maximum length usb cable

When using a USB cable there are two different lengths that can be used. For a high speed device the maximum length USB cable is five meters which is a little bit less than 16 feet and 5 inches. For a low speed device the maximum length USB cable is three meters which is about 9 feet and 10 inches. If you want to use a maximum length USB cable it all depends on if you have a high speed device or a low one. The electrical design does not allow for the USB cable to be any longer than these specified lengths.

When USB was designed it was decided by the makers to handle the propagation of electromagnetic fields on USB data lines so that limited the maximum length USB cable to around the range of four meters. By limiting the length of a USB cable it gives advantages for the user and considering USB cables are for use in a desktop environment the limitations of the range of the USB cable were seen as being acceptable. Considering that there are two different types of USB cables the one chosen depends on the speed of the device in which the user will be operating with. Generally in a desktop environment even for a high or low speed device there is generally enough room if using a maximum length USB cable.

If you are using a laptop it makes it easier as the computer is portable and you can move around wherever you are using the computer freely. If this is the case, in most instances, a maximum length USB cable will not need to be used. But you can still use a maximum length USB cable to give you just that much more freedom to move around. Even with a maximum length USB cable you can wrap the cable around desk legs or various other items to keep the cable out of the way. Make sure that the cable is tucked away if it is not being used as sometimes by tripping or kicking the cable the USB plug might become unplugged. Sometimes damage occurs to the port if it is violently yanked out as well. When looking into buying a USB cable make sure that you need the maximum length because if you can use a shorter length cable it might be wise to do so as to not have the entanglements that longer cables sometimes bring about.