Page 1 of USB extension

Hello,

I`ve just set up a home office and want the desk clutter free, which means siting the printer at the other end of the room. Are there different lengths of USB printer cable available, as I`d need to chase the cable approx 12-15m around the room to connect pc to printer?

many thanks

Hi,

word of warning, don`t extend your cable beyond 5 metres. thats the maximum
length that they are designed to work. if you definitely need to go beyond this distance
get yourself a couple of powered USB hubs....they will act as repeaters to extend the
distance the signal can travel.

hth

Ste.

...is that gasoline I smell?

being a bit of a PC technophobe - what are powered USB hubs, how do they work and how much will they cost me?! Now where`s that book `PC for Dummies` gone.....!!

USB hubs basically take a single USB port on a PC (via cable) & split it like a multiway power block so you have 4 ports available from your original 1.

Passive means theres no power involved & if you are running things that draw power, over loading could cause problems, a active hub has a small power supply & that acts as a booster for the traffic & aids any power requirement by devices ie webcam.

Prices for active can range between £10 - £30 depending on who you are talking to.

Perhaps a simpler solution would be to get a print server\jet direct card & connect to the printer over CAT5 aka network cable.

Quote:
Perhaps a simpler solution would be to get a print server\jet direct card & connect to the printer over CAT5 aka network cable.
or maybe one of those usb wifi gadgets you can purchase for about £60 which will enable
you to put the printer where you like (within reason):-)


Ste.

...is that gasoline I smell?