Do USB ports share bandwidth even when you use the extra headers?

[JHeiderman]

Hi Guys,
Question for you guys who are knowledgeable about USB. I know that when USB first became popular on PC's each pair of ports split the 10megabit bandwidth when you had both of them in use. I want to know that if I hook up to the USB header on my MB for two more ports for the front of my case do those ports get their own 10megabit to share or are they taking away from the two already built in. So basicaly, does the pair built in to the board get 10megabit total and then the addtional two in the front get their own 10megabit total or are all four ports sharing the 10megabit total?

Thanks,

- J

 

[DHL]

I am almost sure the answer is yes, even I don't know what motherboard you are using.

Even for the almost 2 years old VIA 686A southbridge there are 2 USB host controllers, one correspond to the 2 ports on the edge of the mb, the other usually requires a header and probably goes to the front of the case. I think southbridges with 2 USB host controller is very common at that time for both intel and via etc, so if your MB is relatively new, you are fine

At the end of the day, each host controller get its own 10 megabits

 

[JHeiderman]

DHL: Thanks for the great response. I realize now that I completely neglected to provide any details whatsover of what motherboard I am was talking about. Its the Epox 8KTAL2 with the Via KT133. You answered my question perfectly. Thanks so much!

- J

 

[DHL]

It is my pleasure to contribute by helping any forum members, you're welcome