What is a USB C multiport hub for and what to consider before buying:
Do you need an extra USB port, a card reader, an HDMI connector, or a LAN adapter? Keep reading to know what a USB C multiport hub is, what it is for and what are the keys to consider before buying a multiport hub.
Let’s start by explaining what a hub is? A hub is a device thanks to which you can connect various devices: from your smartphone, TV, and USBs, to SD cards, tablets, or computers.
Due to this ability to connect devices of such diverse types, you may think that it is a complex device, however, this is not the case. A docking station for iPad pro is much simpler than a switch or a router.
While a switch creates a communication channel to distribute data to each destination machine, the hub limits its network to only sending computers. The switch is also capable of operating in networks with a greater amount of equipment than the hub.
The router, however, is in charge of communicating our devices with remote networks, being able to interconnect various networks, a function that neither the switch nor the hub can carry out.
The main mission of the USB C multiport hub is to become a central connection point in a network. All input ports are electrically connected. This means that data and information will be shared simultaneously between all the devices connected to the hub so that it can be seen from any of them.
Hubs are also often used to connect different segments of a LAN network through their different ports. This creates a common network between all connected devices.
Who is interested in a hub?
The great virtue of hubs or concentrators is their versatility and ability to adapt to the needs of each user. This is mainly because it has all kinds of ports that, yes, can vary from one device to another.
It may be the case that you have a computer that is a few years old, which in turn may mean that it does not have too many USB inputs or that some of them have already stopped working.
If this is your case, a USB C multiport hub may be the solution, since most of them also serve as multi-USB ports. Thus, you will be able to consult the documents on your USB memory while you charge your smartphone and have your printer connected.
If your old laptop doesn’t have a memory card slot, a hub will also serve as a card reader. You can also choose to connect it to your television and make a slide show from the sofa at home.
Precisely, another function of the multi-connectors is to allow the duplication of a screen, mainly thanks to its HDMI port. If one of the monitors you want to link does not have this input, a hub will also function as an adapter.
Hubs can even be used to connect your laptop to a router or modem this is its main function, which means that you can enjoy the speed of an Ethernet network directly from your computer.
Thus, a USB C multiport hub may be of interest to anyone who needs at least one extra port. But, do not have one on the device they are interested in using at the time. You just have to make sure that the hub you use is compatible.
What to consider before buying a hub?
Before we go into specifying what are the keys to consider before getting a hub or concentrator, it must be made clear that everything will depend on the uses you want to give this new device.
One of the first factors to bear in mind is, of course, the price. The cost of a hub varies, for example, depending on the brand and the ports they include, but in general terms, it ranges between $ 10 and $ 60.
Also speaking in general, at a higher price, more variety of ports and greater capacity. It is therefore important to know what type of inputs you need, be it HDMI, LAN, USB Type-C, USB 3.0, SDHC card, micro SDHC card, or any other.
Likewise, and as we anticipated in the previous section, it is very important to know the compatibility of the hub with your other electronic devices. A hub will do you no good if you can’t connect it to your laptop or TV.
Another aspect to consider, although perhaps somewhat secondary, is the design of the USB C multiport hub. Take into account the material from which it is made and, if your priority is to be able to transport it from one place to another, take a look mainly at its size and weight.
Finally, we recommend checking what warranty and after-sales service the manufacturer and the distributor offers. In the hypothetical case of having a problem with the product, you want to be able to have efficient customer service that can help you.
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