Any USB extension over 15 feet needs an active cable to somehow relay the USB messages and stay within specifications. One could put a hub after 15 feet and then provide another 15 cable or you could buy an active extension cable that regenerates the USB signal. Such a device actively buffers the messages because it acts as a transparent USB hub. Because of this, you’re not going to need any drivers because it enumerates as a generic hub. You can cascade up to 5 of these giving a distance of 75 feet. Expect to pay about $30.

Some of the problems people using these cables may have been do to the fact that the extension cable gets it power from the host and consumes some current just as a hub would do if it didn’t get any external power. You might want to check your bios settings if you are using theses extensions with a keyboard or mouse and having problems.

Some USB active extension cable review comments:

Tripp Lite U026-016

This model has gold plated contacts and has a well-designed look with thick insulation. There is a red status light at the end of the cable indicating power.
Some say that the housing of the extension end looks slightly flimsy.

Belkin F3U130-16

The main downside of this device is that is works only full speed, not high speed. But it does work well.

Sabrent USB-EXC2

The female end of this model seems not to hold on the connection very tightly. Has a somewhat cheaper price of $12.

Cables to Go CTG39978

This one has a bump that houses its electronics in the middle of the cable.

Goldx USB910

Has a gold cable appearance, what you might expect with a name like Goldx.

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