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724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Page 6
IC280A
Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The USB 2.0 CAT5 Extender enables users to extend beyond the standard 16-foot (5-meter) cable limit for USB peripheral
devices. With the USB 2.0 CAT5 Extender, USB device(s) can be located up to 328 feet (100 meters) from the computer.
The extender is composed of two individual units: the local extender and the remote extender.
NOTE: The local and remote extenders may be hot to the touch when operating at or near the high end of the certified
temperature range.
Use a non-networked CAT5 cable to extend a USB peripheral connection beyond the desktop to USB keyboards, mice, printers,
webcams, interactive whiteboards, and other devices.
The extender receives power locally or remotely, so you have the flexibility to plug in the extender at whatever side is most
convenient for you. Use it, for instance, in industrial control, factory floor, classroom, or meeting room applications where you’re
short on power outlets.
The extender supplies up to 500 mA to the downstream USB device and offers reliable operation with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0
devices.
2.2 Features
• Extend USB 2.0 signaling over CAT5 cable to a remote USB peripheral.
• Gives you the option to power it locally or remotely. Transmits power over the UTP cable.
• Works with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 hosts.
•
Compatible with USB devices operating at speeds up to 480 Mbps.
• Supports all major operating systems: Windows
®,
Mac OS X
®
, and Linux
®
.
• To increase number of devices, simply attach additional USB hubs.
• Plug and play. No software drivers to load on a host computer.
• Includes 6-foot (1.8-m) USB cable for transmitter-to-host connection.
• Transmitter and receiver units featuring mounting slots on their sides.
2.3 What’s Included
Your package should include the following items. If anything is missing or damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support
at 724-746-5500 or info@blackbox.com.
• (1) Local Extender Unit
• (1) Remote Extender Unit
• (1) 6-ft. (1.8-m) USB A–B cable
• (1) AC adapter with power cord
• Quick start guide
To download this user manual, go to ftp://ftp.blackbox.com/anonymous/manuals/I/IC280A_rev1-USER.pdf.
2.4 What You Need to Supply
To complete the installation, you will require the following items that are not included:
• USB 1.1 or 2.0 compatible computer (host computer) with a USB compliant operating system.