StarTech.com HB30A4AIB 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub - USB-A to 4x USB-A with Individual On/Off Port Switches - 5Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 Bus Powered
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This USB 3.0 hub implements the USB 3.2 Gen 1 specification, delivering 5 Gbps theoretical throughput with backward compatibility to USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) and USB 1.1 (12 Mbps) devices. The bus-powered design draws power from the host computer's USB port, eliminating the need for an external power adapter while providing 4.5W total shared power to downstream devices.
UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) support reduces CPU utilization and increases transfer speeds for compatible storage devices. The hub maintains signal integrity across all four ports simultaneously, with each port capable of independent operation through its physical switch mechanism.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, UASP Support. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
Individual port control distinguishes this hub from standard multi-port solutions, providing granular management over connected devices. Each port's dedicated switch with LED indicator enables users to disconnect power and data without physically unplugging cables, reducing wear on USB connectors and ports while conserving energy.
Selective Device Management
Turn off specific peripherals like webcams for privacy, external drives for security, or headsets during calls without affecting other connected devices.
- Reduces cable wear
- Saves power
- Simplifies troubleshooting
Compact Workspace Design
The small footprint and lightweight construction make this hub ideal for travel, desktop organization, or mounting in confined spaces.
- Minimal desk space
- Portable
- Integrated cable
Deployment / Use Cases
This 4-port USB hub serves as a connectivity solution for laptops with limited USB-A ports, desktop workstations requiring additional peripheral connections, and shared computing environments where device management is essential. The individual port switches make it particularly valuable for scenarios requiring frequent device cycling or temporary disconnection.
Common applications include office workstations connecting printers, scanners, and input devices; creative setups managing drawing tablets, storage, and audio interfaces; educational environments with rotating peripheral use; and home offices organizing multiple devices while maintaining clean cable management. The OS-independent operation ensures compatibility across mixed-platform environments.
Laptop Expansion
Add four USB-A ports to ultrabooks and business laptops that typically offer only one or two USB ports, maintaining full SuperSpeed connectivity for all peripherals.
Device Testing & Troubleshooting
Isolate problematic devices by selectively powering ports on and off, simplifying diagnostic processes without complete system reboots or cable swapping.
Physical Profile
The hub features a durable black plastic housing with a minimalist design that complements professional workspaces. Dimensions of 3.30" × 1.40" × 0.80" (83.82 × 35.56 × 20.32 mm) create a compact footprint that fits discreetly on desks, behind monitors, or mounted with adhesive options. At 1.50 oz (42.52 g), the lightweight construction enhances portability for mobile professionals.
- Width
- 1.40" (35.56 mm)
- Height
- 0.80" (20.32 mm)
- Weight
- 1.50 oz (42.52 g)
- Length
- 3.30" (83.82 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes all components needed for immediate deployment.
Highlights
- 4 USB 3.0 ports with individual on/off switches and LED indicators
- 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 SuperSpeed data transfer rates
- Bus-powered design requires no external power adapter
- UASP support for faster storage device performance
- Compact black housing with 9.8" attached USB-A host cable
- OS independent - works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Android
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices
- 2-year limited warranty with EU RoHS environmental compliance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | HB30A4AIB |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub - 4x USB-A with Individual On/Off Switches |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | USB Hub |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | USB |
| Media & Performance | |
| UASP Support | Yes |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of USB Ports | 4 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 4 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Form Factor | External |
| Height | 0.80" (20.32 mm) |
| Width | 1.40" (35.56 mm) |
| Length | 3.30" (83.82 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.50 oz (42.52 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub - 4x USB-A with Individual On/Off Switches 1 x Quick-start Guide |
| Platform Supported | Mac,Linux,PC |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Certification | EU RoHS |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) 2,Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What is the purpose of the individual port switches on this USB hub?
Each USB-A port features a dedicated physical switch with LED indicator that allows you to independently control power and data connectivity to connected devices. This enables you to turn off specific peripherals like external drives, webcams, or headsets without unplugging cables, reducing wear on USB ports and connectors while conserving power. The switches provide immediate device management without requiring software configuration.
Does this USB hub require external power or drivers to operate?
This is a bus-powered hub that draws power directly from your computer's USB port, eliminating the need for an external power adapter. It requires no additional drivers for operation across supported operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, and Android. The hub is plug-and-play compatible, automatically recognized by the host system when connected.
What data transfer speeds does this USB 3.0 hub support?
The hub supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 specifications with theoretical data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps (625 MB/s). It maintains backward compatibility with USB 2.0 devices at 480 Mbps and USB 1.1 devices at 12 Mbps. With UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) support, compatible storage devices can achieve faster transfer speeds with reduced CPU utilization compared to standard BOT (Bulk-Only Transfer) protocol.
How many devices can be powered simultaneously through this hub?
The hub provides 4.5W of shared power across all four USB ports, distributed according to connected device requirements. This is sufficient for typical peripherals like mice, keyboards, flash drives, and webcams. For higher-power devices like external hard drives without their own power supplies, it's recommended to connect only one such device at a time or use a self-powered hub for optimal performance.
What operating systems are compatible with this USB hub?
The hub is operating system independent and compatible with Windows (7, 8, 10, 11), macOS (10.6+), Linux (kernel 2.6.31+), Chrome OS, and Android (4.0+ with USB host support). No specific drivers are required for any of these platforms—the hub uses standard USB hub class drivers built into each operating system. This makes it ideal for mixed-platform environments and shared workstations.
What warranty and environmental certifications apply to this product?
StarTech.com provides a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. The product is EU RoHS compliant, meeting Restriction of Hazardous Substances directives, and adheres to REACH and WEEE environmental standards. The hub is manufactured in China with environmentally friendly materials and processes as indicated by its environmental certifications.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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