Final answer:
The maximum allowable cable length for both Full Speed USB and High Speed USB is 5 meters (approximately 16 feet and 5 inches). This limit helps to maintain signal quality and minimize transmission errors, although signal extenders can increase the maximum distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum allowable cable length for both Full Speed USB (USB 1.1) and High Speed USB (USB 2.0) differs. For Full Speed USB, the maximum length is 5 meters (approximately 16 feet and 5 inches). On the other hand, the maximum allowable cable length for High Speed USB is also 5 meters. These limits are in place to ensure adequate signal quality and to reduce the potential for data transmission errors.
It is important to note that these lengths can be extended using hubs, extenders, or active (repeater) cables which can regenerate the signal. However, every hub or repeater that is added to the system introduces additional delay, which can ultimately affect device performance and must be accounted for in system design.