8 port usb hub

Types of 8 Port USB Hubs

An 8 port USB hub is a device that expands a single USB port on a computer or power source into eight ports. Different designs of these USB hubs exist. They include the following types;

• Desk-Landed USB Hubs

  Desk- landed USB hubs have bases that can be placed on the table. They usually come with cables that connect them to the computer. Most of these USB hubs are positioned on the desktop to ease access. This prevents users from bending or reaching awkwardly to the back part of the computer.

• Stationery USB Hubs

  Stationery USB hubs are the common types of USB hubs. They are known for being compact and easily portable. Their design can be either flat or rounded. Either way, they fit easily into small spaces when they are not in use. Because of their compact nature, they can connect multiple USB devices to either laptops or desktop computers. This makes them favored for traveling purposes.

• Slidable USB Hubs

  They have trays that slide in and out. This adjustable mechanism allows the hub to slide with ease when more USB ports are needed. Alternatively, The USB hub can be hidden under devices, such as laptops when it’s not in use. As a result, work space appears neat and organized.

• Stackable USB Hubs

  They are designed in a modular way. This enables them to stack on top of one another vertically. The design saves up desk space by acquiring little horizontal space. Moreover, the hubs expand the number of available USB ports by connecting them vertically.

• Port-Rotating USB Hubs

  These hubs rotate, changing either their orientation or arrangement. The change can be clockwise or anti-clockwise. Rotating USB hubs are flexible and can be positioned to fit different workspaces. They also provide ease access to ports, accommodating various plug shapes and sizes.

• Wireless USB Hubs

  They transmit data via wireless technologies such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi instead of using cables. Wireless USB hubs allow users to connect devices without physical connection. Thus, offering increased flexibility to workspace.

Function & Feature

• Plug-and-Play Installation:

  A plug-and-play 8 port USB hub can be easily installed and used without any additional software or drivers.

• Data Transfer Speeds:

  Different USB standards offer various data transfer speeds. A USB 2.0 hub provides up to 480 Mbps, and a USB 3.0 hub transfers data more than five times faster.

• Powered vs. Unpowered:

  A powered 8-port USB hub needs to be plugged into a power source. It provides power to the ports so that devices can be charged. An unpowered USB hub does not need to be plugged into a power source. It only receives power from the computer through the USB cable.

• USB Ports:

  The ports on a USB hub can be normal USB-A ports or newer types of USB-C ports. Some hubs have a mix of different types of ports so that many devices can be connected.

• Individual Port Switches:

  Some USB-C hubs have individual port switches. Each port has its own on/off switch.

LED Indicator:

Some USB hubs have an LED light. The light shows if the hub is getting power and if the ports are working properly.

• Compact Design:

  Simplistic design, 8-port USB hubs are very portable. They can easily be carried anywhere because of their small and light nature.

Uses of an 8-port USB hub

An 8-port USB hub connects a single USB cable to multiple devices. Some of its uses include:

• Gaming peripherals

  A USB hub allows gamers to connect various devices to one central location. This helps eliminate cable clutter around the gaming area. Also, most gaming consoles only have a limited number of USB ports. With a hub, console storage and expansion card replacements can be connected without having to unplug them after every use.

• Desktop accessories

  Most desktop accessories, such as mice, keyboards, speakers, and webcams, use USB connections. A USB hub makes it easy to connect all these devices to the computer, especially if it lacks sufficient USB ports. It can also connect mobile devices and digital cameras to transfer files and data.

• Content Creation

  Content creators require a variety of USB-connected tools and equipment to produce videos, podcasts, and other digital media. An 8-port hub can provide the connectivity needed for faster and efficient content creation. For example, photographers can connect cameras, card readers, and external hard drives to a USB hub for seamless data transfer and storage. They can also plug in lighting equipment, microphones, and audio interfaces to record professional quality videos and podcasts.

• Office equipment

  USB hubs can connect office equipment, such as printers, scanners, and storage devices to a computer. This eliminates the need for multiple cables running through the workspace. Also, documents don't have to be transferred and printed through email.

• Traveling

  An 8-port USB hub can come in very handy when a person is on the go. It allows them to connect multiple devices to a single port on their laptop or tablet. This is very useful to help stay productive and connected when traveling with limited connectivity options.

How to choose 8 port USB hubs

Business buyers should evaluate 8 port USB hubs carefully before making bulk purchases. Different models have unique features that suit various consumer needs. Certain factors to consider include;

• Number of USB hubs: Although the target is specific in this case (8-port hubs), it is very useful to have hubs with more than 8 ports for other purposes. It might be useful to have a hub with more than 8 ports when connecting to several devices simultaneously, or in a situation where more than 8 devices are needed to be connected at once. Another possibility is that another hub can be added to a device with 8 ports that it already has in order to connect more devices.
• Distribution of ports: Assess whether the USB hub has a distribution of different types of USB ports. Some hubs have a mixture of USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports on it. Users who are interested in high speed data transfer will want to use USB 3.0 ports, whereas users who are not concerned about the speed will find that the USB 2.0 ports work well for them. Also, consider whether the hub has standard or type C ports. Some devices can only be connected to type C ports.
• Power Supply: Evaluate whether the USB hubs are self-powered or bus-powered. Bus-powered hubs draw power from the computer or device they are plugged into, whereas self-powered hubs draw power from an external source. Self-powered hubs distribute power to the USB devices plugged into them, so they can all run simultaneously. On the other hand, bus-powered hubs may not be able to distribute power to all the USB devices plugged into them. If a bus-powered hub is used to power high power-consuming USB devices, it may not provide adequate power to all of them. This can cause problems for high power consuming USB devices. It is important to know that self-powered hubs are more expensive than bus-powered ones.

• Data Transfer Speed:

  The speed of data transfer varies between USB hubs. Basic USB 2.0 can transfer data at 480 Mbps, and USB 3.0 can transfer data at 5 Gbps. USB 3.1 Gen 2 also know as USB 3.1 hubs can transfer data at 10 Gbps. The newly-launched USB 3.2 hub can transfer data at 20 Gbps.

• Durability : Consider the build quality of the USB hubs. If they are made from durable materials, they are likely to last longer.
• Applications: Consider the tasks that must be performed with the USB hub and decide according to that information. If the hub will be mainly used for simple data transfer, emails and web browsing, then a USB 2.0 is adequate. But, if it will be used to transfer large files, stream video, or gaming, then a USB 3.0 or 3.1 is a better choice because of its high speed.

Q & A

Q: Are there any safety concerns when using a USB hub?

A: USB hubs are generally safe, but they can pose some risks. USB hubs can allow a hacker to access a device and steal personal information or even infect it with malware. Some data leak cases have also been reported that accessories and peripherals are the source of entry for malware into a company's network, especially when they are not encrypted. Using non-verified USB devices can sometimes cause hardware failures. USB data transfer is more dangerous than physical access to a device because it allows anyone to send malware.

Q: Can a USB hub be repaired?

A: In most cases, 8 port USB hubs can be fixed if they're malfunctioning. Typically, the primary reason for a hub's failure to operate is a defective internal circuit. If the circuits are in good condition, the USB hub can be repaired.

Q: How many devices can an 8-port USB hub support?

A: An 8-port USB hub can support eight devices, but it also depends on the available bandwidth. Each device will take up bandwidth and share it among them, so many calculators, average data transfer speed, which is about 12Mbps for USB 1.1, 480Mbps for USB 2.0, 5Gbps for USB 3.0, and 10Gbps for USB 3.1.

Q: Is a USB hub a bottleneck?

A: A USB hub can be a bottleneck because it limits the maximum speed at which data can be transferred between the computer and the devices connected to it. Each USB hub has a maximum data transfer rate, and all the devices connected to the hub share that rate. For example, if a USB 2.0 hub is connected to a computer, it can only transfer data up to 480 Mbps, regardless of how fast the devices are. This can cause slower transfers between the computer and the devices, especially when many high-speed devices are connected to the hub at once.