Difference in performance on USB-C from an USB-hub; connection via adapter USB3.1-to-USB-C or direct connection


Recommended Posts

I'm having an Anker 4-port USB 3.0 Ultra Slim Data Hub (USB 3.1) (causing interference with my mouse).

 

I can connect the USB-hub to an adapter USB3.1 to USB-C (see pic with the 'B') and plug it in my computer, and have the USB-dongle for my mouse be in the generic USB 3.1 port.

 

My question performance wise (and maybe even also 'power wise'): is it better to have a "native" USB-C type usb-hub? Or can I also use an adapter from USB-C to USB 3.1 and have the same performance?

I would like to have this USB-hub powerless/no power supply.

 

In case of a direct connection a new USB-hub has to be bought by me (like e.g. this Satechi as attached)

USBC.jpg

USBC1.jpg

The difference is negligible as long as the adapter is the same speed/usb version as what is plugging into it. 
 

 

  On 30/07/2021 at 14:52, adrynalyne said:

The difference is negligible as long as the adapter is the same speed/usb version as what is plugging into it. 
 

 

Expand  

OK. So USB3.1 device/hub into this adapter still brings it (down) to USB3.1. I get that ;)

So, technically it's better to have a 100% USB-C usb-hub, like e.g. the Satechi I posted here).

The devices connected to, determine the actual speed/throughput. But USB-C has a higher bandwidth, so technically my connected HDD and running device (when connected) can operate on full speed.... 

USB-C doesn’t have a higher bandwidth if it’s backed by the same tech as the USB-A ports. It’s just a different connector at that point. 

  On 30/07/2021 at 14:58, adrynalyne said:

USB-C doesn’t have a higher bandwidth if it’s backed by the same tech as the USB-A ports. It’s just a different connector at that point. 

Expand  

I see that "A USB-C port equipped with Thunderbolt 3 can push data speeds to a theoretical limit of 40Gbps. To show how far we've come, that's four times faster than USB 3.1"

 

So, maybe even when connecting USB3.1 (10Gbps) the 'internals' of the USB-hub are I guess "more equipped" to handle these speeds.

("simplified": 4 USB 3.1 devices of 10Gbps = 40 Gbps; instead of a USB3.1 USB-hub which gives more or less 2.5 Gbps (maybe maxed out to 5Gbps) if not all are on full load per port (10Gbps/4 ports is this 2.5Gbps)

 

Or does this kinda tech in usb-hubs work differently?

  On 30/07/2021 at 15:17, kiddingguy said:

I see that "A USB-C port equipped with Thunderbolt 3 can push data speeds to a theoretical limit of 40Gbps. To show how far we've come, that's four times faster than USB 3.1"

 

So, maybe even when connecting USB3.1 (10Gbps) the 'internals' of the USB-hub are I guess "more equipped" to handle these speeds.

("simplified": 4 USB 3.1 devices of 10Gbps = 40 Gbps; instead of a USB3.1 USB-hub which gives more or less 2.5 Gbps (maybe maxed out to 5Gbps) if not all are on full load per port (10Gbps/4 ports is this 2.5Gbps)

 

Or does this kinda tech in usb-hubs work differently?

Expand  

Nah.

 

The controller is what matters here. If all of your controllers are USB 3.1, you get the same bandwidth regardless of connector type. If your USB-C is Thunderbolt, then thats different.

  On 30/07/2021 at 15:34, adrynalyne said:

Nah.

 

The controller is what matters here. If all of your controllers are USB 3.1, you get the same bandwidth regardless of connector type. If your USB-C is Thunderbolt, then thats different.

Expand  

The specs on Satechi's site lists: "CONNECTOR TYPE Type-C, Thunderbolt 3 Compatible"
Than the question... is my notebook Thunderbolt 3 Compatible?! Have to look that one up ;)

  On 30/07/2021 at 15:40, kiddingguy said:

The specs on Satechi's site lists: "CONNECTOR TYPE Type-C, Thunderbolt 3 Compatible"
Than the question... is my notebook Thunderbolt 3 Compatible?! Have to look that one up ;)

Expand  

Not from what I saw.

  On 30/07/2021 at 15:42, adrynalyne said:

Not from what I saw.

Expand  

You're right on that one. The manual states: USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, transfer rate up to 10 Gbps.

So... I can just use this adapter than?! And safe myself almost a 100 bucks.

  On 30/07/2021 at 15:46, kiddingguy said:

You're right on that one. The manual states: USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, transfer rate up to 10 Gbps.

So... I can just use this adapter than?! And safe me almost a 100 bucks.

Expand  

You can; but if you run out of power for the devices or see malfunctions due to lower power, you will know why.

  On 30/07/2021 at 15:47, adrynalyne said:

You can; but if you run out of power for the devices or see malfunctions due to lower power, you will know why.

Expand  

Yeah I know (mouse issues). But this one is not on the same USB-ports input on my mobo.

So, (hopefully) the internal power relay to these USB ports (type A & type C) are different... and therefore causing -probably- less issues.

Regarding your mouse interference ... nothing to do with the power on the A or C ports. 5 and 10 Gbps USB speeds  generate a lot of RF energy in the 2.4GHz spectrum. Poor shielding on devices or having these 5/10Gbps devices operating very close to a 2.4GHz receiver will cause issues. Physically separate them.

 

https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/white-papers/usb3-frequency-interference-papers.pdf

  On 30/07/2021 at 16:01, jasondefaoite said:
Expand  

Thx.

So, my assumption could be correct as the 2.4Ghz dongle is place next to the USB-port of the USB-hub, and hence the interference.

And... using a completely different (USB-C) port on another side of the notebook making the distance larger and, therefore, causing less interference due to the distance between the plugged in 2.4Ghz receiver and the via USB-connected usb-hub.

 

Image taken from page 9 of this white paper. 

USBC2.jpg

  • Like 1

When I had my Logitech unifier wireless dongle, it never worked correctly in the back port, so what I did is I got a 6ft USB extension cable, plugged it in the same port and then ran the wire and taped it to the back of my screen, mouse and keyboard worked great after that.

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1

I looked up an overview of this Asus GL731V notebook, and came across this video.

The image a still from it.

 

Looks like the connectors are wired to a different part of/on the motherboard, so with the usb-hub plugged into the USB-C port (above in picture), and the mouse-dongle in the 'regular' USB (part of the port-of-3) (right-side op picture)  I think I'm better off...

ASUS-GL731.jpg

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Microsoft disables a key graphics feature in Edge by Paul Hill Microsoft has released its new security baseline for its Edge browser version 139, it includes the addition of one setting and the removal of one other. For those that are unaware, these security baselines allow admins to set an organization’s Edge browser settings to the default that Microsoft recommends at any one time. You can download the new package from the Security Compliance Toolkit. With this update, the company is enforcing the default to disable the EnableUnsafeSwiftShader policy. This will help to mitigate potential risks as malicious web content could exploit vulnerabilities in the renderer. SwiftShader is a software-based renderer that serves as a fallback for WebGL in environments without GPU acceleration, such as virtual machines. With Microsoft’s disabling of it, it seems as though this compatibility tool is now seen as a liability. The disabled SwiftShader was the most relevant in virtual machines which are widely used in enterprises, so this change poses the risk of causing a bit of disruption. While the move is a good one for security, those who it affects may want to deviate away from Microsoft’s security baselines. The security baseline announcement also mentions a new Edge for Business security connectors feature which is designed to integrate the browser with security software for DLP and authentication. Microsoft said that these connectors can close critical gaps in enterprise security. You can learn more on the feature’s landing page. Microsoft doesn’t seem to have made the change to SwiftShader due to existing vulnerabilities, instead the move seems to be a proactive security improvement. If you rely on it with your virtual machines, feel free to deviate away from Microsoft’s security baseline, but understand you’re no longer following the company’s security advice.
    • Edge 139 is out with big performance boost, password improvements, and more by Taras Buria Microsoft has released Edge 139 to all users in the Stable Channel. The latest version (139.0.3405.86) introduces some notable changes to the browser, performance improvements, and bug fixes. It also removes some of the existing features, as Microsoft strives to streamline the browser and its features. Microsoft Edge 139 brings a reworked Settings section, which is now built with WebUI2. This enables significant improvements in performance and responsiveness, which Microsoft recently detailed in a blog post. Additionally, Microsoft optimized Settings for a more cohesive user experience by simplifying the number of pages and reorganizing various options. Though it also disables an important graphics feature with this update. Wallet in Settings is discontinued. It now redirects users to the new "Passwords, Payment, and Personal Information" experience in settings. Speaking of passwords, the built-in password manager now has real-time notifications for compromised passwords. If one of your passwords is found in a known data breach, Edge will prompt you to take immediate action and create a new password. Other changes in Edge 139 include the following: Open external links in another profile when recommended by external applications. When Microsoft Edge is set as the default browser to open external links from applications, Microsoft Edge must determine which profile to open the links. Introducing a new policy that can enable/disable Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat in Edge for Business from showing in the toolbar. Edge for Business now has a dedicated policy, Microsoft365CopilotChatIconEnabled, to enable and disable Copilot in Edge from showing in the Edge toolbar. New Autofill Personal Information Settings Configuration. A web form field collection consent toggle will be available in Autofill settings (edge://settings/autofill/personalInfo). This allows users to consent to Microsoft Edge collecting web form field labels (e.g., "First Name," "Email") to improve Autofill suggestion accuracy. Web AI APIs for prompt and writing assistance. Microsoft Edge now implements the Writing Assistance APIs and the Prompt API (for Edge extensions) with a local language model, Phi-4-mini, that is built into the browser. These easy-to-use JavaScript APIs are made available via Edge flags (set to Enabled, by default only for the Summarizer and Prompt API for extensions) so that sites and extensions can apply AI capabilities on the web. Enhancements to Performance and Secure network. Browser essentials is now separated into two distinct experiences (Performance and Secure Network) - both available from the Settings and more menu (“…” on the menu bar). Reset Microsoft Edge enterprise sync. For users having problems syncing browsing data across other signed-in devices, they can reset sync data from the Microsoft servers via Edge Settings edge://settings/profiles/sync/reset. Update to Microsoft AutoUpdate policy. The MAUEnabled policy allowed admins to continue using Microsoft AutoUpdate on macOS. Finally, Edge 139 contains eight security fixes for vulnerabilities originating from Chromium. Microsoft also published a security guideline with details about a key graphics feature, which is now disabled. You can update to Microsoft Edge 139 by heading to edge://settings/help. By the way, if you uninstalled the browser and do not know how to get it back, check out this guide.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      harveycoleman123 earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • First Post
      EzraNougat earned a badge
      First Post
    • One Month Later
      westDvina earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Community Regular
      Bern@rd went up a rank
      Community Regular
    • Week One Done
      Joey Solo earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      667
    2. 2
      +FloatingFatMan
      196
    3. 3
      ATLien_0
      154
    4. 4
      Xenon
      132
    5. 5
      wakjak
      102
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!