EXT-USB250M USB 2.0 Extender: Reach, Ports and Power

The EXT-USB250M is a transmitter and receiver pair. It carries USB 2.0 at up to 480Mbps over a single Cat5e/6 cable for 50m / 164ft, and gives you two USB-A ports at the far end. It is plug and play with no drivers to install. Integrators use it to put webcams, touch screens, printers and HID devices at a display or lectern that is too far from the host PC for a normal USB cable, in smaller conference rooms, classrooms and digital signage.

Applies to: EXT-USB250M USB 2.0 Extender over Cat6 50 Meters

What does the EXT-USB250M do?

It extends a USB 2.0 connection from a host PC to peripherals in another part of the room. The transmitter connects to the PC through its USB-B port and sends the signal out of an RJ45 port. The receiver takes the Cat5e/6 cable on its own RJ45 port and provides two USB-A outputs. The operating system sees the peripherals as if they were plugged in locally, so there are no drivers to install and nothing to set up. It supports the USB 2.0 protocol at up to 480Mbps and also works with USB 1.1 devices.

How far can I run the cable?

The maximum distance is 50m / 164ft over Cat5e/6 cable for most USB 2.0 devices. The exception is a USB 2.0 hub connected at the receiver: some hubs are limited to 40m/131ft. If you plan to put a hub at the far end, design the cable run to that shorter limit.

Which USB devices can I connect at the receiver?

KanexPro lists webcams, printers, touch screens, keyboards, mice and USB hubs as devices for the receiver's two USB-A ports. These are USB 2.0 peripherals and HID devices. USB 1.1 devices are also supported at their native speed. The facts for this product do not list specific device classes beyond these, so if you are planning around a less common USB peripheral, test that device on the link before you specify it.

Can I connect more than two USB devices?

Yes. Plug a USB 2.0 hub into one of the receiver's USB-A ports to add more devices. With a hub in the chain, keep the cable run within the 40m/131ft limit that applies to some USB 2.0 hubs.

Does each end need its own power supply?

No, only the receiver does. The transmitter takes its power from the host PC through the USB-B port, so the PC end needs no adapter. The receiver runs on the included DC 5V/1A adapter, which accepts AC 100–240V 50/60Hz. A green POWER LED on each unit lights when that unit has power.

Can I use existing Cat5e cabling?

Yes. The extender runs over Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6a cable, up to the 50m / 164ft limit. Connect CAT OUT on the transmitter to CAT IN on the receiver.

What comes in the box?

The box contains the transmitter, the receiver, a 1m USB cable (USB-B male to USB-A male) for connecting the transmitter to the PC, the 5V/1A power adapter and a user manual. Both units have black metal housings, and the set has a KanexPro 3-Year Parts and Labor Warranty.

Key specifications