Devices like printers, scanners, webcams, keyboards, external harddrives and many more. 

The one thing that these devices have in common is their connectivity.

They all utilize Universal Serial Bus (USB) as a means of communicating to a host device like a computer. 

However, a computer or laptop is limited by how many USB ports it has. 

This is where a USB Hub plays a crucial role by enabling you to extend the number of USB ports you might be limited by. 

But, sometimes just one USB hub might not cut it. 

So, how many USB hubs can you daisy chain?

You can connect up to 127 devices to a computer via a single daisy chain of USB hubs. So the number of USB hubs that you can daisy chain together depends on the number of ports the USB hub has. 

But, the USB hub is considered a device as well, so there is a bit more to the question which we will look at a bit deeper in this article. 

A deeper look at daisy chain

Daisy chaining in electrical and electronic engineering involves connecting multiple devices in a sequence. 

The term Daisy Chain is derived from a garland of daisy flowers which are connected in a sequence or ring formation. 

Devices can be daisy chained in order to transfer power, analog signals, digital data, or a combination of the three.  

It is often used to connect large scale devices in series. One common application where daisy chaining is common which you might be familiar with is Power Strips. 

One power strip can be connected to another, to add more power outlets which can then power more devices. 

Other commonly used applications of daisy chaining are with USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt and Ethernet cables. 

A USB hub is a device that utilities USB protocols for communication, so a USB hub can be connected to another to form a daisy chain formation. 

But, just how many USB hubs you can daisy chain is the question at hand, which we shall look at in more depth next. 

How many USB hubs can you theoretically daisy chain

USB hubs are most commonly used to extend the number ports of a computer system (as it can only come with a limited set of USB ports).

But, sometimes you might require multiple USB hubs.  

You will require multiple to accommodate multiple input and output devices. 

So, you will need to daisy chain the USB hubs by connecting one USB hub to another. 

As you can see, the first USB hub gets connected to a single port of the computer giving us 4 new USB ports. 

Then when we connect the second USB hub to the first USB hub, we lose one USB port (from the first USB hub) but gain 4 more (from the second USB hub) now giving us a total of 7 USB ports. 

Below is a simple formula to calculate the number of USB ports you will have available depending on the number of USB hubs you are using and the number of USB ports the hub has. 

But, how many USB hubs can you daisy chain?

You can connect up to 127 devices to a computer via a single daisy chain. 

Note, there is more than meets the eye here. This does not mean daisy changing 127 USB hubs to a single USB port of a computing system. What this means is that you can daisy chain ‘X’ amount of USB hubs that can accommodate 127 devices. 

Another important note to make is that the ports you are using to connect one USB into another is also part of the 127 connections of the daisy chain.

So, theoretically if you were to use a 4 port USB, you can daisy chain up to 32 USB hubs (32 x 4 = 128).

USB hubs come in a range of sizes which can have 2, 4 or 7 USB ports.

So, the number of USB hubs required to accommodate 127 devices on a single daisy chain depends on how many ports it has. 

From a glance you will be able to come to a conclusion that you will require more 2 port USB hubs than a 7 port one. 

Are there any issues when you daisy chain multiple USB hubs

While it might be theoretically possible to daisy chain up 127 devices to a computing system (which includes the 32 USB hubs), there are some things you need to take into consideration before you do so. 

Issue #1 daisy chaining USB hubs : Shared power

As mentioned earlier, USB hubs come in a range of sizes with a varying number of ports. 

Another distinction between USB hubs is whether they are Powered or not powered.

An unpowered USB hub is the most common type of hub used and as the name suggests it does not have its own power source. 

Devices connected to the USB hub are powered from the computer’s USB port that the hub is connected to. 

However, a computer USB port is limited to the power it can deliver. 

It is rated at 2.5 watts which is equivalent to 5 volts and 0.5 amps.

So, what this means is that if you connect multiple devices (let alone 127), power is going to be distributed amongst these devices per USB hub daisy chained.

They are not going to receive the sufficient power required to operate them efficiently. It is also going to place a lot of stress on the computer and the USB port which all these devices are connected to. 

This means that daisy changing multiple devices using unpowered USB hubs isn’t the best option. 

But, this is not the end of the story! 

If you do need to daisy chain devices to a single port of a computer, you should use powered USB hubs to do so. 

Powered USB hubs have their own power source which is used to power devices connected to that particular hub. 

This will take stress off the computer’s USB port. 

Issue #2 daisy chaining USB hubs : Data transfer speeds

Power is not the only thing that is shared amongst devices of a single daisy chain of USB hubs. 

Data transfer speeds are another aspect that is shared amongst devices connected to a USB hub. 

No matter what the scenario, the faster the data transfer rate the better!

The fastest available transfer speed at this moment in time is 10 Gbps which is the USB version 3.1. So, if a computer has USB 3.1 ports, this is the fastest data speed it can achieve. 

This number is constant and does not increase if you daisy chain more peripheral devices. 

What this means is that just like power, the data transfer speed will be divided up amongst the peripheral devices connected at any given time. 

This might be ok if you are connecting devices that do not require fast transfer speeds like a mouse, or keyboard.

But, problems arise when you connect larger devices that require faster transfer speeds such as printers, external harddrives, scanners etc. 

They might not receive the necessary data speeds to operate efficiently as the overall data transfer speed is shared.

Issue #3 daisy chaining USB hubs : Latency

Latency can be described as the delay between the request for information and its arrival.

Or the amount of time it takes the piece of data to travel across a network from one communication endpoint to another. 

Latency can cause issues in many different aspects of computing such as VR gaming or telesurgery, where the smallest delays can have huge impacts. 

Cable lengths can account for one of the biggest factors of latency. 

If the cable length is too long, it is going to add the time required for data transferred (while it might be miniscule to you, in the computing world it might seem a lifetime). 

The shorter the cable the better!

This is why there is a restriction of the length of USB cables. 

Now imagine you daisy chain 32 USB hubs. The cable length is going to increase incrementally as you add more hubs. This is going to add latency (especially to devices further down the daisy chain).

So, limit the number of USB hubs if you are using it in applications where timing is essential. 

Issue #4 daisy chaining USB hubs : Power consumption

The last issue to consider is how much power will be consumed if you daisy chain 127 devices (including 32 USB hubs).

As you saw above, if you are daisy chaining these many peripheral devices, you are going to require a powered USB hub. 

But, using more powered USB hubs means that you are going to add to the overall power consumption. 

As you know, a rise in power consumption inevitably leads to a rise in power bills. 

So, limit the amount of devices and USB hubs you daisy chain to the essentials to save yourself putting a dent in your bank account. 

Connecting sensitive devices in a daisy chain

Another point to make is connecting sensitive devices in a daisy chain setup. 

Devices like external harddrives. 

As mentioned above, there are certain issues that can arise from daisy chaining USB hubs. Issues such as shared power and data transfer rates. 

An external harddrive is a device that you can use to backup your important files, photos, videos etc. 

If it is part of a daisy chain setup with other power hungry devices, it is not going to receive the right amount of power to operate efficiently. 

This means that if you are trying to save important information and the power drops, you are going to lose all that information. 

Your best bet is to connect the harddrive directly to a computer USB port. 

Can you daisy chain any version of USB hubs

Yes, you can daisy chain any version of USB hub. 

However, there is a limitation when doing so. Let’s take a quick look at what it is. 

USB communication has evolved over the years in many aspects. One of the major ones being data transfer speeds.

Below are the different data speeds over the years (the last one being the latest);

• USB 1.0 : 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second)
• USB 1.1 : 12 Mbps
• USB 2.0 : 480 Mbps
• USB 3.0 : 5 Gbps (gigabits per second)
• USB 3.1 : 10 Gbps

As you can see, there are many different speeds available for different applications depending on the need (but to reiterate, the faster the better!).

While you can connect USB hubs of different versions, the main issue is that the data transfer rate is limited to the slowest version.

For example, if you daisy chain a USB hub that is USB 3.1 to one that is USB 1.0, you are limited to the speed of the lowest version (USB 1.0) which is 1.5 Mbps.

The post How many USB hubs can you daisy chain? appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.

Peripherals are input and output devices that get connected to a computing system that enables us to put information into it (via inputs) as well as get information out of it (via outputs). 

There are many ways peripherals get connected to a computing system but, one of the most utilised methods for communication is Universal Serial Bus (USB).

Computing systems have USB ports that peripherals get plugged into. 

However, computing systems are limited by how many USB ports they have. 

USB Hubs enable you to extend the total number of USB ports.

But, sometimes one USB Hub is not enough. 

So, can you plug one USB Hub into another?

Yes, you can plug one USB Hub into another. A USB Hub is essentially a USB device in itself and is why you can plug it to another USB Hub to add more ports. However, there are some factors to take into consideration before doing so which will be covered in this article.

Why it is possible to plug a USB hub into another

Let’s take a deeper look at the USB hub and why it is possible to plug one into another. 

In the earlier days of computing, you might have been restricted to only two or three devices that you connect as an input or output.

This might have been a mouse to help you scroll, a keyboard to help you type characters and a monitor to help you view information.

But, over the years computing has evolved along with the number of inputs and outputs.

Now you have a multitude of devices you can connect to help you achieve different tasks. Below are just some to name a few;

• Printer
• Scanner
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Midi Controllers
• Gaming controllers

Universal Serial Bus

Another thing that has evolved over the years is how these peripherals communicate with a computing system.

The most widely used means of communication nowadays is known as Universal Serial Bus or USB (which you will be more familiar with).

USB is a protocol of communication, connection and power supply for cables, connectors and devices such as computers and peripherals.

However a computing system is limited by how many USB ports it has, and with the number of peripherals increasing, you will require a device such as a USB Hub to extend how many ports it has. 

But, sometimes one USB Hub is not enough and you might require to connect another USB Hub to it. 

Lucky for you and me, connecting one USB hub into another isn’t a problem. 

SInce a USB hub is essentially a USB device and uses the same protocols for communication, it can be plugged to another USB Hub. 

What factors to consider when plugging one USB hub into another

While it is possible to connect a USB Hub into another, there are some factors to consider before doing so to ensure you get the most efficient connection.

Transfer speed

There are many different Transfer Speeds available for USB cables, connectors,ports and USB Hubs available. 

Transfer speed is how much data is able to be transfered.

Earlier versions (USB 1.0) had transfer speeds of 1.5 Mbps (Megabits per second). This version is the lowest of the transfer speeds available for USB devices. 

Below are the other cable transfer speeds (with the last one being the latest);

• USB 1.1 / Full-speed (12 Mbps)
• USB 2.0 / Hi-Speed (480 Mbps)
• USB 3.0 / Super-speed (5 Gbps)
• USB 3.1 / Super-speed (10 Gbps)

When connecting one USB hub into another you will need to make sure that they are both the same versions otherwise you will be restricted to the speed of the USB hub that is the lowest version.

For example, if you connect a USB hub which is version 1.1, to one that is version 3.1, the maximum transfer speed will be limited to version 1.1 (12Mbps). 

So ensure they are both the same versions to achieve the fastest transfer speeds. 

Power consumption

The next thing you want to take into account when connecting one USB hub into another is power consumption.

Power is shared amongst devices that are connected to a USB hub. 

While connecting two USB hubs together won’t place much stress on the host system, you will inevitably be connecting devices that will require power and by having two USB hubs means you have more slots available.

You will have to be cautious as to the power requirements of the devices you will be using. Connecting multiple power hungry devices to both the USB hubs will place a lot of stress on the host system.

This issue arises when using Unpowered USB Hubs. 

This type of USB hub does not have its own power supply and uses power supplied from the host system. 

A way to combat this is to use a Powered USB Hub.

As the name suggests, these USB hubs have their own separate power supply so they aren’t stealing power from the host system. 

Transfer speed consumption

The last factor to plan for is Transfer Speed Consumption. 

The same way that power is shared amongst devices connected to a USB, so are their transfer speeds.

Every device requires a certain amount of transfer speed to operate at optimal conditions. 

If you connect multiple devices that require high transfer speeds, the end result will be that the transfer speed will be shared amongst them thus limiting them to less than optimal speeds. 

Devices such as External Hard Drives require high transfer speeds. 

The only way to solve this issue is to limit how many devices that require high transfer speeds are connected to a USB hub at any given time. 

Do the USB Hubs have to be the same brand in order to connect them?

No, the two USB hubs that you connect together do not have to be off the same brand. All USB hub manufacturers will use the same USB protocol. The only thing that will vary and which you will have to take into account is what version of USB hubs you are connecting together. 

As you saw previously, connecting two USB hubs of different speeds will limit your transfer speed to that of the lower version. 

Do the USB Hubs need to have the same number of ports to connect them? 

No, the number of ports a USB hub has does not matter when you plug one into another.

You will however, have to calculate how many USB ports you need which allow you to connect two USB hubs with sufficient ports.

For example, if you already have a 4-port USB hub and require 7-ports in total, you will need to connect another 4-port USB hub (you will lose one USB port from the first USB hub as you plug the other one into it).

Advantage of plugging a USB hub into another

The biggest and most obvious advantage of plugging one USB hub into another is that you are able to extend the number of USB ports your computing system has. 

This means you are not limited to how many peripherals you can connect to your computing system to interact with it. 

Disadvantages of connecting a USB hub into another

There are some disadvantages to using 2 USB hubs connected together. 

However, they are ways to workaround them so they do not drastically affect the overall performance of the system.

As you saw earlier, if you are using an Unpowered USB Hub, a lot of stress is placed on the host system as it has the job of supplying power to both the USB Hubs as well as all the devices connected to it. 

An easy fix for this is to use a Powered USB Hub which has its own power supply which the devices can feed off. 

The next issue might be a slight decrease in speed when plugging another USB Hub (while miniscule, this can add up when connecting multiple USB Hubs). 

Again, remember to match the versions of the USB Hubs so you do not limit the speed to the slowest version. 

Is there a better option of connecting one USB Hub into another ?

USB hubs come in a variety of sizes that have as little as 2-ports all the way up to 7-ports. 

Rather than connecting two 4-port USB Hubs together to get 7 USB ports, a better option would be to just buy a 7-port USB hub.

This way you will avoid the issues of reduced speeds (however small they may be). 

So, first double check to see if there is a USB hub available with the right number of ports you require.

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It is one of the main gaming consoles used today to play a plethora of games.

Earlier versions of the Playstation console were limited to only the standard controllers.

However, with its evolution over the years and the advancement in technology, there are many more devices that you can connect to your playstation to enhance your gaming experience. 

Devices like a wireless headset so you can communicate with your friends when playing online multiplayer games.

However, the PS4 is only limited to 2 USB ports. 

A USB Hub is a device that enables you to extend the number of ports of an electronic device.

So, do USB hubs work on a PS4?

Yes, USB hubs do work with a PS4. The USB hub can be connected to a PS4 to extend the number of USB ports to more than 2. It will allow you to connect multiple PS4 accessories. However, there are some things to consider which will be discussed in this article. 

What is the main purpose of a USB hub?

USB ports enable us to connect peripheral devices to an electronic or computing system, and almost all devices utilise a USB type of connection. 

Peripheral devices like an external hard drive, mouse, keyboard, webcam and many more. 

But, electronic devices come with a fixed number of USB ports which limits how many peripheral devices you can connect to them. 

A USB hub is an electronic device whose main purpose is to add more input USB ports to a device limited to a certain set of ports. 

For example, if a device only had one USB port, you could add a USB hub and add up to 4 additional ports.

Why you might need a USB hub with a PS4

As you can see, a USB hub is a very handy device.

But, why might you need one for your PS4?

Well, this all comes down to the number of USB ports the PS4 has. We know that the main purpose of a USB hub is to increase the number of USB ports of a device. 

The PS4 only has 2 USB ports (located on the front).

This means that you are only capable of connecting up to 2 compatible USB devices to the PS4 at any given time. 

But, as we will see later in the article, the PS4 has more than 2 accessories that can be plugged into its USB ports. 

So, having a USB hub will prove very useful when you need to connect more than 2 inputs. 

Why USB hubs work on PS4

So, why does a USB hub work with a PS4? 

The main reason is that both devices utilise the same protocols for connection,communication and power supply between a computing system and peripherals.

This protocol is the Universal Standard Bus or most often referred to as USB. 

The PS4 is a type of computing system. It uses USB as a method of communication with external peripherals such as an external hard drive, or headset.

A USB hub merely allows the PS4 to add more ports. 

But, they are both compatible with each other as they essentially talk the same language. 

So you can connect a USB hub to a PS4. 

Considerations when connecting a USB hub to a PS4?

Before you go plugging in any USB hub to your PS4, there are some considerations to take into account. 

The first consideration is Transfer speed. 

Like with many things in life, the USB cable has evolved over the years. 

One of the major characteristics of the USB cable that has evolved is its transfer speed (of data).

The earlier USB 1.0 cables had transfer speeds of 1.5 Mbps (Megabits per second). This cable is the lowest of the transfer speeds available for a USB cable. 

Below are the other cable transfer speeds (with the last one being the latest);

• USB 1.1 / Full-speed (12 Mbps)
• USB 2.0 / Hi-Speed (480 Mbps)
• USB 3.0 / Super-speed (5 Gbps)
• USB 3.1 / Super-speed (10 Gbps)

The PS4 has USB 3.0/3.1 input ports. 

What this means is that you will need to connect a USB hub that is the same transfer speed of 3.0 or 3.1.

If you connect a USB hub of a slower transfer speed to your PS4, you limit the transfer speed to the lowest version.

So, for example, if you connect a USB 1.1 hub to your PS4, the transfer speed is limited to 1.5 Mbps even though the PS4 is capable of transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps. 

Doing this will drastically affect the performance of the accessories with your PS4. 

Another consideration is how many USB hubs and accessories you connect to your PS4.

You aren’t limited to just connecting one USB to your PS4. 

You can daisy chain the USB hubs (which is a method of connecting several devices together in a linear series. In this case one USB hub to another).

However, this can  cause issues.

The problem that arises when you daisy chain unpowered USB hubs is that the PS4 itself has to power all the devices connected to it which can affect its overall performance. 

Not only will it drain power, but lower the speed of each device. 

So, limit the number of USB hubs and accessories you connect to the PS4 at any given time. 

What PS4 accessories can you connect to a USB hub?

The Playstation has come a long way since its humble beginnings. 

Back in the day you were just limited to the standard playstation controllers when playing games. 

But, over the years there have been many additions of inputs that can be connected to the playstation’s USB port each having their own abilities.

Below is a list of the most common PS4 accessories;

Dualshock controller charging station – Controllers have gone wireless with the emergence of bluetooth technology. They use rechargeable batteries that need to be re-charged once they have lost power. The charging station can be used to recharge your wireless controllers. 

PS4 Bluetooth remote – The remote helps you navigate the PS4’s home screen and all its menus. 

Headset – Now you can have a conversation with your bestie while playing online with them.

External harddrive – For when you run out of space on the PS4.

Virtual Reality headset – Now you can immerse yourself in a game with virtual reality. 

Do USB hubs cause input lag with the PS4?

Yes, the USB hub will cause input lag with your PS4 and the devices that are connected to it. It is going to add latency which will decrease the performance (mainly being the speed but only very slightly). But, this add in latency will only be apparent with peripherals such as a mouse or keyboard. It shouldn’t affect a remote controller or harddrive. 

Also, to avoid slower speeds, use peripherals that are the same USB version as the PS4 (3.0, 3.1) and avoid daisy changing multiple USB hubs and overloading them with multiple PS4 accessories.

What size USB hub is best suited for PS4?

USB hubs don’t just come in one standard size limited to a certain number of ports.

There are plenty of options out there that include 2, 4 to 7 USB ports. 

So, what size USB hub do you need?

Well, this all depends on the number of PS4 accessories you own, and how many you will be using at once. 

A 4 port might be sufficient, but again, it all comes down to how many input ports you will require. 

Do you need a powered USB hub for a PS4?

Another distinguishing factor of a USB hub is whether it is powered or not. 

A USB hub that is not powered will have its power provided to the devices connected to it via the host (in this instance the PS4).

This can be disadvantageous as the PS4 will have to provide power to all accessories connected to the USB hub.

A powered USB hub on the other hand, has the ability to provide power to the PS4 accessories connected to it thereby taking the load off from the PS4.

Another advantage is that devices that need to be charged can do so using the powered USB hub.

So, while not necessary, it is advantageous having a powered USB hub. 

Are USB hubs good for a PS4 and gaming?

Yes, USB hubs are good for a PS4 and gaming in general. As we saw earlier, a PS4 is limited to how many USB input ports it has. So a USB hub allows you to extend the number of USB ports of your PS4 (or whatever gaming console you are using) which means you can add multiple inputs and enhance your gaming experience.

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