The primary purpose of a USB hub is to increase the number of USB ports available on a computer.
A USB hub serves as a device that increases the number of USB ports on a PC or Mac. In essence, it takes one USB port on your computer and expands it into multiple ports, allowing you to connect several USB devices simultaneously.
Why Use a USB Hub?
Computers, especially laptops and some newer desktops, often have a limited number of built-in USB ports. A hub provides a simple and effective solution to this problem, enabling you to connect all your peripherals without constantly swapping devices.
As mentioned in the reference, USB hubs are typically used to extend USB sockets to the top of the desk to conveniently plug in USB drives, cameras and portable storage drives. This makes it much easier to connect and disconnect frequently used devices without having to reach around the back of a desktop or struggle with awkward port locations on a laptop.
Common Uses and Benefits:
- Connect More Devices: Easily plug in multiple devices like keyboards, mice, external hard drives, webcams, printers, and flash drives all at once.
- Improved Accessibility: Place ports in a convenient location, such as on your desk, rather than having to reach behind your computer.
- Simplified Connectivity: Centralize your USB connections, making cable management easier.
How a USB Hub Works
Think of a USB hub as a splitter for your USB port. It connects to a single USB port on your computer and then provides multiple ports for other devices.
Without a Hub | With a Hub (e.g., 4-port hub) |
---|---|
Limited number of ports | Multiple ports available |
Devices compete for ports | Multiple devices connect |
Ports might be hard to reach | Ports can be placed conveniently |
Using a USB hub allows you to maximize the utility of your computer's existing USB capabilities by multiplying the connection points available.