When you have to connect the computer with a USB device such as a scanner or a printer, you will need a cable extension USB for the installation. The USB specifications for this kind of connection mention the possibility to have cables that include an active repeater chip, also known as passive extension cables. The maximum optimal distance for the USB extension is 16 feet, anything beyond this, may result in data loss and damage to the USB equipment. A possibility to make the distance longer is to connect several cable extension USB devices but not more than 80 feet, which would be approximately four regular cables bound together.

Basically, the entire installation process consist of connecting the cable extension. USB ports on desktops and notebooks are perfectly compatible with devices. Usually double shielded, extension cables USB applications make transfer rates possible at up to 480 Mb per second. Most cables are compatible with all computers, both Mac and PC and the compliance applies to any high-speed USB, whether it is 2.0, 1.1 or 1.0. The reliability of USB cables results from the existence of incorporated or built-in electronics that make good performance possible even at long or peripheral distances.

The cable extension USB connectors are different, there is one type A male and one type A female, each for a distinct part of the cable. The A female gets into the computer port while the A male connects to the next cable, if you need further extension with the printer or scanner devices. The truth is that as a replacement to serial devices, the USB cable connection is a lot easier and more reliable. And the usage is omni-present if we think that any portable or desktop device now incorporates and solely relies on USB technology. Modern computer and notebook versions don’t have serial ports any more, and you will not find neither mouses nor keyboards with serial connectors.

A cable extension USB cord is not frequently required by users. Most PC owners have enough length in the cables and do not have to look for extensions. Market statistics indicate that Mac users, who have a lower number of USB ports are usually the first to seek USB connectors to match their electronic devices. Cable extension USB cords are most often needed for the connection of office electronics, which makes them necessary for networks, multiple office usage and lots of situations when the distance between one appliance and another is larger than 16 feet.