A USB hub is a device used to connect multiple Universal Serial Bus devices to one computer. The USB hub is generally connected to the computer by using a single USB extension cable and has four to seven individual USB ports available for use. USB hubs are great for laptop computers with only one USB port, or desktop computers with USB ports on the back of the system.
Connecting a USB Hub to Another One
Yes, you can connect one USB hub to another one. Make sure both USB hubs are self-powered—they have their own power supplies and are not pulling power from the computer system. You can have up to 127 USB devices connect to one computer system.
Problems With Speed
If you have an older computer system, connecting multiple USB devices may slow down performance. If you notice a slowdown in performance and speed, consider a memory upgrade or removing one or more USB devices from the hubs.
Make sure your USB ports are USB 2.0 and not 1.0. USB 2.0 is faster than 1.0 and standard on today's computers. If your system was made before 1997, it is most likely USB 1.0 or has no USB ports at all. To solve this problem, purchase a aftermarket USB 2.0 device card and install it within your system.
Price Range of USB Hubs
USB hubs cost $25 to $65 depending on the number of USB ports on the hub. USB hubs can be purchased at retail and computer stores as well as online.
Installing The USB Hubs
Turn off your computer and plug in the first USB hub in any available USB port on your system. Connect the hub's power supply to a wall outlet. Next, turn the computer on and let the operating system recognize the device. When prompted, insert the compact disc that came with the hub. Once the setup is complete and you have tested the connection by plugging in a USB device such as a camera, plug the power cable to the the second USB hub into a wall outlet and then plug the second USB hub into the first one. Test the second device by plugging in a camera or scanner.