The Logitech Swytch is a versatile connectivity solution designed to simplify joining videoconferencing calls from any laptop in meeting rooms equipped with room solutions for platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom Rooms. Essentially, it acts as a link between your laptop and the room’s conferencing equipment.
Users can connect their laptop to the room's audio and video hardware using the Logitech Swytch. This is done by plugging in a single USB cable, which enables the laptop to access the room's advanced cameras, microphones, and speakers, regardless of the conferencing software being used. The Swytch ensures that guests or employees using different conferencing services can easily connect their own devices and utilize the room’s powerful AV technology.
Here is a basic wiring diagram:
Logitech Swytch uses USB 3.0 throughout to support up to 4K30 Cameras and 4K60 Displays. The system is fully compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 AV devices, including Logitech ConferenceCams like the Logitech MeetUp, Rally, Rally Bar, and others.
Please take note of the following information:
In the diagram above, it's important to note that the connection between the Swytch Hub and the Swytch Extender is made through a USB 3.0 cable. The distance between Swytch Hub (A) and Swytch Extender (B) can be extended using the provided 5m cable, or by using either the Logitech 10m Strong USB Cable or the Logitech 25m Strong USB Cable.
The use of other third-party cables or extenders is not supported.
Here are the current part numbers for the additional Strong cables, in case you do not use the provided 5m cable:
Strong USB Cable 25m/82ft
25m, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Extended-length SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps, USB-C extension cable for tight spaces
939–001802
Strong USB Cable 10m/32ft
10m, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Extended-length SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps, USB-C extension cable for tight spaces
939–001799
Note: Logitech has a 40m strong USB cable. The 40m cable is not supported, nor will it work.
In
today's world of hybrid work and flexible meeting spaces, having the right
tools to connect and collaborate seamlessly is essential. Logitech offers a
range of solutions designed to simplify video conferencing and content sharing
in various environments. This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of
three popular Logitech products: Swytch, Extend, and Active USB Cable,
examining their features, capabilities, and ideal use cases to help you make an
informed decision.
Logitech
Swytch is a BYOM (bring your own meeting) solution designed to bridge the gap
between personal laptops and dedicated room systems. It allows users to connect
their Windows 10 - 64 bit or later laptop, MacBook (macOS 10.15 or later), or
Chromebook (Chrome OS 75 or later) to the room's AV equipment with a single
USB-A or USB-C connection 1. This eliminates the need for multiple cables and
adapters, streamlining the meeting experience.
●
Single-Cable Connectivity: Swytch utilizes DisplayLink Plug-and-Display technology,
enabling both USB device and HDMI display connectivity through a single cable 2.
●
BYOM Flexibility:
Swytch allows users to leverage the room's display, camera, microphones, and
speakers with any video conferencing application, webinar service, or streaming
platform 2.
●
Power Delivery:
Swytch provides up to 60 watts of power to laptops that charge via USB-C,
ensuring uninterrupted meetings 3.
●
High-Quality Video and Audio: Swytch supports full-motion video and audio at up to 4K
resolution, delivering a high-quality meeting experience 2.
●
Remote Management:
IT administrators can monitor and manage Swytch remotely using Logitech Sync,
along with other Logitech meeting room devices 2.
Swytch is ideal for:
●
Meeting rooms with dedicated computers: Swytch allows users to connect their laptops to existing
room systems like Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms while still supporting
third-party services 2.
●
BYOM rooms with a conference camera and display: Swytch provides a simple way for users to connect their
laptops and utilize the room's AV equipment 1.
●
Huddle spaces and small meeting rooms: Swytch's compact design and ease of use make it suitable
for smaller collaboration spaces.
While Swytch offers a
compelling solution for BYOM connectivity, it's essential to be aware of
potential issues:
●
DisplayLink Driver Dependency: Swytch relies on DisplayLink drivers, which can
sometimes cause compatibility issues or require updates 4. In some
cases, users have reported that the display feed intermittently cuts out,
requiring them to reinstall or update the drivers 4.
●
USB Tier Limitation:
Swytch consumes two USB layers, which can be a limitation when connecting
multiple peripherals due to the USB industry standard of seven layers 5. This can be
problematic if you need to connect several devices, such as a camera,
microphone, and speakerphone, simultaneously.
●
Occasional Connectivity Issues: Some users have reported intermittent display issues or
difficulty connecting certain laptops 4. For example, some users have experienced issues with
the Rally Camera not automatically reconnecting to the room system PC after
using Swytch 7.
●
Lack of Ethernet Passthrough: Swytch does not pass through the wired Ethernet
connection from the room system to the connected laptop, potentially requiring
users to rely on Wi-Fi 8. This can be a drawback in environments with poor Wi-Fi
signal strength.
Logitech
Extend is designed to enhance the BYOD experience in larger meeting rooms
equipped with Android-based Logitech conference cameras, such as the Rally Bar
family 9. It allows users to bypass the pre-configured video
conferencing platform on the room system and use their preferred platform on
their laptop or mobile device. The Logitech Extend is priced at $799 USD, with
availability beginning in November 11.
●
BYOD Passthrough:
Extend enables users to temporarily override the room system's default video
conferencing platform and use their own device and preferred application 9.
●
Extended Reach:
Extend supports extended cable reach up to 100 meters using Cat6a cables,
making it suitable for larger rooms 12.
●
Power Delivery:
Extend offers optional power delivery up to 100W for connected devices,
ensuring they remain charged during meetings 13.
●
No Additional Drivers:
Extend utilizes USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, eliminating the need for
additional drivers or software 11.
●
Simple Management:
Extend can be managed remotely through Zoom Device Management and Microsoft
Teams Admin Center as part of CollabOS device updates 14.
Logitech
Extend is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams,
and Zoom. However, compatibility may vary by platform and service provider 14.
Logitech
is committed to creating a more sustainable world and is actively working to
minimize its environmental footprint 14. The Logitech Extend is made with a minimum of 40%
post-consumer recycled plastic, contributing to this effort 11.
Extend is particularly
well-suited for:
●
Larger meeting rooms with Android-based room systems: Extend's extended cable reach and BYOD passthrough
capabilities make it ideal for larger spaces 12.
●
Meeting rooms requiring flexibility: Extend allows users to choose their preferred video
conferencing platform without being limited to the room system's default 9.
●
BYOD-focused environments: Extend simplifies connecting personal laptops and mobile
devices to the room's AV equipment 10.
While Extend offers valuable
benefits, consider these potential limitations:
●
Compatibility:
Extend is primarily designed for Android-based Logitech room systems and may
not be compatible with all setups 14.
●
Limited to USB-C:
Extend uses USB-C connectivity, which may require adapters for laptops with
only USB-A ports.
●
No Switching Functionality: Unlike Swytch, Extend does not offer switching
capabilities between a room PC and a BYOD laptop 15. This means
that you cannot easily switch between using the room's dedicated system and a
user's laptop.
Logitech
Active USB Cable is a specialized cable designed to enable a single-cable BYOD
connection for the Logitech MeetUp 2 video conferencing system 16. It supports
DisplayPort Alt Mode, allowing users to connect their laptop to MeetUp 2 with
just one USB-C cable, eliminating the need for separate HDMI connections. This
simplifies the connection process and reduces clutter 17. The Active
USB Cable enables a single-cable connection for use with the Logitech MeetUp 2
video conferencing system 16.
●
Single-Cable BYOD:
Active USB Cable simplifies connecting a laptop to MeetUp 2 for BYOD meetings 16.
●
Fast Data Transfer:
With USB 3.1 Gen 2 support, the cable ensures smooth video and audio quality
during meetings 18.
●
Optimal Length:
The 5-meter (16.4 ft) cable provides flexibility in small meeting rooms 16.
●
Magnetic Dock: The
cable includes a magnetic dock for neat cable management 18.
●
Reliable Strength:
Unlike ordinary USB cables, the Active USB Cable is built to withstand pulling
and crushing forces, with a tensile strength of 200 newtons and a crush load of
1000 kg 19. This makes it suitable for commercial deployments where
cables might be subject to stress.
Active USB Cable is best
suited for:
●
Huddle spaces and small meeting rooms: The cable's length and single-cable connectivity are
ideal for compact meeting spaces 12.
●
BYOD meetings with MeetUp 2: The cable simplifies connecting laptops to MeetUp 2
without needing additional adapters 17.
●
Cost-conscious setups:
Active USB Cable offers a more affordable solution compared to Swytch and
Extend 13.
●
Limited Compatibility:
The Active USB Cable is specifically designed for the Logitech MeetUp 2 and is
not compatible with other Logitech devices.
●
No Power Delivery:
The cable does not provide power to the connected laptop.
●
Distance Limitations:
Active USB cables have inherent distance limitations due to signal degradation.
While the Active USB Cable is 5 meters long, exceeding this length might lead
to performance issues 20.
|
Feature |
Logitech Extend |
Logitech Swytch |
Active USB Cable |
|
Ideal Room Size |
Any room |
Any room |
Huddle and Small |
|
Room Solutions |
Microsoft Teams Rooms on
Android,... |
Rally Bar family, MeetUp,
Rally Bar 13 |
MeetUp 2 |
|
User Cable |
5 ft (1.5 m) USB (Type C) 13 |
5 ft (1.5 m) USB (Type A
and Type C) 13 |
16.4 ft (5 m) USB (Type C)
13 |
|
Box-to-box Cable Length |
Up to 328 ft (100 m) with
Cat6a (user supplied) 13 |
16.4 ft (5 m) USB 3.0
cable (included) 13 |
N/A |
|
Drivers |
No additional drivers
required 13 |
DisplayLink driver
required 13 |
None 13 |
|
Power Delivery |
Up to 100W (user-supplied)
13 |
Up to 60W 13 |
N/A (no power source) 13 |
Logitech
Swytch, Extend, and Active USB Cable each cater to different needs and
scenarios within the realm of video conferencing and BYOD connectivity.
Choosing the right solution depends on your specific requirements, such as room
size, existing equipment, budget, and desired functionality.
Logitech Swytch is a versatile solution best suited for PC-based rooms
where users need to seamlessly switch between using a dedicated room system and
their own laptops. It offers high-quality video and audio, power delivery for
laptops, and remote management capabilities. However, it relies on DisplayLink
drivers, which can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
Logitech Extend simplifies BYOD in larger rooms with Android-based
systems. Its key strengths are extended cable reach, BYOD passthrough, and
optional power delivery. However, it lacks switching functionality and is
primarily designed for Android-based setups.
Logitech Active USB Cable provides a cost-effective and straightforward way to
connect laptops to MeetUp 2 in huddle spaces. It offers a single-cable solution
with fast data transfer and a magnetic dock for cable management. However, it
is specifically designed for MeetUp 2 and does not offer power delivery.
To further aid in your decision-making, here's a table summarizing the pros and cons of each product:
|
Product |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Logitech Swytch |
Versatile BYOM solution
for PC-based rooms Single-cable connectivity High-quality video and audio Power delivery
for laptops Remote management |
Relies on DisplayLink
drivers USB tier limitations Occasional
connectivity issues No Ethernet passthrough |
|
Logitech Extend |
Simplifies BYOD in larger
rooms Extended cable reach Optional power delivery No additional drivers Environmentally
friendly design |
Limited compatibility No switching functionality |
|
Logitech Active USB Cable |
Cost-effective solution
for MeetUp 2 Single-cable BYOD Fast
data transfer Reliable strength |
Limited compatibility No
power delivery Distance limitations |
By
carefully considering these factors, you can choose the Logitech solution that
best enhances your video conferencing experience and meets the needs of your
meeting spaces.
As 2024 comes to a close, we want to highlight the enhancements we've made to Sync throughout the year. As always, we continue to enhance and expand Sync to bring you the best possible experience when using Logitech equipment. Let’s take a closer look at what we did this year.
This spring, we launched Remote UI Access, an instant customer favorite. Remote UI Access lets you view and interact with in-room CollabOS networked devices from a web browser.
With Remote UI Access, you can remotely provision new devices, adjust settings, assist with starting calls, troubleshoot issues, or verify that everything is functioning correctly. This feature saves time and gives you greater flexibility and control no matter where you are.
Remote UI Access is available for network-connected Logitech CollabOS devices with a Select or Essential plan, part of Logitech Services. Designed with security in mind, connections are made via Local Network Access (LNA), ensuring your video data never leaves your network.
In May 2023, we introduced Desk Booking and flex desk management within Sync. This year, we expanded our Space Management portfolio with Logitech Room Booking—our native room booking service designed to integrate seamlessly with Tap Scheduler.
Room Booking lets users reserve rooms directly through their calendars, working seamlessly with Tap Scheduler to streamline the process. The Tap Scheduler screen displays color-coded indicators—free, booked, or upcoming—to depict room status and prevent scheduling conflicts. Users can also make ad hoc bookings or update existing reservations directly on the scheduler for added convenience.
Let’s explore a few new features we added to Room Booking this year, making it even more powerful. All Room Booking features are available with a Select or Essential service plan.
We introduced two new automation features, Auto Book and Auto Release, to streamline the reservation process and ensure room availability is always accurately represented.
Auto Book and Auto Release streamline room management by creating or canceling reservations based on room occupancy. Sensors in our Rally Bar and Rally Bar Mini cameras detect whether a room is in use and automatically update reservations accordingly. These updates are reflected on the Tap Scheduler outside the room and the room calendar, ensuring the space can't be double-booked while it's in use. The system also accounts for scenarios like early departures, no-shows, and unattended recurring meetings, keeping scheduling efficient and accurate.
Even better, Auto Book & Release is compatible with a variety of service providers beyond Logitech Room Booking. Explore this article to learn more about how this feature works.
Booking spaces is one thing, but finding the spaces you have booked can be tricky - especially in larger offices. That’s why we have included maps in our portfolio. Since the introduction of Desk Booking, maps have been available in the Tune App, and with Logitech Room Booking on Tap Scheduler. During the fall we released the beta of Logitech View, extending the maps to large touchscreens, enabling employees to find available spaces, book them, and locate coworkers from a single, interactive display.
Logitech View runs on RoomMate and, like Auto Book and Release, is compatible with service providers beyond Logitech Room Booking. Built entirely within Sync, it’s easy to get started—especially for existing users. For a detailed look at how Logitech View works, be sure to check out our article.
Sync Update Channels lets you ensure devices receive the right updates at the right time. This year, we introduced a new update channel specifically for Microsoft Teams on Android-certified CollabOS releases, keeping your devices compliant and up-to-date with Microsoft’s certified versions. You can find the channel under “Settings” > “Update Channels” in the Sync portal.
Provisioning devices in Sync just got even simpler. With group provisioning codes, you can onboard multiple devices at once using a single code, eliminating the need to provision devices individually. This streamlines the process, saving time and reducing complexity.
Sync now has Tags, enabling teams to label rooms for improved filtering and management. Tags can be added or removed directly from the inventory view, allowing admins to customize how rooms are categorized and viewed.
Late this year, we gave our B2B support a new home in the Sync Hub. Logitech Product Hub consolidates support resources, providing a streamlined experience by keeping all manuals, articles, and guides in one place. The new, simplified pathways will make it easy to find the resources you’re looking for.
It’s not only Sync that’s growing. We also expanded our service portfolio with Logitech Essential, a service plan that includes all advanced and premium Sync features such as Room Booking, Maps, Alerts, Remote UI, and Insights. To give new (and existing) users a pre-taste of what Essential can offer, it’s now possible to start a 90-day free trial directly through Sync. The trial is available for any Sync users who hasn’t yet purchased any Logitech Services licenses.
It’s safe to say that our engineering teams have been hard at work, and we have more exciting features in store this coming year, so stay tuned. Be sure to keep an eye on Product Hub to keep up to date on the latest and greatest from us. You can always find the latest updates and release history in our Release Notes.
Finally, thank you for being with us this year! We look forward to having you with us in the next.
