Can I Connect a USB Hub to Another USB Hub?
, by USintpw, 7 min reading time
Can I Connect a USB Hub to Another USB Hub? Yes, But Read This First!
The Universal Problem: Not Enough USB Ports!
Picture this: You’re plugging in your mouse, keyboard, webcam, and external drive, and—bam—no more USB ports. Many of us think, “Can I connect a USB hub to another USB hub to get more spots?” It’s a tempting fix for a common headache.
The short answer? Yes, you can technically link hubs together, but it’s not always smooth sailing. This article will walk you through how it works, the big risks like power shortages and slow speeds, smart ways to do it, and even better options to avoid the hassle.
Understanding the Connection: How USB Hubs Link Together
Your computer acts as the “boss” of all USB connections, with hubs splitting that control into more ports. Connecting a USB hub to another hub—called daisy-chaining—means plugging one hub’s cable into a port on another hub instead of straight into your PC. Your computer can usually still “see” devices through this setup.
It’s like adding extra branches to a tree. But the more branches you add, the trickier it gets to keep everything working right. Let’s dig into the details.
The Direct Answer: Yes, You Can Connect Hubs Together
Good news: The USB rules say connecting hubs in a chain is totally allowed. You can plug one hub into another and keep stacking ports. Most setups will recognize this without a fuss.
But here’s the catch—it’s not always the best idea. Power struggles, speed drops, and shaky connections can turn your clever solution into a mess. Let’s break down why.
Key Considerations & Potential Problems (The "But...")
The Power Problem: Powered vs. Unpowered Hubs is CRUCIAL
Unpowered hubs pull all their juice from your computer’s USB port, while powered hubs have their own plug for extra energy. Chain two unpowered hubs, and you’re begging for trouble—there’s just not enough power to share. Devices might not work or could flicker off.
Even powered hubs aren’t limitless. It’s like plugging too many gadgets into one power strip—eventually, something gives. I’ve seen a webcam die mid-call because of this, and it’s not fun.
Sharing the Lane: Speed and Bandwidth Limits
All devices in a hub chain share the speed of the single port they’re plugged into. Think of it like a bunch of houses sharing one internet line—everyone’s connection slows down. With USB 2.0, it’s bearable, but USB 3.0 or higher? You’ll notice the drag with fast drives or multiple webcams.
Ever tried copying files while streaming video through chained hubs? It’s a crawl. Bandwidth sharing is the silent killer here.
How Many Hubs? Understanding Device & Tier Limits
The USB spec says you can connect up to 127 devices, including hubs, to one controller. Sounds cool, but in real life, you’ll hit power or speed walls way before that. Plus, you’re capped at 5 hubs in a chain—computer included.
Five might sound like plenty, but power and bandwidth usually tap out after two or three. It’s a limit most of us never even test.
Reliability Roulette: Stability Issues
More hubs mean more cables and ports that can fail. One loose connection, and your whole setup might crash. Troubleshooting? Good luck figuring out if it’s the hub, cable, or device acting up.
I’ve had a mouse stop working mid-game because of a flaky chain. The more links, the bigger the gamble.
Best Practices: Connecting USB Hubs Safely and Effectively
· Use Powered Hubs: If you’re chaining, make sure the second hub (or beyond) has its own power adapter. It’s a game-changer for stability.
· Plug Smart: Hook power-hungry stuff like drives or webcams directly to your PC or the first hub.
· Keep It Short: Stick to one extra hub (PC -> Hub 1 -> Hub 2). Less is more here.
· Buy Quality: Cheap hubs and flimsy cables flake out fast. Spend a little more for peace of mind.
· Watch Power Draw: Know what your devices need—don’t overload the chain.
"What If..." Common Scenarios & Questions
Q1: What happens if I connect two unpowered USB hubs together?
A: Your devices will likely starve for power and either not work or drop off randomly. It’s a no-go.
Q2:How can I tell if my USB hub is powered or unpowered?
A: Check for a power adapter port—if it’s got one and a plug, it’s powered. No plug? Unpowered.
Q3: Will connecting hubs together slow down my devices?
A: Yes, if you’re running multiple fast gadgets—they’ll fight over the same bandwidth.
Q4: Is connecting USB-C hubs different from USB-A hubs?
A: Not really, but USB-C often handles more power or video, so a powered hub is even more key.
Q5: What are the signs my hub-to-hub setup isn’t working?
A:Look for disconnects, slow transfers, or error messages like “USB device not recognized.”
Smarter Solutions: Alternatives to Connecting Hub to Hub
Why wrestle with chains when there are cleaner fixes? A single powered hub with tons of ports—like a 10-port YH6S—keeps things simple and steady. No stacking required.
Got extra ports on your PC? Plug hubs or devices into separate ones instead of chaining. For laptops, a docking station like the DC43 16-in-1 gives you USB, HDMI, and more in one powered package. Desktop folks can add a PCI-Express USB card for fresh ports straight from the motherboard.
Conclusion: Connect Hubs Wisely, Or Choose an Alternative
So, can you connect a USB hub to another USB hub? Yup, it’s possible, but power shortages and speed hiccups can ruin the party. If you must, use powered hubs and keep it short—two max.
Honestly, grabbing a bigger hub or a docking station is usually the smarter move. Plan ahead, and you’ll dodge the frustration of a flaky setup. More ports shouldn’t mean more problems!
Tried chaining hubs? Tell us how it went below! Need a solid fix? Check out our favorite hubs and docks for stress-free ports.
Comparison Table: Hub Options at a Glance
|
Option |
Pros |
Cons |
Best For |
|
Hub-to-Hub Chain |
Cheap, uses what you have |
Power/speed risks, unstable |
Quick fixes |
|
Single Big Hub |
Reliable, simple setup |
Costs more upfront |
Everyday users |
|
Docking Station |
Tons of ports, powered |
Pricier, bulkier |
Laptop fans |
|
PCI-e USB Card |
Fast, independent ports |
Desktop-only, install needed |
Tech hobbyists |
