StarTech.com 4X4 USB 3.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch

The StarTech.com 4X4 USB 3.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch is a versatile, high‑performance solution designed to streamline how you share USB devices across multiple computers. Whether you’re coordinating resources in a tech lab, managing a multi‑PC workstation, or simply trying to reduce desk clutter in a busy office, this 4x4 USB switch delivers fast, reliable access to four USB 3.0 peripherals from up to four separate machines. Built to be user‑friendly and OS‑agnostic, it requires no software or drivers—just plug in your devices, select the active host, and you’re ready to go. The device is purpose‑built for seamless cross‑platform use (Mac, Windows, Linux) with a robust, compact form factor that fits neatly on any desk. It’s an ideal choice for developers, IT environments, education labs, design studios, and collaborative workspaces where high‑speed USB access and quick device sharing are essential.

• Share four USB 3.0 peripherals across up to four computers. The switch provides four USB‑A ports for devices and four USB‑B ports for hosts, enabling multiple machines to access common printers, external drives, scanners, keyboards, mice, hubs, and other USB gear without swapping cables.
• USB 3.0 performance with ample headroom. Each path supports high‑speed USB 3.0 data transmission (up to 5 Gbps), delivering responsive performance for bandwidth‑heavy peripherals while remaining fully compatible with USB 2.0/1.1 devices when needed.
• Plug‑and‑play, driver‑free operation. Designed for instant usability, this StarTech switch requires no software installation. Connect your devices and computers, then use a simple front‑panel control to route each peripheral to the active host in seconds.
• Intuitive front‑panel switching with clear indicators. The front panel features push‑button controls for each connected computer, complemented by LED indicators that show which host currently owns each device, enabling quick setup changes and straightforward troubleshooting.
• Cross‑platform compatibility for Mac, Windows, and Linux. Built to support mixed environments, this 4×4 USB switch ensures teams and educational settings can share peripherals across diverse operating systems without compatibility hurdles.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4X4 USB 3.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch

• Ports: 4 USB 3.0 downstream ports (Type‑A) to connect peripherals; 4 USB 3.0 upstream ports (Type‑B) to connect up to four computers
• USB standard: USB 3.0 (backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1), delivering high‑speed data transfer for compatible devices
• Switching method: Front‑panel push‑button switching with LED indicators to identify the active host for each peripheral
• Compatibility: Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems provide broad cross‑platform support for shared USB peripherals
• Form factor and build: Compact, durable design designed to sit neatly on a desk while providing reliable, everyday USB sharing across multiple machines

how to install StarTech.com 4X4 USB 3.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch

• Step 1: Power up your equipment and ensure each computer has a free USB port for connection. The switch connects to computers via USB 3.0 cables using the USB‑B ports on the back of the device.
• Step 2: Connect each computer to one of the four USB‑B upstream ports on the switch using standard USB 3.0 cables. Ensure a solid USB connection at each host port.
• Step 3: Plug your USB peripherals (printers, external drives, keyboards, mice, scanners, hubs, etc.) into the four USB‑A downstream ports on the front of the switch. Organize devices to match your preferred workflow for quick access.
• Step 4: Press the front‑panel button corresponding to the computer you want to assign to a given peripheral, or use the per‑port indicators to identify active connections. The switch routes the selected device to the chosen host immediately, with no reboot required.
• Step 5: Verify that the active host can access the shared peripherals. If a device isn’t recognized, re‑select the host using the front panel or reinsert the USB cable. The system is designed for plug‑and‑play use across Mac, Windows, and Linux environments.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many computers can connect to the StarTech 4X4 USB 3.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch at once? A: Up to four computers can connect simultaneously through four USB‑B upstream ports, sharing four USB‑A peripherals.
• Q: What kinds of USB devices can I share with this switch? A: A wide range of USB peripherals work with the switch, including external hard drives, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, USB hubs, and other USB 3.0 (and USB 2.0/1.1) devices. For optimal performance, use USB 3.0‑compliant peripherals.
• Q: Do I need drivers to use this switch? A: No drivers are required. It’s a plug‑and‑play solution designed to work across major operating systems without additional software.
• Q: How do I switch between computers for a given peripheral? A: Each computer is connected via a dedicated front‑panel button. Press the button for the computer you want to use with a particular peripheral; the switch routes that device to the selected host instantly, with status LEDs indicating activity.
• Q: Is the switch compatible with USB 2.0 devices and ports? A: Yes. USB 3.0 is backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1 devices, so you can connect older peripherals; however, data transfer speeds will be limited to the slower USB generation support when using older devices.