StarTech.com 1 Port USB over Cat5 / Cat6 Ethernet Extender - Up to 131ft (40m)

The StarTech.com 1 Port USB over Cat5 / Cat6 Ethernet Extender delivers a reliable, high-performance solution to extend a single USB port across standard Ethernet cables. Engineered for both home and professional environments, this extender lets you place USB peripherals where you need them most, without compromising speed or responsiveness. Whether you’re building a secure workflow in a laboratory, expanding a workstation across a large desk, deploying cameras or sensors in a classroom, or extending a printer to a remote location, this device provides a seamless, plug-and-play experience that keeps USB devices in perfect sync with your computer or USB hub.

• Long-distance USB extension: Extend a single USB port up to 131 ft (40 meters) over standard Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable. This extended reach eliminates the limitations of direct USB connections, enabling flexible device placement in offices, studios, labs, classrooms, and living rooms. The result is a cleaner workspace with fewer USB cable clutter and greater freedom to position peripherals for ergonomic comfort and optimized workflow.
• USB 2.0 high-speed performance: Designed to support USB 2.0 high-speed devices (up to 480 Mbps), while remaining backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices. You’ll enjoy responsive input from keyboards and mice, smooth data transfer for flash drives, and reliable operation for compatible webcams and printers. The extender preserves data integrity and minimizes latency, ensuring a seamless user experience even at the edge of the supported distance.
• Plug-and-play, driverless operation: In most environments, the extender requires no driver installation. Simply connect the transmitter to the USB host or USB hub and run a Cat5e/Cat6 cable to the receiver, then attach the receiver to the USB device. This means quick setup right out of the box, reduced downtime, and broad compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems that support USB devices.
• Flexible deployment with broad peripheral compatibility: The extender is compatible with a wide range of USB peripherals, including keyboards, mice, printers, USB flash drives, and certain cameras or scanners. Its compact, sturdy design is built for desktop use or discreet wall-mounting in professional environments. Whether you’re equipping a conference room, a manufacturing floor, a retail checkout, or a home theater, this extender adapts to your needs while maintaining consistent performance across the extended link.
• Durable design and straightforward maintenance: The unit is built to withstand everyday use in busy settings, with a compact form factor that fits into crowded workstations and server racks. Its simple, tool-free setup minimizes maintenance time, and the reliable RJ-45 interface keeps connections secure while reducing wear on USB ports. When placement needs change, the extender’s versatile configuration makes repositioning fast and easy.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 1 Port USB over Cat5 / Cat6 Ethernet Extender

• USB interface: USB 2.0 High-Speed support (480 Mbps) with backward compatibility to USB 1.1 devices
• Distance capability: Up to 131 ft (40 meters) over Cat5e or Cat6 cabling
• Cable requirements: Standard Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable between transmitter and receiver units
• Power: Typically bus-powered through the USB connection; external power may be required for high-power devices or specific configurations
• Operating systems: Compatible with major operating systems that support USB devices (Windows, macOS, Linux) without the need for special drivers in most setups
• Peripherals supported: A wide range of USB peripherals, including input devices, storage, printers, and select USB video devices, depending on USB device power and host capabilities

How to install StarTech.com 1 Port USB over Cat5 / Cat6 Ethernet Extender

Follow these simple steps to deploy the USB extender quickly and effectively:

Step 1: Position the transmitter unit near the USB host or hub and connect your USB device to the transmitter if required by your setup. Use a Cat5e or Cat6 patch cable to link the transmitter to the remote receiver. Ensure the cable runs are clean and free from physical damage to preserve signal integrity.

Step 2: Run a Cat5e or Cat6 cable from the transmitter location to the receiver location. Use standard Ethernet cables; avoid overly long or damaged cables, and keep runs away from sources of electromagnetic interference where possible to maintain performance.

Step 3: Connect the receiver unit to the USB device that will sit at the distal location, or connect to a USB hub if you plan to share multiple devices from the same remote point. If needed, power the transmitter and receiver per your device’s requirements; many basic configurations do not require external power, but high-power USB devices may require it.

Step 4: Power on the host computer and allow the operating system to recognize the extended USB device. In most cases, the device will be detected automatically, and you can begin using the USB peripheral immediately. If the device does not appear, recheck the cable connections and ensure the Cat5e/Cat6 cable is firmly seated in both ends.

Step 5: Test the connected device under typical workloads to confirm performance and stability. If you encounter delays or dropped signals, verify your cable quality, remove potential sources of interference, and consider using a higher-quality Cat5e/Cat6 cable or alternative routing.

Tip: For setups that rely on high-power USB devices or for professional environments with demanding workloads, consult the product manual for power requirements and compatibility guidance. While the extender is designed to be easy to install, certain peripherals may benefit from additional power or USB hub segmentation to optimize performance and maintain device responsiveness across the extended distance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How far can I realistically extend USB with this device?
  A: You can extend a single USB port up to 131 ft (40 meters) using standard Cat5e or Cat6 cables. The actual usable distance may vary based on cable quality, environment, and the specific USB device being used.
• Q: What USB speeds are supported?
  A: The extender supports USB 2.0 High-Speed devices (up to 480 Mbps) and remains backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices, ensuring broad compatibility across a wide range of peripherals.
• Q: Which operating systems work with this extender?
  A: It is designed to work with major operating systems that support USB devices, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, without requiring special drivers in most configurations. Always check the latest user manual for any vendor-specific requirements.
• Q: Can I connect multiple devices or use a USB hub at the distal end?
  A: This extender is designed to extend a single USB port. If you need to connect multiple peripherals, you can attach a USB hub at the distal end, provided it remains within the device’s power and bandwidth limits and aligns with StarTech guidelines.
• Q: Do I need external power for the extender?
  A: In many basic setups, the extender operates over USB power. Some high-power peripherals or particular configurations may require an external power source for reliable operation. Refer to the product manual for exact requirements based on your use case.
• Q: Will the extender work with USB video devices?
  A: Some USB video devices may function over the extended link, but performance depends on the device’s power draw and the host system’s capabilities. If you plan to use USB video devices at the remote end, verify power requirements and test compatibility in your environment.