Black Box CATx USB 2.0 Extender - 2-Port

The Black Box CATx USB 2.0 Extender - 2-Port is engineered to unlock long-range USB connectivity with surgical precision. Designed for reliability and performance, this extender lets you place USB devices far from your computer by running standard CATx cabling, delivering a stable, high-speed USB 2.0 connection across substantial distances. Perfect for industrial environments, digital signage, POS setups, testing labs, and anywhere you need flexible USB access beyond the limits of traditional USB cables, this solution combines plug-and-play simplicity with robust transmission over CAT5e/6 cabling, extending up to 100 meters (328 feet). Whether you’re extending a keyboard, mouse, webcam, or other USB peripherals, the 2-Port remote unit ensures multiple devices can operate seamlessly in a single, tidy installation.

• Long-range USB 2.0 performance over CATx cables — Experience Hi-Speed USB 2.0 with data rates up to 480 Mbps over standard CAT5e/6 cables, enabling reliable peripheral connectivity at distances far beyond a typical USB extension. The system is optimized for stable, low-latency transfers, so you can use USB devices like mice, keyboards, webcams, and USB flash drives without compromise. This extender maintains compatibility with a wide range of USB peripherals, ensuring your critical devices stay in reach while your computer stays safely centralized.
• Two-port remote capability for multi-device setups — The remote end hosts two downstream USB 2.0 ports, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals at the far end without sacrificing performance. This makes it ideal for workstations, control panels, or kiosk configurations where more than one USB device must operate at the distant site. The two-port design minimizes the number of cables and adapters required, simplifying installation and reducing clutter in tough environments where space is at a premium.
• Router-grade reliability with CATx flexibility — Built to endure demanding environments, the extender uses standard CAT5e/6 cabling to bridge the distance between your PC and remote devices. This reduces hardware costs and increases versatility, since you can leverage existing network-grade cables and infrastructure. The solution is designed for easy routing through walls, ceilings, or racks, ensuring a clean, professional installation that stays out of the way while delivering consistent USB performance across long runs.
• Power options maximize stability for high-demand devices — To ensure reliable operation over the full 100-meter range, the remote unit supports external power delivery, providing the necessary headroom for multiple USB devices or power-hungry peripherals. In installations where cabling length or device load is modest, you can rely on the extender's efficient design to minimize power consumption. Clear indicators and a straightforward power setup give technicians confidence during deployment, maintenance, and future upgrades.
• Plug-and-play compatibility with broad operating-system support — The USB 2.0 extender is designed for effortless integration with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. No specialized drivers are typically required, so you can deploy the unit quickly in mixed-OS environments. This compatibility makes it ideal for labs, classrooms, production lines, and IT departments that need a dependable, vendor-agnostic USB extension solution without the hassle of software installation or compatibility testing.

Technical Details of Black Box CATx USB 2.0 Extender - 2-Port

• Interface: USB 2.0 Hi-Speed extender over CATx (RJ-45 connectors on both ends)
• Downstream ports: 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A ports on the remote unit
• Max cable length: Up to 100 meters (328 feet) using standard CAT5e/6 cable
• Data rate: USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, up to 480 Mbps
• Power: Remote unit requires external power for full performance; supports power delivery to sustain multiple devices
• Compatibility: Works with common USB peripherals; supports Windows, macOS, and Linux without requiring additional software
• Connectors: RJ-45 on both ends for CATx, USB Type-A downstream ports on remote end
• Indicators: LED indicators for link status and activity to simplify installation and troubleshooting

How to install Black Box CATx USB 2.0 Extender - 2-Port

Installing the Black Box CATx USB 2.0 Extender - 2-Port is a straightforward, step-by-step process designed to minimize downtime and maximize uptime. Follow these guidelines to achieve a clean, reliable setup that preserves full USB functionality across long distances:

1. Plan your layout: Identify the host computer location and the distant USB usage area. Ensure you have a CAT5e/6 cable long enough to reach from the local unit to the remote unit, up to 100 meters. Verify you have a suitable 5V DC power source for the remote unit, if you intend to run the system at full capability.
2. Connect the local unit to the computer: Use the provided or standard USB cable to connect the local (transmitter) unit to a USB port on your PC or laptop. This establishes the primary host connection and enables the initial USB signaling to travel through the CATx link.
3. Run CATx cable to the remote unit: Attach one end of your CAT5e/6 cable to the local unit’s RJ-45 connector and route the cable to the remote unit’s RJ-45 port. Keep the cable away from high-power lines or sources of EMI to maintain signal integrity over the full distance.
4. Connect USB devices at the remote end: Plug your USB peripherals into the two downstream USB 2.0 ports on the remote unit. The devices will appear to the host computer as if they were connected locally, enabling seamless operation across the extended distance.
5. Power the system and verify operation: If you’re operating with full-performance requirements, connect the remote unit to its external power supply. Power on both units, then observe the LED indicators to confirm a stable link and active USB activity. Test each connected device by performing typical tasks (typing, file transfer, peripheral input) to ensure consistent performance across the CATx link.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What USB devices can I connect with the Black Box CATx USB 2.0 Extender - 2-Port?
  A: You can connect a wide range of USB 2.0 peripherals, including keyboards, mice, webcams, printers, scanners, USB flash drives, and certain USB-based sensors. For high-power devices, use the external power option on the remote unit to ensure stable operation over the full distance.
• Q: Do I need drivers to use this extender?
  A: No specialized drivers are typically required. The system is designed for plug-and-play compatibility with major operating systems (Windows, macOS, and Linux). Connect the local unit to the computer, attach the remote unit via CATx, and you should be ready to go in most standard configurations.
• Q: How far can I extend USB devices using CATx with this extender?
  A: The maximum extension distance is up to 100 meters (328 feet) when using standard CAT5e/6 cabling. Distances beyond this range are not supported, and performance may degrade if long runs are combined with high data throughput devices.
• Q: Is external power required?
  A: For full performance, especially when powering multiple USB devices, an external power supply on the remote unit is recommended. If your setup uses low-power peripherals and shorter runs, you may achieve operation without external power in some cases, but reliability improves with powered remote units.
• Q: Can I use this extender in industrial environments?
  A: Yes. The design emphasizes reliability and compatibility with standard networking cabling, making it suitable for industrial, retail, and educational settings where long USB reach is required without compromising device performance.
• Q: Are there any precautions for installation?
• A: Keep CATx cables away from high EMI sources, ensure connectors are secure, and avoid bending cables tightly to protect signal integrity. Use a clean, organized mounting solution for both the local and remote units and verify power connections are stable before operation.