Below FAQ are some common concerns of our clients before purchasing atolla USB hub products, if you have other questions, please just send it to support@atolla.us
USB 3 (also known as “SuperSpeed USB”) is the third major version of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, which offers significant improvements in transfer speeds and capability over USB 2 (“Hi-Speed USB”). It was created in 1996 by a consortium of companies led by Intel. Version 1.0 of the USB 3.0 specification was completed on November 17, 2008. Since then, the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has taken over managing the specifications around the USB 3.0 protocol.
  • 1/ Higher transfer speed (up to 5Gbps)
  • 2/ Increased maximum bus power (up to 900mA)
  • 3/ Full-duplex data transfers
  • 4/ Support for rotating media
  • 5/ Backward USB 2.0 compatibility
atolla USB 3.0 hub is backward-compatible with USB 2 devices. However, it will operate up to the maximum transfer rate of USB 2 speed (480 Mbps) and power may be limited to 500mA. It requires USB 3.0 Port in laptop/PC, USB 3.0 extension cable (if applicable) and USB 3.0 Device to fully harness the power of atolla HUB.

Well, yes and no.

All atolla USB 3.0 Hubs are designed bus-powered, which means peripherals that require low power (for example, keyboards and mice) can work fine without an external power adapter. But this hub is also limited to the total power available from the host computer USB port, usually less than 900 mA. This could prevent certain high-power USB peripherals from operating, such as hard drive, USB fan etc.
All atolla USB 3.0 hubs are coming with 5V DC power jack, extensible for external Power Adapter. Buying the CH-204U3-K atolla Powered USB HUB kits, or an atolla official Power Adapter is recommended.

Next to each USB Port, there is a helpful switch button with a blue LED indicator. One slight press on the button will turn on this single USB port, while a long press (approx. 2 seconds) will shut it down. The LED indicator shows the hub is receiving power. This makes USB hub much handy.
Yes, both all atolla USB 3.0 hubs are BC1.2 compliant, so they can charge and sync BC1.2 compliant devices. Most Android and Windows phones and tablets are BC1.2 compliant. Only Apple devices that use the Lightning connector support BC 1.2 charge and sync. Apple 30-pin dock connector devices that require special signaling, such as the original iPad, sync data only.
Most handheld devices have different USB charging mechanisms. For example, Apple devices have different charging methods from 1A(5W), 2.1A(10.5W) to 2.4A(12W), while other Android devices use completely different ways. This confusion may cause slow charging, even damage. Now atolla has a better solution. With a dedicated built-in Intelligent Charging controller, the DCP (Dedicated Charging Port) at the end of atolla HUB will automatically detect the right amps to charge your device. It supplies up to 2.4A for fast charging when the additional Power Adapter is connected. The AT-204U3 atolla Powered USB HUB kit is a recommended solution.
No, no drivers or software are required for the USB hub to work with your operating system. However, some devices, such as the Apple SuperDrive (looking for Apple-specific signaling), will not work when connected through any USB hub. 2.4Ghz wireless devices, such as wireless keyboard/mouse receivers, Bluetooth and WiFi adapters, may not work in close proximity to USB 3.0 devices or hubs. If required, install the latest update for Windows or Apple Mac OS X and Linux / Unix systems for best results.

Try these tips if a USB 3 device doesn’t activate after connecting to USB HUB:

Use USB 3.0 device in another setup to see if the problem is with the device or the setup.

Install the drivers for the USB 3.0 device.

Install the latest software updates available for your computer.

If required, attach official external power from atolla.

If problems still persist, you can always contact support@atolla.us for assistance.

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