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A USB hub allows multiple devices to be connected to a computer through a single USB port. Factors to consider when shopping for a hub include speed, operating system compatibility, number of ports, and price. USB 2.0 and 3.0 offer faster speeds than USB 1.1. It’s important to check compatibility with your computer’s operating system and consider the number of ports needed. Prices vary based on features.
The Universal Serial Bus quickly became the standard used to connect peripherals to a major computer system. However, many computers may simply not have enough USB ports to connect everything the user would like to connect at once. To make up for this shortcoming, many users rely on a USB hub, which allows you to connect multiple devices through a single USB port on your computer. There are a number of important factors to keep in mind, however, when shopping for a USB hub. These include: speed, operating system, number of ports, and price.
One of the main considerations with any USB hub is speed. Many people may be disappointed with the speed of a slower USB hub, which usually operates on a standard called USB 1.1. USB 2.0 and the upcoming USB 3.0 offer much faster speeds. It’s important to remember that while one device may perform adequately on a slower standard, if you connect four or more devices to a computer at the same time, they’re all competing for the same bandwidth. So going with a faster hub might be a better idea.
The other thing to consider when looking at various USB hubs is the operating system of the computer. While many hubs can be used on a Macintosh or Windows system, some units may be more specialized. It is important to check the technical information on the packaging to see if the device will work on your system. Choosing the wrong USB hub will mean a quick trip back to the store, causing unnecessary inconvenience to the user.
Another consideration is the number of ports on the USB hub. While many may find four ports more than enough, some users who depend on a multitude of peripherals may find they need more. While this can be accomplished by purchasing a second USB hub and plugging it into another empty port on your computer, the best way may simply be to purchase a USB hub with a larger number of built-in ports. This may also be the cheapest long-term option.
Prices for USB hubs have a wide range. You may be able to find some very cheap ones, but these are probably older, slower drives that use the USB 1.1 standard. Those with more options or better features, such as faster speeds, wireless capabilities, and more ports, will cost more.
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