Hall Research USB 2.0 over UTP Extender with 2-Port Hub

The Hall Research U22-160 USB 2.0 over UTP Extender lets you place a USB 2.0 port wherever you need it—up to 50 meters (165 feet) away—using a single Cat5e/6 cable. This compact extender delivers USB 2.0 high-speed performance with data rates up to 480 Mbps, so you can run keyboards, mice, flash drives, printers, webcams, and other USB 2.0 devices where a direct USB connection isn’t practical. Thanks to Power-over-Cable (PoC) capability, the local (host) side draws power from the PC and can supply remote-side devices, reducing clutter and removing the need for many wall adapters. The remote side features a built-in 2-port hub, enabling you to connect two downstream USB devices at the remote location without sacrificing performance. Ideal for digital signage, kiosks, industrial control panels, medical stations, conference rooms, and any setup that demands flexible USB placement over long distances.

• Extended USB 2.0 range up to 50 meters over a single Cat5e/6 cable, enabling flexible layouts and clean installations without sacrificing performance.
• Remote 2-port USB hub on the far end provides two downstream USB 2.0 ports for peripherals, printers, cameras, or other devices, all sharing the extended link.
• Power-over-Cable (PoC) capability allows power to be delivered from the host side to the remote side, minimizing the need for external power adapters and reducing cable clutter.
• USB 2.0 high-speed performance with data rates up to 480 Mbps, ensuring responsive operation for common USB 2.0 devices and peripherals.
• Plug-and-play compatibility with a wide range of operating systems and devices, designed for quick deployments in both office and industrial environments without complex configuration.

Technical Details of Hall Research USB 2.0 over UTP Extender with 2-Port Hub

• Model: U22-160
• Extends USB 2.0 over UTP: Yes, across Cat5e/6 cabling
• Maximum distance: Up to 50 meters (165 feet)
• Data rate: Up to 480 Mbps (USB 2.0 High Speed)
• Remote hub: 2 downstream USB 2.0 ports
• Power delivery: Power-over-Cable (PoC) supported from host to remote; typically no external power required on either side
• Connectors: RJ-45 for the UTP link; USB Type-A ports on the remote hub; USB Type-A host connection on the local side
• Supported devices: USB 2.0 devices (keyboards, mice, flash drives, printers, webcams, etc.); not a USB 3.0 extension
• Operating conditions: Designed for typical office and AV environments; consult product sheet for precise environmental specs
• Compatibility: Works with standard USB host controllers and drivers; no special driver required for most common devices

How to install Hall Research USB 2.0 over UTP Extender with 2-Port Hub

• Plan your layout and determine the Cat5e/6 cable length between the local transmitter and the remote receiver. The maximum supported distance is 50 meters.
• Connect the USB 2.0 host computer’s USB port to the local (transmitter) unit using a standard USB cable.
• Connect the remote unit’s 2-port USB hub to your USB devices (for example, a keyboard and a USB flash drive, or a camera and a printer).
• Run a single Cat5e/6 Ethernet cable between the local transmitter and the remote receiver, ensuring a secure connection at both ends.
• If your devices require additional power, connect the supplied PoC options or external power source as appropriate. In many setups, PoC provides sufficient power to the remote hub and connected devices, reducing or eliminating the need for separate power adapters.
• Power on the USB host computer and verify that the remote USB devices appear in the operating system’s device manager or file explorer. LED indicators on the units (if present) will typically confirm link status and activity.
• Test typical USB 2.0 peripherals to confirm stable operation across the full distance. If you encounter issues, verify the Cat5e/6 cabling quality, ensure proper terminations, and check that devices are within USB 2.0 power and bandwidth limits.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the maximum extension distance? Up to 50 meters (165 feet) over a single Cat5e/6 cable. This distance preserves USB 2.0 high-speed performance for most standard devices.
• Do I need an external power supply? In many cases, no external power is required because the local host powers the transmission and PoC provides remote-side power. Some high-power USB devices may benefit from or require supplemental power; consult your device’s power needs and the extender’s documentation.
• Can I connect USB 3.0 devices? No. This extender is designed for USB 2.0 devices operating at up to 480 Mbps. USB 3.0 devices will not operate at full speed through this link.
• Which cables work best? Standard Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables are suitable. Use shielded cables in environments with high EMI or when running near electrical equipment to minimize interference.
• Is it plug-and-play? Yes, the system is designed for straightforward deployment with standard USB host controllers. Most setups require no special driver installation beyond what your OS already provides for USB devices.
• Which devices are supported? Any USB 2.0 device that complies with typical USB specifications (keyboards, mice, USB flash drives, printers, cameras, etc.). Some power-hungry devices may require additional power beyond what PoC provides.
• Is it compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux? Yes. USB 2.0 is universally supported across major operating systems, and this extender maintains compatibility with common host systems and USB peripherals.
• Can I daisy-chain or extend beyond 50 meters with repeaters? The official maximum distance for a single link is 50 meters. Extending beyond this range typically requires approved solutions or repeaters from the same product family, and results may vary by device and USB load.