macOS problems with wireless usb devices

[PhiLLoW]

Hi,
I noticed huge issues when using wireless USB devices on both my Macs. I'm talking about those devices that have a small dongle(transmitter?) that is plugged into a usb port and connects wirelessly to said device.
I've read into the topic and tried to solve it by removing other wireless devices and even deactivated wifi but the problem persists.
The weird thing is that those devices work fine if I connect them to a windows pc on the exact same location, with the same hub etc.
The Transmitter is less than 30cm away from the device. Nothing between Mouse/headset & usb dongle. Still huge lags and connection issues. Has MacOS problems with wireless usb devices?
I already tried a SMC reset

devices:
plantronics usb headset ( Voyager focus UC)
Logitech unifying connector with Logitech M510 & Logitech K400 Keyboard
MacPro late 2013
Macbook Air 2013
_______________
Macbook Air >> USB Transmitter directly into macbook >> usb-device = works fine
Macbook Air >> USB Hub >> USB Transmitter >> device = doesn't work
MacPro >> USB Transmitter >> Device = extremely bad connection
MacPro >> USB Hub >> USB Transmitter >> extremely bad connection
Windows PC >> USB Transmitter >> device = works fine
Windows PC >> USB Hub >> USB Transmitter >> device = works fine
Ubuntu ( tried with a Gigabyte Brix ) >> USB Hub >> USB Transmitter >> device = works fine


Any idea how I can solve this? Look like a software issue. Logitech mouse and Plantronics headset work fine with other pcs.


edit:
> Newest version of Catalina is installed on both macs. The problem was also present in 10.14
> all devices with cables work well. wire mouse, wired keyboard, external usb 3.0 hdds etc.
> i tried disconnecting all wired devices. there were still lags when using a wireless mouse.

 

[cmaier]

Hi,
I noticed huge issues when using wireless USB devices on both my Macs. I'm talking about those devices that have a small dongle(transmitter?) that is plugged into a usb port and connects wirelessly to said device.
I've read into the topic and tried to solve it by removing other wireless devices and even deactivated wifi but the problem persists.
The weird thing is that those devices work fine if I connect them to a windows pc on the exact same location, with the same hub etc.
The Transmitter is less than 30cm away from the device. Nothing between Mouse/headset & usb dongle. Still huge lags and connection issues. Has MacOS problems with wireless usb devices?
I already tried a SMC reset

devices:
plantronics usb headset ( Voyager focus UC)
Logitech unifying connector with Logitech M510 & Logitech K400 Keyboard
MacPro late 2013
Macbook Air 2013
_______________
Macbook Air >> USB Transmitter directly into macbook >> usb-device = works fine
Macbook Air >> USB Hub >> USB Transmitter >> device = doesn't work
MacPro >> USB Transmitter >> Device = extremely bad connection
MacPro >> USB Hub >> USB Transmitter >> extremely bad connection
Windows PC >> USB Transmitter >> device = works fine
Windows PC >> USB Hub >> USB Transmitter >> device = works fine
Ubuntu ( tried with a Gigabyte Brix ) >> USB Hub >> USB Transmitter >> device = works fine


Any idea how I can solve this? Look like a software issue. Logitech mouse and Plantronics headset work fine with other pcs.


edit:
> Newest version of Catalina is installed on both macs. The problem was also present in 10.14
> all devices with cables work well. wire mouse, wired keyboard, external usb 3.0 hdds etc.
> i tried disconnecting all wired devices. there were still lags when using a wireless mouse.

interference caused by the high speed circuitry in the MBP that produces RF in the same frequency range as your dongle.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8511706

 

[jtara]

You are really doing yourself a disservice using these devices that need proprietary dongles. Why not just use Bluetooth peripherals? (whether Apple or third party). One less thing to lose and less troublesome.

FWIW I gave up on Logitech when they stopped making a left-handed mouse.

I do have dongles plugged into a 2008 aluminum Macbook and 2012 Mac Mini. But they are Bluetooth dongles that support newer Bluetooth than built in to these old computers. When installed, it disables the built-in Bluetooth BTW. It allows me to use a2dp (Sennheiser stereo headphones) and low power Bluetooth (handoff)

 

[PhiLLoW]

Because the direct bluetooth connection is just as bad. =/

 

[jtara]

do you have some USB3 peripheral attached? I know there is an issue with my WiFi router (asus) where there can be 2.4ghz interference when USB3 is used. I don’t have any usb3 peripheral attached and don‘t have the issue. just aware of it from reading SNB Forums. (small net builder).

i believe I installed some shielding kit from OWC in my old 2008 aluminum MacBook for some similar issue. It it does not have USB3!

You might want to see if there is some third party shielding kit available for your mac(s) and use shielded USB cables.

 

[PhiLLoW]

do you have some USB3 peripheral attached? I know there is an issue with my WiFi router (asus) where there can be 2.4ghz interference when USB3 is used. I don’t have any usb3 peripheral attached and don‘t have the issue. just aware of it from reading SNB Forums. (small net builder).

i believe I installed some shielding kit from OWC in my old 2008 aluminum MacBook for some similar issue. It it does not have USB3!

You might want to see if there is some third party shielding kit available for your mac(s) and use shielded USB cables.

thanks. Yes, I have lots of usb3 devices attached.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Here's your solution.

Get one of these, 3' ought to do it:

Cable Matters USB to USB Extension Cable 6 ft (USB 3.0 Extension Cable/USB Extender) in Black for Webcam, VR Headset, Printer, Hard Drive and More - 6 Feet

Super speed USB 3.0 Extension Cable> The Cable Matters SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Extension Cable is an indispensable accessory to extend an existing USB cable. Bring your USB peripherals within reach from behind the desk or across the room. Rely on SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology while maintaining compati...

tinyurl.com

Plug it into a free USBa port on the Mac.
Plug your unifying receiver into the other end.
Position it "away from" the rear of the Mac (where the other USBc cables are). Preferably closer to the wireless peripherals.

Do this, and I fearlessly predict that your "wireless dongle connection problems" will disappear...