IOGEAR Network Extender

Take USB devices where you need them with the IOGEAR Network Extender, a versatile USB 2.0 4-Port BoostLinq Ethernet solution that merges a USB extender with a built-in USB hub. This dual-function device is designed to help you deploy peripherals across longer distances without sacrificing performance. By leveraging a standard Ethernet cable, the extender transmits USB signals to a remote location, letting you connect up to four USB 2.0 (and/or USB 1.1) devices from as far as 164 feet away from your computer. In hectic office environments, classrooms, labs, or home setups, this arrangement reduces cable clutter and brings peripherals closer to users while maintaining a high-speed data transfer rate that USB 2.0 supports. Whether you’re sharing a printer, placing a webcam where it’s most convenient, or extending a USB drive to a media center PC, the IOGEAR Network Extender delivers reliable, flexible connectivity without compromising speed.

• Long-distance USB extension: Extend USB signals up to 164 feet (50 meters) using a standard Ethernet cable, enabling flexible placement of devices away from the computer.
• Dual-function design: Combines a USB extender with a USB hub, so you can place multiple peripherals in one remote location while keeping them easily accessible.
• 4-port USB 2.0 hub: Supports up to four USB 2.0 devices (and/or USB 1.1 devices) at the remote end, allowing printers, cameras, storage drives, keyboards, mice, and more to operate from a single shared hub.
• Preserved performance: Delivers high-speed data transfer suitable for bandwidth-intensive peripherals, helping you maintain productive workflows without bottlenecks.
• Versatile deployment: Ideal for offices, classrooms, labs, and home entertainment setups where distance or desk space constraints require strategic USB device placement.

Technical Details of IOGEAR USB 2.0 4-Port BoostLinq Ethernet Network Extender

• Product type: USB 2.0 4-Port Extender with BoostLinq Ethernet technology (USB extender + USB hub in one unit)
• USB standard: USB 2.0 (backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices)
• Ports: 4 USB 2.0 ports on the remote hub for peripheral connections
• Extension distance: Up to 164 feet (50 meters) via standard Ethernet cable
• Connection medium: Ethernet cable (Cat5e/6) used to link the extender units
• Compatibility: Supports USB 2.0 devices and is compatible with USB 1.1 devices

How to install IOGEAR Network Extender

• Place the host unit near your computer and connect the USB 2.0 port on the host unit to your computer’s USB port using a standard USB cable.
• Run a standard Ethernet cable from the host unit to the remote location where you want the USB devices located.
• Connect the remote unit at the far end of the Ethernet cable and link it to the USB devices you want to share using the 4 USB 2.0 ports on the remote hub.
• Power the units as required and ensure both the host and remote extenders are powered on and properly connected.
• Power on the connected USB devices and verify that each device is detected by your computer, confirming that the high-speed USB 2.0 transfer rates are maintained across the extended distance.
• Install any necessary drivers for specific USB peripherals if prompted by your operating system, and begin using the extended USB setup immediately.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the IOGEAR Network Extender? It is a USB 2.0 4-Port BoostLinq Ethernet extender that combines a USB signal extender with a USB hub, enabling you to place up to four USB devices up to 164 feet away from your computer using an Ethernet cable.
• How many devices can I connect? Up to four USB 2.0 devices (and/or USB 1.1 devices) can be connected through the remote USB hub.
• What distance can I cover? The system supports extending USB signals up to 164 feet (approximately 50 meters) using a standard Ethernet cable.
• Is USB 1.1 compatibility included? Yes, the extender supports USB 1.1 devices in addition to USB 2.0 devices, ensuring broad compatibility with older peripherals.
• Which cables are required? A standard Ethernet cable (Cat5e/6) is used to connect the host and remote extenders, enabling the long-range USB extension.
• Do I need specialized software or drivers? The product description emphasizes hardware extension with USB compatibility; most USB devices will work with their existing drivers, but some peripherals may require standard drivers provided by the device manufacturer.
• What peripherals work best with this extender? Peripherals that benefit from distance flexibility, such as printers, cameras, USB storage, keyboards, mice, and other USB 2.0 devices, are well-suited for this solution.
• Can I mix USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices? Yes—the extender supports both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices, though USB 2.0 devices will take advantage of higher-speed data transfer when possible.
• Is the setup suitable for professional environments? Yes—its long-distance USB extension and multi-port hub design make it ideal for offices, classrooms, labs, and media centers where device placement matters.