Hall Research USB 2.0 on Cat6 Extender Kit with Hub

The Hall Research U2-160-4 USB 2.0 Extender Kit with Built-In 4-Port Hub is designed to liberate USB peripherals from the computer host, letting you place keyboards, mice, printers, cameras, flash drives, and other USB devices up to 50 meters away using cost-effective Cat5e/6 cabling. This compact, reliable extender preserves the native USB 2.0 performance with data rates up to 480 Mbps while maintaining a simple, plug-and-play installation. Ideal for control rooms, digital signage, industrial environments, and any setup where convenient device placement matters, the U2-160-4 couples a local transmitter with a remote hub that accommodates four USB devices, enabling seamless operation without compromise on speed or compatibility.

• Long-distance USB over Cat6: Transmit USB 2.0 signals across standard Cat5e/6 cables for up to 50 meters, enabling flexible device placement without sacrificing performance or reliability.
• Remote 4-Port USB hub: The remote end houses a built-in 4-port hub, allowing you to connect up to four USB peripherals at the far end of the link, helping consolidate devices in a single, accessible location.
• USB 2.0 speed with broad compatibility: Supports USB 2.0 data rates up to 480 Mbps and remains backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices, delivering dependable performance for mice, keyboards, external drives, printers, webcams, and many other USB peripherals.
• No heavy power requirements (in most installations): Typically bus-powered, drawing power from the USB host, which minimizes clutter and eliminates the need for extra power adapters in standard deployments.
• Simple, plug-and-play installation: Designed for quick setup—connect the transmitter near the computer, run a Cat6 cable to the remote hub, and plug your USB devices into the hub for immediate use, with driver support provided by the host operating system.

Technical Details of Hall Research USB 2.0 on Cat6 Extender Kit with Hub

• Extender type: USB 2.0 over Cat6/Cat5e with built-in remote 4-port USB hub
• Maximum data rate: USB 2.0 with up to 480 Mbps throughput
• Cable medium: Standard Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cabling
• Remote-side topology: 4-port USB hub located at the remote end of the link
• Maximum link length: Up to 50 meters between host and remote hub
• Power requirements: Typically bus-powered from the USB host; external power supply is generally not required, though high-power devices or unusual installations may benefit from a powered hub or external supply
• Supported devices: USB peripherals compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, including keyboards, mice, flash drives, printers, scanners, and cameras (subject to device power needs)
• Operating system compatibility: Works with standard USB host environments (Windows, macOS, Linux) as a USB extension device; no special drivers required beyond those needed by the connected USB devices

How to install Hall Research USB 2.0 on Cat6 Extender Kit with Hub

• Plan your layout: Identify a convenient location for the host PC and for the remote hub where devices will be placed. Ensure you have a quality Cat5e/6 cable long enough to span the distance without kinks or damage.
• Connect the transmitter to the host: Plug the USB cable from your computer’s USB port into the transmitter unit of the U2-160-4 kit. This establishes the USB 2.0 signal source at the host end.
• Run the Cat6 cable: Connect one end of a Cat5e/6 cable to the transmitter and route the other end to the remote hub location. Keep the cable away from high-power electrical lines to minimize interference and maintain signal integrity.
• Set up the remote hub: At the remote end, connect the Cat6 cable to the corresponding port on the remote hub module. The 4 USB ports on the remote hub are now ready to accept devices.
• Connect USB devices: Plug your USB peripherals into the four ports on the remote hub. Start with lower-power devices first to verify stability, then add devices as needed. If a device requires more power than a typical USB port can supply, consider using a powered USB hub or an external power source for the remote hub.
• Power and testing: If your devices operate reliably, you’re finished. If you encounter intermittent disconnections or device enumeration issues, check cable quality, try a shorter or higher-grade cable, or temporarily provide external power to the remote hub for troubleshooting.
• Device recognition: On the host computer, open Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (macOS) to confirm that connected USB devices are recognized. Run typical application software to ensure data transfer or device control performs as expected.
• Best practices: Keep the installer tidy by securing the Cat6 run, avoiding sharp bends, and using cable management accessories. Maintain good ventilation for the remote hub if multiple USB devices with higher activity are used.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the maximum cable distance the Hall Research U2-160-4 can cover?
  A: The system supports up to 50 meters (approximately 164 feet) of Cat5e/6 cable between the host and the remote hub, making it ideal for installations that require a significant separation between the computer and USB devices.
• Q: How many USB devices can I connect at the remote end?
  A: The remote end contains a built-in 4-port USB hub, allowing up to four USB devices to be connected simultaneously at the far end of the extender.
• Q: Does this extender require an external power supply?
  A: In most deployments, the extender is bus-powered from the host USB port, so no external power supply is necessary. If you connect power-hungry devices or have a long link with voltage drop concerns, you may opt to use a powered USB hub or provide external power to the remote hub as needed.
• Q: Is USB 2.0 over Cat6 compatible with USB 1.1 devices?
  A: Yes. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1, so devices that rely on older USB standards should operate when connected through the extender, provided the host CPU and device power requirements are met.
• Q: Do I need drivers to use this extender?
  A: The extender itself is designed for plug-and-play operation with USB hosts. Most USB devices will operate with their standard drivers provided by the host operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Some specialized peripherals may require device-specific drivers, but the extender does not introduce proprietary drivers for basic USB functionality.
• Q: Can I use this extender for USB 3.0 devices?
  A: The U2-160-4 is a USB 2.0 extender and supports devices that communicate over USB 2.0/1.1. USB 3.0 devices will not reach USB 3.0 performance through this kit, though basic USB 2.0 compatibility remains available.
• Q: What environments is the extender best suited for?
  A: It excels in control rooms, kiosks, digital signage, conference rooms, industrial settings, and any installation requiring remote USB device placement while preserving plug-and-play simplicity and USB 2.0 performance.