those are basically smart USB hubs... does that help?

My background is in electronics, so I always think about hardware I can buy or build to resolve serious
problems.

I don't know if anything like this exists, but are there advanced USB hubs that have active components,
as opposed to most hubs that are basically passive devices?  I suppose a passive hub becomes integrated
with an active component when you plug-in a switching wall-wart power supply, if your device exceeds the
500ma per port limit.

I'm thinking about a printer or other USB devices that require third party drivers from the manufacturer.

I need some kind of "super deluxe" hub that's more than just a passive device.  I apologize because I'm
not certain about what I need to resolve my problem.  Something more than just a basic hub could save
my operating system.