What is the CAB-USB-A-B-1.7M= Cable? Key Features, Compatibility, and Use Cases

​​Overview of the CAB-USB-A-B-1.7M=​​

The ​​CAB-USB-A-B-1.7M=​​ is a ​​Cisco-certified USB 2.0 cable​​ designed for connecting Cisco hardware to peripherals like consoles, storage devices, or diagnostic tools. With a ​​1.7-meter (5.6-foot) length​​ and ​​USB-A to USB-B connectors​​, it balances reach and reliability in rack or desk deployments.

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

• ​​Connectors​​: ​​USB-A (male)​​ to ​​USB-B (male)​​, ideal for legacy Cisco routers, switches, and IP phones.
• ​​Data Transfer​​: Supports ​​USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps)​​, sufficient for firmware updates, backups, or basic device management.
• ​​Shielding​​: ​​Ferrite cores​​ on both ends to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) in dense environments.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Works with Cisco ​​ISR 4000 series, ASR 900 routers​​, and older Catalyst switches with USB-B console ports.

​​Common User Questions Answered​​

​​Q: Can this cable be used with non-Cisco devices like printers or external drives?​​
A: Yes, but performance may vary. Cisco optimizes the ​​CAB-USB-A-B-1.7M=​​ for ​​low-latency device communication​​, making it less suited for high-throughput data transfers compared to modern USB 3.0/4.0 cables.

​​Q: Why choose a 1.7-meter length?​​
A: The length provides flexibility in rack setups where devices are spaced apart but avoids signal degradation risks associated with longer cables (e.g., 3+ meters).

​​Q: Is this cable backward-compatible with USB 1.1 devices?​​
A: Yes, but data rates will default to the slower standard (12 Mbps).

​​Typical Applications​​

• ​​Console access​​ for routers/switches without Ethernet-based management ports.
• Connecting ​​USB flash drives​​ for configuration backups or software upgrades.
• Integrating ​​legacy peripherals​​ like dial-up modems or security dongles.

​​Where to Purchase the CAB-USB-A-B-1.7M=​​

For guaranteed compatibility and durability, purchase the ​​CAB-USB-A-B-1.7M=​​ from authorized suppliers like [“CAB-USB-A-B-1.7M=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Non-certified cables may lack proper shielding, leading to data errors or connection drops during critical operations.

​​Why Certified USB Cables Still Matter​​

In enterprise environments, I’ve seen generic USB cables fail during firmware updates, bricking expensive hardware. The ​​CAB-USB-A-B-1.7M=​​’s EMI shielding and robust connectors ensure stable communication, especially in electrically noisy data centers. While USB-C dominates modern devices, many legacy systems still rely on USB-A/B—and using the right cable here isn’t optional; it’s risk mitigation.