USB hub is to expand one USB interface into multiple USB interfaces when computer/laptop users find there are insufficient USB interfaces or find interface inconvenient to plug-in. Before we define what a good USB hub is, we should get to know what types of USB Hub are:

* Passive Hub

Passive hub is a hub without external power supply. It is often small, convenient, and used for common applications. However, given there being no external power supply, it is not suitable for connecting multiple mobile hard drives or other high power consumption devices. For example, if you connect multiple mobile hard drives at the same time, it will definitely cause insufficient power supply and unavailable usage.

At present, there are many new products in the market that apply USB interfaces in order to prevent insufficient power supply. When the hub is connected to high-power electrical equipment and the power supply is insufficient, it can be equipped with an external power supply for auxiliary power supply, making it more applicable at home and office.

* Active Hub

Active hub is a hub equipped with external power supply. This type of hub is divided into two types, one with 5V power adapter and another with 12V power adapter.

With 5V power adapter active hub, it can be connected to drive low-power USB devices when it is not connected to 5V power adapter. When connected to high-power USB power devices, it can also be connected to an external power adapter for auxiliary power supply.

With a 12V power adapter, you must connect the power to the hub to work. With the sufficient power supply, it can connect multiple mobile hard disks and other high-power-consuming devices.

* Industrial hub and docking station

Industrial hub is used for industrial testing and group control. Companies and factories in need could investigate and purchase – don’t forget to make sure the parameters should be working fine with the machine.

As for the Type-C docking station, also known as the multi-function hub, it is mainly used for newly-developed notebooks with fewer interfaces, such as MacBook. More interfaces will be expanded including Type-C, USB3.0, HDMI, VGA , PD, network port, etc.

* Hub with other interfaces

There are many of these so we will not note one by one here. For example, ORICO develop products supporting 2 USB ports, a TF/SD card reader port, and other ports (TF/SD cannot be read at the same time).

There are also USB hub and docking station with network ports that are convenient for laptops without a network port to achieve wired Internet access.

And there are USB hubs and docking station with 4 USB ports and 2 charging ports expanded which only support charging but have no data transfer function.

Tips for choosing USB hubs:

If you are fancy convenience and portability, you can buy a passive USB hub, which can be used outside and inside.

If you use it at home and there are certain high-power devices that need to be connected, you can choose an active USB hub. While ensuring the normal operation of devices with higher power consumption, it also guarantees transmission efficiency and speed.

If it is for industrial use, for group control and industrial testing, we need to buy an industrial USB hub to meet the needs of large group control.

If the laptop has fewer expansion interfaces, you could buy a Type-c docking station. Some of Orico’s products expand different interfaces according to different application scenario, which is very intimate and convenient.

When there are various needs, such as reading the memory card, charging for use, or adding a network port, you can choose to get an additional interface type hub.

For now we have discussed a lot about USB hub. From what perspective do you like to choose hub? Is that quality or brand? Cost or usage? Name your choices in the comments below, and we will discuss in the next issue.