How to break the USB length limitations
You can use multiple USB hubs (no more than 5m between them) or Active Cables.
With the USB specs limiting the length of cables, is there a way to
extend those limits? Yes! However, in order to go beyond these cable
length limits (or recommended lengths) you need to use self-powered
USB hubs or active (repeater) cables; both of which have their own
limits as well. Other options such as USB over Ethernet or building
your own USB bridge can extend the USB range further. Back to Top
USB Hubs:
You can use extension cables and self-powered USB hubs connected
together to extend the range of your USB device. However, it is
important to remember when using 2.0 hubs and cables that the distance
between each powered hub can be no more than 5 meters (16 feet and 5
inches). When using 3.0/3.1 hubs and cables, do not exceed the
recommended length of 3 meters (9 feet and 10 inches) between hubs.
Note: It is possible to use bus-powered USB hubs, but you will quickly
run out of power as you extend your setup.
Active (Repeater) Extension Cables:
USB active extension cables contain electronics that regenerate the
USB signal. Active cables are essentially 1 port USB hubs. You can use
a regular USB cable in conjunction with an active cable as long as the
regular cable is not more than 5 meters (16 feet and 5 inches) long
for 2.0 devices and not more than 3 meters (9 feet and 10 inches) long
for 3.0 devices. Note: Typically, active cables are bus-powered
cables. To ensure you receive the full 500mA power of a USB port,
consider purchasing an active cable that includes a separate power
adapter.
USB Hub Limits and Maximum Length of Active Cables
Just like there is a limit on a regular (passive) USB cable, there is
also a limit on how long an active cable can be and how many USB hubs
you can use.
Maximum number of USB Hubs:
The USB 2.0/3.0/3.1 specifications call for only 7 tiers of devices to
be connected. When you count the devices on each end (the host and the
peripheral device), that only leaves 5 tiers available and a USB hub
is considered 1 tier. Thus, only a maximum of 5 USB hubs can be used
for a total maximum length of 30 meters (about 98 feet and 5 inches).
Maximum length of USB active (repeater) cable:
This number depends if you are using a regular cable with an active
cable or not. If you are not using a regular cable, then the maximum
active cable length for USB 2.0 is 30 meters (98 feet and 5 inches)
and the maximum recommended length for USB 3.0/3.1 is 18 meters (about
59 feet). If you are using a regular cable (max length of 5 meters for
2.0 and max length of 3 meters for 3.0/3.1) with an active cable, then the maximum length for USB 2.0 is 25 meters (about 82 feet) and the
maximum recommended length for USB 3.0/3.1 is 15 meters (about 49
feet).
Is there any way to go beyond the limit of active cables or hubs?
There are other ways you can extend a USB signal beyond the 30 meter
limit. You can use USB over Ethernet to achieve distances up to 100
meters (about 328 feet). Additionally, you can build your own USB
bridge to transmit data over different communication channels such as
wireless methods.
Source USB Cable Length Limitations And How To Break Them