The maximum length of a USB cable depends on several factors, including the type of USB connection and the quality of the cable. For USB 2.0 connections, the maximum recommended length is about 5 meters (16 feet). Beyond this length, signal degradation may occur, leading to unreliable data transmission.
For USB 3.0 and later versions, the maximum recommended length is shorter, typically around 3 meters (10 feet) for full-speed connections and even shorter for high-speed connections. Longer cables can result in signal loss and reduced performance.
Using high-quality cables, proper shielding, and active signal boosters can help extend the usable length of USB cables. However, for longer distances, it's often better to use other solutions such as USB extenders or Ethernet-based USB adapters to maintain reliable data transmission.