What is the maximum USB 2.0 cable length?

What is the maximum USB 2.0 cable length?

• A. 3 meters
• B. 5 meters
• C. 10 meters
• D. 1 meter

Answer: (B)

USB signals rely on timing and power being preserved along the cable, so the spec sets a built-in distance limit to keep communication reliable. For USB 2.0, the longest permissible cable length is five meters. This keeps signal integrity, reduces timing errors, and ensures devices can be properly powered and enumerated by the host. If you need more distance, you can add hubs or active USB extenders that repeat and restore the signal, which allows longer setups without sacrificing reliability. The other options are shorter than the official limit or exceed it without active signalling solutions, so five meters is the correct maximum.

USB signals rely on timing and power being preserved along the cable, so the spec sets a built-in distance limit to keep communication reliable. For USB 2.0, the longest permissible cable length is five meters. This keeps signal integrity, reduces timing errors, and ensures devices can be properly powered and enumerated by the host. If you need more distance, you can add hubs or active USB extenders that repeat and restore the signal, which allows longer setups without sacrificing reliability. The other options are shorter than the official limit or exceed it without active signalling solutions, so five meters is the correct maximum.