The Light-Link is a USB 3.0 Fiber Optic Cable. Because it uses fiber, it can send the signal instantly with no perceptible latency at much longer distances than regular USB extenders.
Note: The 50 and 100 ft versions of this cable are compatible with devices that are USB 2.0 as well as USB 3.0, but it has to be plugged into a USB 3.0 port in order to function! The 30 ft is currently only compatible with USB 3.0 devices.
How it works
The converters inside the cable heads convert incoming electrical signal into optical on one end, and back into electrical on the other end. The Light-Link is composed of two fiber cables and two copper cables. The copper cables are used for non-data information such as +5v power for USB devices. The fiber strands carry all the data information.
The light travels down the fibers using internal reflection, which allows the light to bounce off the cable walls similar to a bobsled. Light travels extremely fast (186,000 miles a second) so the signal arrives almost instantly without losing any quality.
Eliminates possible points of failure
In a typical long distance USB extension setup, you have many potential points of failure (source to sender, receiver to device, an RJ45 cable in between, and two power adapters for the baluns). The Light-Link extends the signal with zero latency and without having to worry about baluns or power adapters.
Optional Extra power
The Light-Link USB features a micro USB-B port to provide Auxiliary power for devices that require a little more power than usual. (Not required for most devices)
Using with Oculus Quest?
You will need a USB-C cable like this one (Sold Separately)
Works with Oculus Quest and Quest 2.
Does not work with the Valve Index VR Headset
Specifications
Mfg. Part Number
- SW-33042-30 30 ft.
- SW-33042-50 50 ft.
- SW-33042-100 100 ft.
Brand
- Link by Sewell
Specifications
- Length: 30ft
- Up to USB 3.0 speeds 5Gbps
- Recommended minimum bend radius is about 4 cm when not under tension or about 8 cm when under tension.
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Douglas Bernhard I am trying to find a USB 3 extension cable to connect a FLIR Blackfly camera to a Vicon system running Nexus 2.15. For this application the cable is not adequate.
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Rod Hughes Needed to install a computer 50' away from my observatory and was looking for a solution to extend USB 3.0 beyond 16-FT. I was using (2) 32-Ft USB 3.0 extension cables in series but soon discovered that each of those cables required 2 USB hubs. Windows has a limit of 5 serial hubs and that became a show stopper for my configuration requirements. I replaced the (2) 32-FT USB cables with the 100 FT USB 3.0 over Fiber without causing any hardware reconfiguration issues. Nice to have few USB hubs now with the USB over Fiber solution. Don't hesitate to use this product.
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Brett Nelson We discovered that the Light-Link has problems transferring data from Point Gray/FLIR CMOS cameras that have resolutions above 2.0 MegaPixels. The previous model of cable seemed to do better than this latest cable design.
We're sorry that our cable didn't work for you! If you haven't already, you are welcome to contact our tech support department to troubleshoot or our customer service department to set up a return
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David R Connected to 3.10 USB port and worked right out of the box. 50 ft. USB 3.0 extension to Logitech Brio Webcam. Picture remains clear with very little loss. Full functionality of camera retained using Logitech software for Zooming, color, remote position control. etc. I would recommend. Less work, hassle, expense than USB 3.0 over ethernet.
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Kelly Keys Both the 50' and 100' fiber cables worked right out of the box!