Can I power up a broadband modem via usb?

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R3X

R3X

R3X

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Hi strange request and question, but I have too many power cables and was wondering is there a USB cable that can power up the broadband modem and switches I have ?

This way less wire and clutter...
 
Well... USB to DC jack cables do exist, but the output of your PC USB ports will always be 5V and up to 500mA current. So it is quite unlikely that your modem and switches will be rated at that level. Mains plug USB adapters can go up to 2A current I believe (which is why your smartphone charges much faster when plugged into the wall).

So in short, no - unless you modem and switches say 5V 0.5A as their required input voltage. (or 5V 0.2A etc...)
 
Reading your message while holding 20 power cables in my hands :D

Thanks good to hear regardless it is not so possible.... bit too good to be true I guess.
 
I know the USB3.0 ports on my gigabyte mobo deliver up to 1500mA each, but I still can't see that being enough just yet. When USB can deliver 3000mA (3A), then something like this would be, in theory, relatively easy to implement.

I can see a whole new market opening up should this ever happen.
 
Hopefully one day it happens, in the mean time I have checked flebay and found some switches powered by usb.... but rather pricey @ 30 quid.

One day here is hoping...
 
In theory it can be done - you can get cables that can be used to draw power from 2 seperate USB hubs usually to increase the mA. (They have a diode in them to prevent back current so don't just go DIY combining 2 USB connections heh).

However it would depend a lot on what the routers or switches needed - typically they use something between 7.5-19v and 700-2000mA so not very practical for driving from USB.
 
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