USB hubs

There are four types of USB hubs. The first is a USB PCI card that plugs into a PCI slot on the motherboard. To do this, you will have to open the system unit, and if you do not understand this, then it is better not to use this type of USB hub.

The second type is a non-powered USB hub. This simple device plugs into one of your computer's external USB ports. After that, it will be possible to connect any other devices to it. These USB hubs are very compact and are great for both computers and laptops. But they have a small downside. Some USB devices (printer, digital camera, scanner, etc.) require power, and this type of hub will not be able to provide the required amount of power, especially if you connect multiple devices at once.

The third type is a powered USB hub. It is also very compact and plugs into your computer's external USB port. In addition, such a USB hub can be plugged directly into a power outlet. This makes it possible to connect any kind of USB devices to it.

And the fourth type is a USB computer card. If you use a laptop at work, and you also need to constantly move with it, then just such a USB card would be an excellent alternative to a USB hub. It connects to the USB port on the side of the laptop and allows you to connect two additional devices.