Kenable USB 2.0 Active Repeater Extension Cable - 5m

The maximum length of any normal USB 2.0 cables is 5 meters. Extending them any longer will lead t...

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B&QB&Q - Usb 2.0 Hi-Speed Active Repeater Extension Cable A Plug To A Socket Lead 5M
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Product Information

Full details

This Kenable USB 2.0 Active Repeater Extension Cable is for users needing to extend the reach of their USB 2.0 devices beyond the standard 5-meter limit. Its key benefit is enabling connections up to 30 meters without signal loss or data transfer issues. A caveat is that it's specifically for USB 2.0; it does not support USB 3.0 speeds. This cable acts like a USB hub, buffering data to maintain signal integrity over longer distances, making it suitable for mice, keyboards, printers, and other high-speed USB peripherals.

All features

Model Part Number010604
Brandkenable

Extended Product Information

FAQs

What is the maximum total length I can achieve with these cables?

You can connect multiple Kenable USB 2.0 Active Repeater Extension Cables one after another to extend USB connections up to a maximum of 30 meters.

Can I use this cable for USB 3.0 devices?

No, this cable is designed for USB 2.0. While a USB 3.0 device might connect, it will operate at USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps) and will not utilize the higher bandwidth of USB 3.0.

Does this cable require external power?

The Kenable USB 2.0 Active Repeater Extension Cable typically draws power from the USB bus. However, for very long extensions or power-hungry devices, ensuring the host computer's USB ports provide adequate power, or using a powered USB hub, is recommended.

Will this cable work with my USB 1.1 devices?

Yes, the cable is backward compatible and will work with USB 1.1 devices, operating at USB 1.1 speeds.

How do I know if I need an active extension cable?

You need an active extension cable if you want to extend a USB connection beyond the standard 5-meter limit for USB 2.0 without experiencing signal degradation, data loss, or connection issues.

What is the benefit of the active repeater design?

The active repeater design includes electronics that buffer data traffic, actively regenerating and re-transmitting the signal. This minimizes signal delay and prevents data loss, ensuring a stable connection over longer distances compared to passive extension cables.

Can I use this to connect a USB printer that is far away?

Yes, provided the printer is a USB 2.0 device, this cable is suitable for extending the connection to a printer located further than 5 meters away from your computer.

Troubleshooting

Device not recognized or disconnecting intermittently.

Ensure the cable is securely plugged into both the computer/hub and the USB device. Try connecting fewer repeater cables in the chain. Test the device directly connected to the computer to rule out a device issue. If using a very long chain, ensure the host computer's USB ports provide sufficient power, or consider a powered USB hub.

Slow data transfer speeds.

This cable is designed for USB 2.0 speeds. If you are using a USB 3.0 device, it will be limited to USB 2.0 speeds. Verify the USB port on your computer is USB 2.0 or higher. Ensure no other USB devices on the same hub are saturating the bandwidth.

Cable does not extend the connection effectively (signal loss).

Check that you are using the active repeater version and not a standard passive extension cable. Ensure the total length does not exceed the specified 30 meters limit when chaining multiple cables. Test with a different USB device to confirm the issue is not with the peripheral itself.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Effectively extends USB 2.0 connections beyond standard limits.
  • Maintains stable data transfer and signal integrity over long distances.
  • Compatible with a wide range of USB 2.0 peripherals.
  • Allows for modular extension by linking multiple cables.
  • Simple plug-and-play functionality.

Cons

  • Limited to USB 2.0 speeds; does not support USB 3.0 or higher.
  • Requires an active power source (though typically draws from the USB bus).
  • Cumulative length may eventually hit theoretical limits or introduce latency.
  • Not suitable for applications requiring extremely low latency or very high bandwidth (e.g., professional audio interfaces).

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Setup:

  1. Ensure your computer or USB hub is powered on.
  2. Plug the male USB A-type connector of the Kenable Active Repeater cable into an available USB port on your computer or an existing USB hub.
  3. Connect your USB device (e.g., mouse, keyboard, printer) to the female USB A-type port on the Active Repeater cable.
  4. If extending further, connect another Active Repeater cable to the female port of the first one, and then connect your device to the last repeater in the chain.

Compatibility:

  • USB Standard: Primarily designed for USB 2.0 High-Speed (480 Mbps).
  • Backward Compatibility: Fully compatible with USB 1.1 Low-Speed and Full-Speed devices.
  • Operating Systems: Works with all major operating systems that support USB, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Device Types: Suitable for USB mice, keyboards, printers, scanners, webcams, and USB 2.0 external storage devices. Note that USB 3.0+ devices will operate at USB 2.0 speeds when used with this cable.

Care:

  • Avoid exposing the cable to excessive moisture or extreme temperatures.
  • Do not bend the cable sharply, especially near the connectors.
  • Keep connectors clean. If necessary, use a dry, lint-free cloth or compressed air to remove dust.
  • Disconnect the cable by gently pulling the connector, not the cable itself.

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