Printer 10 metres away from your computer? How to connect it without dropouts

A standard passive USB cable works reliably only over relatively short distances. If you need to place a printer, scanner or plotter farther away from your computer, an active USB cable with built-in electronics can maintain a stable connection by regenerating the USB signal along the cable.
 

Your printer does not have to sit right next to your computer. In an office, home workspace, graphic design studio or commercial environment, it is often more practical to place it where it does not get in the way and can be easily accessed by everyone. The problem starts when the device is too far away for a standard USB cable. A simple solution is an active USB cable, which can provide reliable data transmission even over a distance of ten metres.
 

Why a standard USB cable may not be enough

Connecting a printer usually does not require any complicated setup. Simply connect the USB port on your computer to the USB-B port on the printer. However, as the length of a passive cable increases, the quality of the transmitted signal may deteriorate. This can result in connection dropouts, incomplete print jobs or situations where the computer fails to detect the connected device altogether.

Connecting several standard USB cables together is therefore not an ideal solution. In addition to signal degradation, voltage drop can also become an issue, particularly with devices powered directly from the USB port.

An active USB cable regenerates the signal

Unlike a standard cable, an active USB cable contains electronics that regenerate the transmitted signal. This makes it possible to connect devices over distances where a conventional passive USB cable may no longer provide a reliable connection.

One example is the AXAGON ADR-210B, a ten-metre active USB 2.0 connection cable. It features a USB-A connector  for connecting to a computer on one end and a USB-B connector on the other, commonly used by printers, scanners and plotters.

The cable supports data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mb/s and is backwards compatible with USB 1.1. No additional drivers are required. Once connected, supported devices are automatically detected by Windows, macOS and Linux.

If you need to cover an even greater distance, the AXAGON range also includes the 15-metre ADR-215B and 20-metre ADR-220B. Both use the same active signal regeneration principle and support additional power input.

How far away from the computer can a printer be?

A ten-metre cable makes it possible to place a printer on the other side of an office, in a shared printing area or in another part of a workplace. The computer no longer needs to be located right next to the device.

The same solution can be useful in graphic design studios, engineering offices and copy centres, where scanners and large-format plotters are often positioned away from workstations. In workshops and warehouses, an active USB cable can also be used with compatible label printers and other devices equipped with a USB-B port.

The active section of the ADR-210B has a compact design, making it easy to place inside a cable management system or cable trunking. Two LEDs indicate power and connection status, making it easier to check that everything is connected correctly.

What if USB power is not enough

Printers and other devices with their own power supply generally do not require any additional power. However, with USB-powered devices, the power supplied by the computer's USB port may not be sufficient over longer distances.

The ADR-210B therefore features an additional power input. A power cable is included and can be connected to a standard USB power adapter with a suitable output. Additional power can help when a connected device operates unreliably or has higher power requirements. The mains power adapter itself is not included.

Simple connection without changing your network

An active USB cable is particularly useful when connecting the printer to a computer network is not possible or desirable. There is no need to change the printer configuration, set up Wi-Fi or install a network print server. The device remains connected in exactly the same way as before – it can simply be positioned much farther away from the computer.

Connection takes just three simple steps:

1. Connect the USB-A connector to the computer.
2. Connect the USB-B connector to the printer, scanner or plotter.
3. Connect the additional power supply if required.

The device can then be used as usual.

A practical solution for long-distance USB connections

If you need to move a printer farther away from your desk, connecting several passive USB cables can create more problems than it solves. The AXAGON ADR-210B active USB cable combines a ten-metre connection, USB signal regeneration and optional additional power in a single solution.

This gives you greater flexibility when arranging an office or workplace without having to purchase a new network printer or change the way you use your existing device.

Detailed technical specifications and dimensions can be found on the AXAGON ADR-210B product page.

FAQ

How long can a USB cable for a printer be?
A standard passive USB cable is generally reliable up to around five metres. Beyond this distance, signal quality may deteriorate and connection dropouts can occur. An active cable such as the AXAGON ADR-210B extends the connection to ten metres, while longer versions can cover distances of up to twenty metres.

Can I connect several passive USB cables together?
It is not recommended. Every additional connection can reduce signal quality and increase voltage drop, potentially resulting in an unstable connection or preventing the computer from detecting the device altogether. A better solution is to use one active USB cable of the required length rather than daisy-chaining several passive cables.

Does an active USB cable require drivers?
No. The AXAGON ADR-210B works immediately after connection and is automatically detected by Windows, macOS and Linux, with no need to download or install additional drivers.

When is an additional power supply required?
For self-powered devices such as most printers, additional power is generally not required. It can be useful for devices without their own power supply or devices with higher power requirements, where power from the computer's USB port may not be sufficient over a ten-metre connection.

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