USB-C (4 meters or more) that supports video mode

[brentc]

Hello guys,

 

I'm trying to work out a little project. Basically, I would like to replace my laptop with a desktop, without losing the comfort of being lazy in my bed. For this, I would use an "empty shell" laptop like NexDock or even build it myself using a laptop monitor and a small USB-C hub and use a long USB-C connector to my normal desktop computer standing by my desk. With this, I could in theory keep using my "laptop" while the real work is happening in my desktop.

 

However, I'm having trouble finding a USB-C cable that is long enough (4 meters, more would be nice but I don't think necessary) that also supports USB-PD and video alternate mode.

I don't know if it's even possible to provide keyboard, mouse and display over one USB-C cable at once, but if I'm not mistaken, Linus has a simmilar setup (with thunderbolt) at home.

 

If you guys could recommend me some cables or other possible ways to achieve my goal that would be great!

[Eigenvektor]

Look at the maximum cable length for USB 3.1 Gen 2:
https://www.cablestogo.com/tech/usb-3-1/type-c-info

[brentc]

5 minutes ago, Eigenvektor said:

Look at the maximum cable length for USB 3.1 Gen 2:
https://www.cablestogo.com/tech/usb-3-1/type-c-info

I was reading that active cables do not have this limitation. Is this false? That being said, USB 3.1 gen 1 would suffice and that goes up to 3 meters. Also, I had found a good active cable, but they did not support video alternate mode nor USB-PD.

[Eigenvektor]

8 minutes ago, brentc said:

I was reading that active cables do not have this limitation. Is this false? That being said, USB 3.1 gen 1 would suffice and that goes up to 3 meters.

True, but I think Alt-DP-Mode and Active are mutually exclusive (by the spec).

[brentc]

16 minutes ago, Eigenvektor said:

True, but I think Alt-DP-Mode and Active are mutually exclusive (by the spec).

Ah, that's too bad. Could this be bypassed by having a powered hub like the CalDigit TS3 dock that sits inbetween two normal USB-C cables that support video and PD, provided that both ends also support thunderbolt 3?