The answer to this question is highly influenced by the particular USB hub and KVM extender setup being used. Here are some important factors to think about, which could aid in decide or troubleshoot.
USB Hub Placement
If you use it only to increase the number of USB ports on the user station, connecting a USB hub to one of the USB ports on the KVM expander receiver unit should not be a problem unless you encounter problems that are listed below so you can connect and manage multiple peripherals quickly.
Power Considerations
USB hubs require a lot of power to run, especially when multiple devices are connected at once. Make sure the USB hub is powered directly or through a separate power adapter. This will provide steady connectivity and prevent any power-related problems.
Bandwidth Limitations
The USB hub shares the bandwidth of the connected USB port. While keyboards or mice typically need lower data rates, this can be a problem for devices like external hard drives or 4K webcams that require faster data transfer rates.
To avoid limitations on bandwidth in these situations, connecting these devices directly to the USB ports on the KVM extender receiver may be preferable. Otherwise, attach your USB hub to the KVM extender’s USB port with the best bandwidth (USB 3.0 or USB 3.1).
Signal Integrity
Through a KVM extender, USB signals sent over long distances may suffer from signal loss or degradation. The USB signals and power may abate if the USB hub you’re utilizing has a long cable. Try a USB extender if you want to extend more USB ports from the source device.
Cable Quality
Signal integrity may also be impacted by the quality and shielding of the cables used to link the USB hub, KVM extender, and devices. Use high-quality cables that are intended for KVM extender and USB applications. Low-quality or improperly protected cables may be more susceptible to interference, resulting in decreased performance or unreliable connections.
Compatibility and Interference
USB hubs and KVM extenders come in a variety of models and configurations, and not all of them will function together seamlessly. Here are several factors that affect compatibility.
USB Standards
Ensure that the USB hub and KVM extender follow the same USB standards. USB 2.0, USB 3.0, or USB 3.1 are a few examples. Incompatibility across USB standards may lead to reduced functionality or degraded performance.
Power Requirements
USB hubs may require their own power supply or a separate power adapter to function properly. Verify the USB hub’s power needs to make sure it has enough power. Device problems or intermittent connectivity may be caused by insufficient power supply.
Distance Limitations
KVM extenders are made to extend signals over a specific range of distances; going over that range may result in signal loss or degradation. The effective distance may be further impacted by the addition of a USB hub. Use a USB hub with a short cable if you can; otherwise, you might think about purchasing a USB extender to add more USB ports directly from the source device.
Due to compatibility and signal transmission issues, using a USB hub with a KVM extender is less suitable and not often recommended.