The IOGEAR USB 2.0 booster extension cable uses active electronics to amplify the USB signal beyond the USB 2.0 specification of 16 feet. It does this with no loss of data integrity or signal quality. The cable has male and female USB type "A" connectors. The USB "A" connector is the rectangular shaped plug found on PC's, hubs, and many other host interfaces. The IOGEAR USB 2.0 booster extension cable extends from the host and provides another female "A" connector for longer distance USB needs. The cable is transparent to the host and the device and it is compatible with any O/S or USB accessory. It is ideal for applications that require distance between a user and the peripheral.