Docking Hubs
Aug 11, 2023 06:39:09 #
Remember when we had to use those big serial and parallel cables? The tiny USB connector took their place. Unfortunately, so many things use USB that no computer has enough USB ports. Hence, the USB hub.
I watched an interesting video by Linus (LTT) last night. He wanted to see how many USB devices he could connect to a computer. Naturally, he used powered USB hubs. A computer can take only so many USB hubs. Technically, you can daisy-chain only five hubs. However, what's a hub? Depending on how the hub is wired internally, it may act like three hubs. Yes, it's complicated. Even the brand and model of CPU can make a difference in how many devices you can attach.
After trying many configurations, Linus was able to get well over a hundred devices connected. He also used the term "End Point," and that got to over three hundred. It's an interesting video to watch, and you can find it on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiwaxlttWow
As a result of watching the video, I'm going to get a large, powered hub. I'm hoping that one large hub will be able to connect everything I have in front of me. I'll have to figure out if I want ten or sixteen ports. I can use smaller hubs as I need them.
I watched an interesting video by Linus (LTT) last night. He wanted to see how many USB devices he could connect to a computer. Naturally, he used powered USB hubs. A computer can take only so many USB hubs. Technically, you can daisy-chain only five hubs. However, what's a hub? Depending on how the hub is wired internally, it may act like three hubs. Yes, it's complicated. Even the brand and model of CPU can make a difference in how many devices you can attach.
After trying many configurations, Linus was able to get well over a hundred devices connected. He also used the term "End Point," and that got to over three hundred. It's an interesting video to watch, and you can find it on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiwaxlttWow
As a result of watching the video, I'm going to get a large, powered hub. I'm hoping that one large hub will be able to connect everything I have in front of me. I'll have to figure out if I want ten or sixteen ports. I can use smaller hubs as I need them.
Aug 11, 2023 07:32:54 #
The problem is with the device power requirements. A "port" plug can only supply so much power. If you plug a four port passive expander into a port, the sum of all the power needs that are plugged into that expander cannot exceed the capability of the main port which the expander is plugged into.
Low drain devices like mice, keyboards, and devices that themselves are plugged into the wall (like printers) shouldn't be a problem.
Devices like pocket hard drives, CD drives, and scanners that are powered only by the USB connector have MUCH higher power requirements. Plugging in too many of those to one port through a passive expander might put too much of a load on the primary port, so they may not work correctly.
Currently, the new computer has 4 USB in the front, 4 in the back. I have a 4 port powered expander that I use on the left side of the desk with the computer being on the right. I use the computer front ports for memory fobs.
I have lots of stuff that uses USB ports, but not all of it is plugged in at one time, so the 4 port expander is sufficient.
Low drain devices like mice, keyboards, and devices that themselves are plugged into the wall (like printers) shouldn't be a problem.
Devices like pocket hard drives, CD drives, and scanners that are powered only by the USB connector have MUCH higher power requirements. Plugging in too many of those to one port through a passive expander might put too much of a load on the primary port, so they may not work correctly.
Currently, the new computer has 4 USB in the front, 4 in the back. I have a 4 port powered expander that I use on the left side of the desk with the computer being on the right. I use the computer front ports for memory fobs.
I have lots of stuff that uses USB ports, but not all of it is plugged in at one time, so the 4 port expander is sufficient.
Aug 11, 2023 08:06:21 #
Longshadow wrote:
Currently, the new computer has 4 USB in the front, 4 in the back. I have a 4 port powered expander that I use on the left side of the desk with the computer being on the right. I use the computer front ports for memory fobs.
I have lots of stuff that uses USB ports, but not all of it is plugged in at one time, so the 4 port expander is sufficient.
I have lots of stuff that uses USB ports, but not all of it is plugged in at one time, so the 4 port expander is sufficient.
Mine has a similar arrangement of ports, but it's hard getting to the ones in the back. I want to have a small hub on my desk, rather than using the ones on the front of the computer all the time.
Aug 11, 2023 08:24:12 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Mine has a similar arrangement of ports, but it's hard getting to the ones in the back. I want to have a small hub on my desk, rather than using the ones on the front of the computer all the time.
That's why I have the 4-port on the left of the desk, ease of access. It's powered, so I don't have to worry about device load. "Permanent stuff", mouse, keyboard, printer, port expander, etc. are plugged into the back of the computer. For the fobs, I can use either the front of the computer or the port expander.
BTW - On the new desktop, the memory card reader is ONLY SD, no other formats. I thought that odd. Glad I have a USB card reader thingy.
Aug 11, 2023 08:24:44 #
My desktop computer is old and it doesn't have USB-C (not even USB 3.0) so I am thinking of adding a PCI-E card that provide USB-C to take advantage of the faster transfer rate.
Aug 11, 2023 08:31:37 #
BebuLamar wrote:
My desktop computer is old and it doesn't have USB-C (not even USB 3.0) so I am thinking of adding a PCI-E card that provide USB-C to take advantage of the faster transfer rate.
If I was keeping the desktop, I'd simply get a "C" to <whatever> adapter.
I'm not a speed daemon.
I have a couple adapters due to different interface devices, like a Pocket Juice micro to "C" on my phone.
Our new desktop (last week) has one "C" port in the front of the computer, with 4 "A"s.
Aug 11, 2023 10:26:57 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Mine has a similar arrangement of ports, but it's hard getting to the ones in the back. I want to have a small hub on my desk, rather than using the ones on the front of the computer all the time.
Those doing serious work may need a powered hub. Mac users might want a Thunderbolt hub or dock. Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 can handle 40 Gigabits per second traffic. So a powered external hub running into a Thunderbolt 4 port (USB-C connection) can handle a lot of accessories.
I generally disconnect things I don't need. I keep my monitor on one of my Thunderbolt ports, because the monitor power supply charges my MacBook Air through the USB-C cable. My keyboard connects through the USB-A hub on the monitor.
I use a small portable and passive dock on the other Thunderbolt port.
https://www.charjenpro.com/products/ultimatedock (It's about $85.)
It connects HDMI 4K/60fps video (when I'm on the road or presenting via a projector), Gigabit Ethernet, Two USB 3.2 ports @ 10Gbps, a headphone jack with higher fidelity audio than the Mac jack, a power delivery input for laptop charging up to 100W when I'm not using my desktop monitor (i.e.; on the road), and SD/Micro SD 4.0 UHS I/II card readers. All my current gear can connect to that dock, and my Apple charger runs right through it, to charge the laptop and power connected devices.
I highly recommend this dock for those who travel. It's worked perfectly for two years, this month. I have used it to connect to TVs, monitors, projectors, auditorium house sound systems, cameras, SSDs and hard drives, CD drives, Ethernet in hotels… and it just sits there and works.
Aug 11, 2023 10:30:55 #
burkphoto wrote:
Those doing serious work may need a powered hub. M... (show quote)
Sounds good. I have docks for my MacBook Pros. Very convenient.
Aug 11, 2023 15:16:59 #
TheShoe
Loc: Lacey, WA
BebuLamar wrote:
My desktop computer is old and it doesn't have USB-C (not even USB 3.0) so I am thinking of adding a PCI-E card that provide USB-C to take advantage of the faster transfer rate.
If the M/B is old, it might not handle the USB-C. If you haven't already checked for compatibility, it would be a good idea to do so before spending money on the devices that need USB-C.
Aug 11, 2023 16:31:26 #
Aug 11, 2023 17:01:26 #
Tote1940 wrote:
Hated serial ports, you could only use 2 at a time even if 4 available
Including USB? Or are you referring to OLD serial ports.
Aug 11, 2023 17:07:11 #
Aug 11, 2023 17:29:59 #
Tote1940 wrote:
Old serials, love USBs
You do know that USB is a serial port, that's why I was confused by your initial statement.
I surmised that you meant the OLD serial ports as I have no problem running more than two devices on USB.
Aug 11, 2023 17:36:04 #
Longshadow wrote:
You do know that USB is a serial port, that's why I was confused by your initial statement.
I surmised that you meant the OLD serial ports as I have no problem running more than two devices on USB.
I surmised that you meant the OLD serial ports as I have no problem running more than two devices on USB.
RS-232 serial ports… yuck!
Aug 11, 2023 17:43:38 #
burkphoto wrote:
RS-232 serial ports… yuck!
Holy cow..... Been THAT long!
I don't think the desktop before my old 10 year old desktop (that I just replaced last weekend) had a 232 port.
I can't remember when I last used a 232 port! Maybe 20+ years ago?????
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.