Universal Serial Bus (USB) cables came onto the scene in 1995 to enable the attachment of multiple devices to USB connectors on a host computer. USB offers the advantage that devices can be hot swapped, i.e. connected and disconnected to or from a computer while the computer is running. You don't even have to reboot the computer. USB cables have largely replaced the slower serial and parallel cables, which require a controller for each device.

USB connector size specs are relatively loose to minimize incompatibilities between USB plugs and receptacles. USB cables only have plugs (i.e. male connectors). Two-way communication with hosts is enabled via Type-A connectors and with devices via type-B connectors. USB cables are limited to 16.5 ft. in length due to a round trip timeout limit, though a maximum of 98.5 ft.t is allowable by connecting a hub between adjacent cables.

USB data cables use twisted pair for data in order to minimize cross-talk. When shopping for USB cables, consider the following:

1. Acquire A-A or B-B USB cables (standard or extension) to connect peripherals and host devices.

2. Select A-B USB printer cable.

3. Get A-mini USB camera cable for cameras, cell phones and other consumer electronic devices.

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Connect USB hosts and peripherals with A-A or B-B USB cables

When you need to transfer data between a computer and a digital camera, a disk drive or other portable electronic devices, then A-A and B-B USB cables are commonly selected. For digital cameras there are a few types of USB cables, but A-mini is more common.

I recommend: DCables is a major supplier of USB cables. At dCables, you'll quickly find the A-A and B-B USB cables you need, as well as A-A and B-B USB extension cables for going beyond the 15-ft. design limit. CoolGear USA has a comprehensive listing of USB cables, including USB extension cables.

Purchase A-B or A-Mini B USB printer cables for connecting a printer to a computer

Printers normally require an A-B USB cable to connect to a host computer, though, in some cases, an A-Mini B cable is required. The A end connects to the computer, while the B or Mini B end connects to the printer.

I recommend: L-com has a wide range of network-related electronic devices, including A-B and A-Mini B cables. TopMicroUSA also carries a good selection of A-B printer cables.

Buy USB camera cables for uploading pictures to a computer

If you're looking for USB cables for use with digital cameras and camcorders, these distributors probably have what you're looking for. Cameras typically use an A-Mini B cable, but this varies.

I recommend: Cables To Go carries various USB cables designed for some specific types of cameras. USBGear has all types of USB cable, including every configuration for connecting cameras and camcorders to a PC.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When scouring through available USB cables and connectors, remember that mice, keyboards and joysticks are low speed applications; thus, the associated USB cables do not require shielding. Low-speed cables operate up to 1.5 Mb/s. For higher speed applications, such as connecting hard disk drives, high-speed USB cables are available, which handle data rates of up to 12 Gb/s and are also able to withstand higher voltages, inherent in such applications. Visit the various suppliers of USB cables to identify which ones are high speed and which are low speed.
• •  Before connecting high-speed devices, make sure the USB connector on your host computer is rated at USB 2.0 and not USB 1.1. USB 1.1 connectors can only handle older, low-speed peripherals.

USB cables, officially known as USB 2.0 cables, have eliminated the confusion of serial, parallel, SCSI and MiniDin cables that made early computing such a headache. USB cables and connectors are now the only cables you need to connect a PC computer to devices and peripherals, such as printers, scanners, digital cameras, PDAs, keyboards and mice.

When buying USB cables, consider the following:

1. How USB 2.0 cables work.
2. The various types of USB cables and connectors available.
3. How to use USB extension cables to connect devices in large or separate rooms.
4. How to use of USB hubs to connect additional devices.
5. Using USB cables versus FireWire cables.

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Get the 411 on how USB cables work

Today, all new computers come equipped with several USB slots or ports that accommodate the A end of the USB cable, while peripherals have a slot that takes the smaller B end of USB 2.0 cables. The computer is the host and data flows upstream through the A connector toward the computer and downstream through the B connector toward the device. When you connect a USB device to the computer for the first time, the operating system recognizes it and asks for drivers (plug and play).

I recommend: USB Stuff offers a wide variety of USB cables and connectors and USB extensions. If you still use devices or peripherals with serial or parallel ports, A1 Net Inc. carries both USB to parallel adapters and USB to serial adapters.

Types of USB cables and connectors

USB printer cables are the same size as USB cables for scanners. However, smaller devices like cell phones and cameras need smaller connectors, specifically the mini B connector. The A to mini B cable, as it is called, usually comes packaged with the device.

I recommend: Cables To Go's USB page is devoted to USB cables and connectors, including those for cameras and other small devices.

Use USB extension cables for distant devices

USB cables were designed to connect computers with devices in the same room. The USB cable transfers signals to a distance of 5 meters (about 16 feet, 5 inches) between high-speed devices and 3 meters (just under 9 feet) between low-speed devices. By using USB extension cables you can increase the distance between the computer and the device.

I recommend: BuyExtras.com offers 16-foot action repeater USB extension cables that amplify the USB signal to transmit over greater distances. The USB extension cables at QVS lets you connect devices up to a maximum of 150 feet apart.

USB hubs

While the USB port can support up to 127 devices, computers come with a limited number of USB ports, usually two to four. If you need to use more ports simultaneously, USB hubs are the answer. You simply plug USB hubs into the computer and plug additional devices into the hub. USB hubs, which can be chained together for additional connectivity, are either AC powered for use with high-power, high-bandwidth devices like external DVD burners, or unpowered for use with low-power devices like cell phones.

I recommend: USB Adapter offers USB hubs, including a 7–port USB 2.0 high-speed slim hub with AC power plus quantity discounts. Laptops have even fewer USB ports than desktops. Cables To Go solves the problem with a portable, bus-powered, 4-port laptop hub. To connect two PCs together, CNA offers a USB PC to PC bridge.

USB cables versus FireWire cables

Similar to USB cables, FireWire cables are peer-to-peer rather than host-based, meaning that two devices can talk directly to each other without a host computer. FireWire and USB cables and ports have different configurations and are not interchangeable. USB is the dominant standard, especially in the PC world, although FireWire is favored for streaming digital video applications thanks to its ability to send uncompressed video with guaranteed bandwidth.

I recommend: Cables To Go offers a variety of USB hubs, including a USB/FireWire combo hub with four USB 2.0 ports and two FireWire ports.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  USB 2.0 cables are standardized, making one manufacturer's product very similar to another's. Compare prices and warranties for the best deal.
• •  Avoid AA or BB USB cables. Some manufactures make these anomalies as a means of connecting two computers or two devices to each other, which is not supported by the USB standard. Use a USB bridge to connect two computers together.
• •  Keep extra USB cables on hand for additional devices you might want to connect.
• •  Keep USB hubs on hand so you won't have to disconnect one device in order to connect another.
• •  If you have older USB devices, make sure the USB cable supports the old USB 1.1 standard.

Although you may not find a particular course that deals with different types of USB cables, you can locate plenty of information and training materials on USB cables in order to educate your network users on proper function. Part of your USB cables education and training will involve learning what type of uses you can find for the data transfer device.

USB is short for universal serial bus and the cable can be used to plug in dozens of different devices into a PC or Mac, including modems, keyboards, cameras, printers, mice and more. Types of USB cable include USB extension cables, printer cables and data cables.

1. Gather information on USB connectors. Find out what’s currently on the market as well as future plans to improve upon USB data cables. You'll want to focus on the specific devices you want for your company.

2. Get support and installation help for your USB cable. Support training can assist you or your staff if you run into a problem while attempting to use or install USB cables and connectors.

3. Receive training materials and user manuals from suppliers of USB cables. If you buy products, like USB printer cables, the manufacturer will likely include information on operation and maintenance.

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Learn the basics of USB cables

To start your training on USB cables and connectors, you can gather some general information about the devices. This includes learning the specifications and what types of USB cables are available to your specific industry.

I recommend: The USB Interface Bus has descriptions of different types of USB supported devices as well as the industry standards for speed and performance. The site also includes information on the newer models of USB connectors and cables available, like the USB 3.0. For detailed information on a specific type of USB cable, go to PC Cables. You can look up facts on USB printer cables, serial cables, adapters and more.

Get support and installation training for USB data cables

Many websites can give you general training that will give you the knowledge to operate USB powered devices within your company's network. Computer manufacturers have made using a USB data cable as simple as plugging the device into an available USB slot.

I recommend: For anyone wanting to receive training on USB cables, USB.org is the main site to visit. Besides providing basic information about cables, the site also has a support section that can assist you in installing and maintaining your USB devices. Take one of the free USB tutorials offered through GetUSB.info in order to learn how to perform both basic and advanced functions.

Contact suppliers of USB cables for training assistance

One of the best sources of training materials is manufacturers and retailers of USB connectors. Besides offering guidance on how your business can properly use the product, you can contact their support team in case you run into a problem.

I recommend: Belkin is one of the top names in USB cables and USB powered devices. On their site, you can find tutorials, user manuals and FAQ section to assist you in training you and your employees on using their equipment. Cables to Go has an extensive training and support library as well. You can download manuals, technical documents or attend one of their free training modules.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember to stay up to date on USB cables and connectors information. New technologies ensure that current information will be irrelevant quickly.