USB 2.0 Extension Cable - Passive or Active?

[Michael]

I just bought a set of webcams and am planning on setting one up about 30-40ft from my computer, but I need an extension cable for that.. should I go with active or passive?

Passive is under $2.00 per 15ft.. Active is $12 per 16ft.. Obviously, I'd prefer passive if I can get away with it..

TIA,

-mak

 

[Michael]

Nobody knows? 42 views and not one person can tell me if I need to go active with such a long USB extension?

I guess I'll go passive and see if it works out.. if not, I'll go active

-mak

 

[cohen]

i don't know the difference between the 2, i have tried google and i would help you but i don't know what the difference is, i was waiting for someone to reply and then i would learn from that, but i don't think it matters really ,

sorry

 

[Michael]

i don't know the difference between the 2, i have tried google and i would help you but i don't know what the difference is, i was waiting for someone to reply and then i would learn from that, but i don't think it matters really ,

sorry

No problem, I can explain for you

Passive is just an extension cable, it has a male USB 2.0 tip on one end, and a female USB 2.0 tip on the other.

Active is an extension cable with a male USB 2.0 tip on one end, and a female USB 2.0 tip on the other.. but there is a box inline with this one that amplifies the signal, much like a USB hub does, to help the signal to stay strong over long lengths of cable.

-mak

 

[Cleric7x9]

that is a pretty long distance, and since it will be transmitting video, i would go active. i have a webcam on a 10ft USB extension, and the quality is ok, but again, that is only 10 ft.

 

[cohen]

No problem, I can explain for you

Passive is just an extension cable, it has a male USB 2.0 tip on one end, and a female USB 2.0 tip on the other.

Active is an extension cable with a male USB 2.0 tip on one end, and a female USB 2.0 tip on the other.. but there is a box inline with this one that amplifies the signal, much like a USB hub does, to help the signal to stay strong over long lengths of cable.

-mak

awesome thanks,

well then i would go active!