USB hubs and USB Active extensions

[Xiandre]

Greetings,

Long time time reader, first time poster.

I am trying to setup a computer for Both Gaming and Media in the TV room. I will be sitting roughly 10 Feet back from the TV and I would like to use a wired mouse and keyboard if at all possible as I am extremely attached to my Logitech G500 mouse.

I understand USB has length issues of 3-5 meters depending on device. I have just spent a lot of money on a brand new computer and trying to keep costs down. What would be the most cost effective solution to give myself around 5-6 meters distance for 3 Devices, Keyboard, mouse and Headset.

Thanks in advance
Xiandre

 

[UrbanMyth]

You can buy 3 and 5 meter USB extension cables, and I have managed to use 3 meter cables successfully, at USB 1 rates.
Amazon do a "USB Over Ethernet RJ45 Extender" that works well for simple kb & mouse, and you could put a (powered) USB hub on the end to accomodate your 3 devices. Chief limitation is that it'll be running at USB1 rates, and running 3 devices could be a strain! I suspect the headset and mouse response may suffer.
They also do a "10m USB Active Repeater Extension Cable" which should work at USB 2 rate - probably a better choice, but again you will need a powered USB hub.

Nothing (bar cost) prevents you running 2 or 3 sets of cables for any of the above if 1 cannot cope.

 

[Xiandre]

Hi UrbanMyth,

I ended up buying 2 5m Active extension cables. Supposedly they work like a 1 port hub, boosting the power signal. I will see how this fairs for the devices. I also bought a small usb powered hub. I am going to try and run the Headset on one and they keyboard and mouse off the other Active cable.
I will post results.

kind regards
Xiandre

You can buy 3 and 5 meter USB extension cables, and I have managed to use 3 meter cables successfully, at USB 1 rates.
Amazon do a "USB Over Ethernet RJ45 Extender" that works well for simple kb & mouse, and you could put a (powered) USB hub on the end to accomodate your 3 devices. Chief limitation is that it'll be running at USB1 rates, and running 3 devices could be a strain! I suspect the headset and mouse response may suffer.
They also do a "10m USB Active Repeater Extension Cable" which should work at USB 2 rate - probably a better choice, but again you will need a powered USB hub.

Nothing (bar cost) prevents you running 2 or 3 sets of cables for any of the above if 1 cannot cope.