What is USB Hub?

Many gadgets in everyday life need USB connectivity in one way or another and a USB hub (USB hub) is useful to keep things organized. But what is a USB hub and should you need this device?

Let's explore the benefits of a USB hub and why you may or may not need a USB hub.

What is a USB hub?

USB hub is a handy way to add additional USB ports to the setup. They convert a single USB socket into multiple ports. You plug the USB hub into your computer, then use additional ports to connect your mouse, keyboard, and other USB devices from a single port.

USB hubs also have limitations. You cannot plug in too many devices that consume power on the USB hub and will face other difficulties. However, if you want to use a keyboard, mouse and charge your phone on a USB port, the hub can help you achieve this.

Why do you need a USB hub?

Here are some cases where you may need a USB hub.

1. You want to increase the number of USB ports on your laptop

While there are some laptops that come with multiple USB ports, the remaining options have only two. The limited number of ports actually creates a huge difficulty in the current context. If you use a USB keyboard and mouse, you don't have a spare port to charge your device, connect an external hard drive, or connect a printer.

If you use your laptop as your main computer or do more than just email and write while traveling, a small USB hub can be a really useful tool.

2. You want to charge multiple devices on one port

USB hubs are a great way to charge several different devices at the same time. USB hub is the perfect companion for people with lots of power-consuming USB devices. From phones to tablets, etc., a USB hub can meet the needs of any USB power utility. It's convenient when you don't need to find a separate plug, just plug everything into the same hub.

3. You want to move a lot of data between USB devices

This is one of the rare cases where a USB hub is used, but it can still happen. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to move a lot of data between a variety of different devices, a USB hub can be very helpful.

The reason you don't need USB Hub

USB hubs are very useful, but they are not for everyone. There are cases where you should save money or take a different approach to solving the problem.

1. Do not use USB hub if all devices can connect wirelessly

Many devices have made the switch to wireless connectivity. You can now find Bluetooth-enabled keyboards and mice, while printers, scanners and external hard drives can work on WiFi networks. Although there are some shortcomings when using Bluetooth devices, but the wireless connection is really very convenient.

1. Instructions for using Bluetooth on devices

So if you hate wires or plugs and want everything connected wirelessly, you might not need a USB hub.

2. Do not use the hub if you have other additional ports on the hardware

Many monitors now have USB ports for connecting and powering devices. If you can use the HDMI port to connect the monitor to the computer, you will get 1 to 2 more ports (or more) without taking up any USB ports provided by the computer.

Routers usually have several USB ports and they can be used to connect a number of devices. Everything will be fine if you connect something that doesn't need frequent access or if the router is close to the computer.

3. Do not use USB hub if something else can be done better

Imagine you have 2 sockets next to the bed. The USB charging plug uses one socket and the night light uses the other. You want to put your phone and wristband in bed to quickly find them in the morning. However, you also want to charge both devices overnight on an outlet without changing cables.

Although a USB hub can help, USB adapters are even more useful. These adapters are like a USB hub, except that they have a standard outlet.

In the example above, you can buy a USB adapter with 2 USB ports on it. That way, a single outlet can provide power for lights, phones and bracelets to track health at the same time.