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USB hub
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<p>A USB hub is a device that expands a single <a href="/facts/Universal_Serial_Bus/XcIKWLyg">Universal Serial Bus</a> (USB) port into several so that there are more ports available to connect devices to a host system, similar to a <a href="/facts/Power_strip/RyMvVFvx">power strip</a>. All devices connected through a USB hub share the bandwidth available to that hub. </p><p>Physically separate USB hubs come in a wide variety of <a href="/facts/Computer_form_factor/2voHRBem">form factors</a>: from external boxes (looking similar to an <a href="/facts/Ethernet_hub/t90w5XMX">Ethernet or network hub</a>), to small designs that can be directly plugged into a USB port (see the "compact design" picture). "Short cable" hubs typically use an integral 6-inch (15 cm) cable to slightly distance a small hub away from physical port congestion and increase the number of available ports. </p><p>Almost all modern <a href="/facts/Laptop/3EFwTAb2">laptop</a> computers are equipped with USB ports, but an external USB hub can consolidate several everyday devices (like a mouse, keyboard or printer) into a single hub to enable one-step attachment and removal of all the devices. </p><p>Some USB hubs may support <a href="/facts/USB_Power_Delivery/mI8gwp0y">power delivery</a> (PD) to charge a laptop battery, if self-powered and certified to do so, but may be referred to as a simple <a href="/facts/Docking_station/6dA1GQmq">docking station</a> due to the similar nature of only needing one connection to charge the battery and connect peripherals. Hubs may feature power switches for individual ports to allow conveniently <a href="/facts/Power_cycling/SvRYnEce">power cycling</a> unresponsive devices. </p>