StarTech.com 4 Port USB 2.0 Over-Cat5-or-Cat6 Extender - up to 130ft (40m)

Experience true workspace freedom with the StarTech.com 4 Port USB 2.0 Over-Cat5-or-Cat6 Extender. This practical, budget-friendly solution lets you position USB 2.0 peripherals far from your computer by transporting the USB signal over a single Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable. Perfect for offices, classrooms, labs, or workbenches, it reduces cable clutter and unlocks flexible device placement without sacrificing performance. Designed to overcome the common USB length barrier of 16 feet, this extender enables a cleaner, more ergonomic setup and helps maximize productivity by placing printers, scanners, drives, webcams, and other USB devices exactly where you need them.

• Workstation freedom and flexible deployment: Create a tidy, distraction-free workspace by moving USB devices away from the computer. The extender uses existing Cat5e/Cat6 network cabling to carry USB signals, letting you place peripherals across the room or around corners while keeping a single, organized cabling footprint. It’s an economical way to expand USB access without investing in multiple hubs or longer USB cables, making it ideal for shared workstations, classrooms, and service desks.
• USB 2.0 high-speed performance: This 4-port USB 2.0 extender supports standard USB 2.0 devices with high-speed data rates up to 480 Mbps. Whether you’re connecting keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, external drives, or USB hubs, you’ll experience reliable throughput and responsive performance comparable to direct USB connections. It’s compatible with a wide range of USB peripherals while maintaining simple plug-and-play usability.
• Long-distance extension over Cat5/Cat6: Extend USB connections much farther than traditional USB cables – up to 130 feet (40 meters) using a single Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable. This extended reach is especially valuable in open-plan offices, classrooms, industrial settings, or any environment where devices must be positioned away from the computer, wall sockets, or data centers, all without signal degradation.
• 4-port hub at the remote end: The receiver end provides four USB 2.0 ports, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals in a single, centralized location. This makes it easy to consolidate devices in a remote area, share costly peripherals across teams, or attach a small array of USB devices to a single extender setup for streamlined workflows and reduced desk clutter.
• Easy installation and universal compatibility: Designed for straightforward setup, this extender typically requires no driver installation beyond standard USB support. You can quickly connect the transmitter to your computer, run a Cat5e/Cat6 cable to the remote unit, and start using the four USB ports at the distant end. Its simple, robust design is compatible with many USB 2.0 devices and works well across common operating systems, making it a practical addition to both home and business environments.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 4 Port USB 2.0 Extender

• USB version: USB 2.0 (High Speed) with data rates up to 480 Mbps
• Distance: Up to 130 ft (40 m) over Cat5e or Cat6 cable
• Ports: 4 external USB 2.0 ports on the remote receiver
• Cable requirements: One Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable connects the transmitter to the receiver
• Device compatibility: Supports standard USB 2.0 devices (keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, USB drives, webcams, etc.); plug-and-play for many setups

How to install StarTech.com 4 Port USB 2.0 Extender

• Place the transmitter unit near your computer and connect it to a USB 2.0 port.
• Run a single Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable from the transmitter to the remote receiver unit placed at the desired location.
• Plug up to four USB 2.0 devices into the remote receiver’s USB ports, keeping peripheral placement flexible and unobstructed.
• Power on the units if required by your specific setup and verify that the USB devices are recognized by your computer’s operating system.
• Test each connected device to ensure proper operation, confirming data transfer and device responsiveness across the extended link.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What devices can I connect? A: USB 2.0 devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, external hard drives, USB hubs, webcams, and other USB peripherals.
• Q: How far can I extend USB 2.0 devices with this extender? A: Up to 130 ft (40 m) using a Cat5e or Cat6 cable.
• Q: Do I need drivers? A: No special drivers are required beyond standard USB support; it’s designed for plug-and-play use with USB 2.0 devices.
• Q: Is it compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux? A: It supports standard USB 2.0 devices across major operating systems; real-world compatibility depends on the USB device in use.
• Q: How many devices can be connected? A: Up to four USB 2.0 devices can be connected via the remote receiver, providing flexible peripheral access at a distance from the computer.