StarTech.com USBthere USB201EXT, USBthere USB204EXT User Manual

USBTHERE

User Guide

USB201EXT

USB204EXT

USB204EXT shown

Featuring ExtremeUSB® Technology

USBthere USB201EXT/USB204EXT

FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement Warning

The USBthere has been tested and found compliant with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when installed and operated in a commercial environment. The USBthere
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with this user guide, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. Operation of the USBthere in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.

CE Statement

We, StarTech.com, declare under our sole responsibility that the USBthere,
to which this declaration relates, is in conformity with European Standard
EN 55022/A1 Class A, and EN 50082-1 (IEC 801-2, IEC 801-3, IEC 801-4)

IC Statement

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

User Guide

i

Contents

Introduction................................................................................................ 1

USBthere Product Contents ....................................................................... 1

About the USBthere................................................................................... 2

Before You Begin ...................................................................................... 6

Installing the Local Unit ............................................................................ 6

Installing the Remote Unit ......................................................................... 6

Connecting the Local Unit to the Remote Unit.......................................... 7

Checking the Installation............................................................................ 7

Connecting a USB Device ......................................................................... 8

Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 9

Specifications........................................................................................... 12

Technical Support .................................................................................... 13

Warranty Information .............................................................................. 13

USBthere USB201EXT/USB204EXT

ii

Notes

User Guide

1

Introduction

This manual is intended to assist IT professionals install the USBthere
models USB201EXT and USB204EXT. The instructions in this guide
assume a general knowledge of computer installation procedures, familiarity
with cabling requirements, and some understanding of USB devices.

NOTE: Notes give additional information that could make installation

easier.

USBthere Product Contents

When you open your USBthere for the first time you should find the
following items:

• USBthere User Guide

• Local Unit

• Remote Unit

• AC power adapter (optional)

• USB cable (2m long)

To complete the installation, you will also require the following items that
are not included with the product:

• USB compatible computer

• USB device

• Category 5 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable with two RJ45

connectors (if using surface cabling),
OR,
Category 5 UTP cabling with two information outlets and two
Category 5 UTP patch cords with RJ45 connectors (if using
premise cabling)

NOTE: The maximum length of the Category 5 UTP cable, including patch

cords, must not exceed 100m.

USBthere USB201EXT/USB204EXT

2

About the USBthere

The USBthere incorporates ExtremeUSB® technology. This technology
breaks the five-meter distance barrier for the connection of USB peripheral
devices and allows users to enjoy the benefits of USB technology beyond the
desktop. With the USBthere, USB devices can be located up to 100 meters
from the host computer. In addition, the USBthere USB201EXT and
USB204EXT can supply power to remote low-power or high-power USB
devices.

The USBthere is composed of two individual units, the Local Unit and the
Remote Unit.

The Local Unit

The Local Unit connects to the host computer using a conventional
USB cable. Depending on your needs, it also connects to a power
outlet through an AC power adapter.

Front View

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

Host LED

2

Host Port (USB Type B)

3 Link LED

4

Link Port (RJ45)

5

Power LED

6 Power connector

NOTE: The power adapter for the USBthere USB201EXT can be

connected to either the Local Unit or to the Remote Unit, as
convenient. With the USBthere USB204EXT, the location of the
power adapter also depends on whether you are connecting high­power or low-power USB devices. (See Power Handling on page

4).

User Guide

3

The Remote Unit

The Remote Unit connects to the USB device using a conventional
USB cable. Depending on your needs, it also connects to a power
outlet through an AC power adapter. The Remote Unit of the
USB201EXT lets you connect one USB device. The Remote Unit of
the USB204EXT lets you connect up to four USB devices.

Front View Rear View (Remote Unit of

USB204EXT)

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

Link LED

2

Link Port (RJ45)

3 Power LED

4

Power connector

5

Device LED(s)

6

Device Port(s) (USB Type A)

Network Cabling

The Local Unit and Remote Unit are interconnected by up to 100
meters of Category 5 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cabling. The
UTP cabling must have a straight-through conductor configuration,
with no crossovers, and must be terminated with 8-conductor RJ45
connectors at both ends.

Category 5 cable

USB

USB

Local Remote

cable

cable(s)

USB

device(s)

Computer

AC power adapter
(shown connected to Local)

NOTE: Category 5 UTP cabling is the standard data communications cable

installed in most commercial and some residential buildings.

USBthere USB201EXT/USB204EXT

4

USB Cables

USB cables have two distinct connectors. The Type A connector is used to
connect the cable from a USB device to the Type A port on a computer or
hub. The Type B connector is used to attach the USB cable to a USB device.

USB Type A

port

USB Type A

connector

USB Type B

port

USB Type B

connector

Power Handling

Some USB devices are powered directly from the USB and do not require
individual power supplies. These devices are called bus-powered devices.
The USBthere can provide power to these devices so they can be operated
remotely.

Bus-powered devices are further divided into low-power and high-power
categories. Low-power devices are allowed to draw up to 100 mA from the
USB. Typical examples include mice, joysticks, and keyboards without
hubs. High-power devices are allowed to draw up to 500 mA from the USB.
Typical examples include cameras and keyboards with hubs. To determine if
a device is high-power or low-power, consult the user documentation for the
device.

The USBthere USB201EXT and USB204EXT can supply power to both
low-power and high-power devices when configured as follows:

USB201EXT

• To operate any USB device, connect the power adapter to the
Local Unit or to the Remote Unit, as convenient.

USB204EXT

• To operate up to four low-power devices, connect the power
adapter to the Local Unit or to the Remote Unit, as
convenient.

• To operate up to four high-power devices, connect the power
adapter to the Remote Unit.

NOTE: Devices with their own power source are usually considered to be

low-power devices from a USB perspective.

User Guide

5

Compatibility

The USBthere complies with USB 1.1 specifications governing the design of
full speed USB devices. However, StarTech.com does not guarantee that all
full speed USB devices are compatible with the USBthere USB201EXT and
USB204EXT.

USBthere USB201EXT/USB204EXT

6

Before You Begin

Before you can install the USBthere, you need to prepare your site.

1. Determine where the host computer is to be located and set up the
computer.

2. Determine where you want to locate the USB device(s).

3. Decide whether the power adapter is to be connected to the Local
Unit or the Remote Unit.

4. If you are using surface cabling, ensure you have enough Category
5 UTP cabling to connect the two locations.

OR

If you are using premise cabling, ensure Category 5 UTP cabling is

installed between the two locations, with Category 5 information
outlets located near both the computer and the USB device.

Installing the Local Unit

1. Place the Local Unit near the host computer.

2. If the power adapter is to be located with the Local Unit:

a) Plug the power adapter into a suitable AC outlet.

b) Connect the power adapter to the Local Unit.

3. Plug the Type B connector on the USB cable (included) into the
Host port on the Local Unit.

4. Plug the Type A connector on the USB cable into the USB port on
the computer.

Installing the Remote Unit

1. Place the Remote Unit near the USB device.

2. If the power adapter is to be located with the Remote Unit:

a) Plug the power adapter into a suitable AC outlet.

b) Connect the power adapter to the Remote Unit.

User Guide

7

Connecting the Local Unit to the Remote Unit

NOTE: To ensure proper operation, we recommend that only Category 5 or

better, Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cabling be used to connect
the Local Unit to the Remote Unit. The UTP cabling must have a
straight-through conductor configuration with no crossovers, and
must be terminated with 8-conductor RJ45 connectors at both ends.

With Surface Cabling

1. Plug one end of the Category 5 UTP cabling (not included) into the
Link port on the Local Unit.

2. Plug the other end of the Category 5 UTP cabling into the Link port
on the Remote Unit.

With Premise Cabling

1. Plug one end of a Category 5 patch cord (not included) into the Link
port on the Local Unit.

2. Plug the other end of the patch cord into the Category 5 information
outlet near the host computer.

3. Plug one end of the second Category 5 patch cord (not included) into
the Link port on the Remote Unit.

4. Plug the other end of the second patch cord into the Category 5
information outlet near the USB device.

NOTE: The maximum length of the Category 5 UTP cable, including patch

cords, must not exceed 100 meters.

Checking the Installation

1. Check that the Power LEDs on the Local Unit and Remote Unit
units are both on.

2. Check that the Link LEDs on the Local Unit and Remote Unit units
are both on.

3. Check that the Host LED on the Local Unit is on.

4. On the host PC, open the Device Manager applet. Expand the entry
for Universal Serial Bus controllers by clicking the + sign. If the
USBthere has been installed correctly you should find it listed as a
Generic USB Hub.

USBthere USB201EXT/USB204EXT

8

Connecting a USB Device

1. Install any software required to operate the USB device(s). Refer to
the documentation for the device(s), as required.

2. Connect the USB device to the Device port on the Remote Unit.

3. Check that the Device LED on the Remote Unit is on.

User Guide

9

Troubleshooting

The following table provides troubleshooting help. The topics are arranged
in the order in which they should be executed in most situations. If you are
unable to resolve the problem after following these instructions, please
contact StarTech.com technical support for further assistance.

Symptoms/Cause Remedy

All LEDs on the Local
Unit and Remote Unit
are off.

Cause:

The USBthere is not
receiving power from
the adapter

1. Ensure that the power adapter is connected to
the Local Unit or Remote Unit.

2. Check that the adapter is connected to a live
source of electrical power

Power LED on one unit
is on, power LED on
other unit is off.

Cause:

There is no connection
between the Local Unit
and Remote Unit.

1. Ensure that a Category 5 UTP cable with
straight-through conductors is connected
between the Local Unit and Remote Unit.

2. Connect a short Category 5 patch cord
between the Local Unit and Remote Unit.
Recheck the operation of the system.

Link LEDs on Local
Unit and Remote Unit
units are off.

Cause:

There is no connection
between the Local Unit
and Remote Unit.

1. Ensure that a Category 5 UTP cable with
straight-through conductors is connected
between the Local Unit and Remote Unit.

2. Connect a short Category 5 patch cord
between the Local Unit and Remote Unit.
Recheck the operation of the system.

USBthere USB201EXT/USB204EXT

10

Symptoms/Cause Remedy

USB Hub Power
Exceeded message is

displayed by the
computer.

Cause:

The USB device
connected to the
Remote Unit is a high­power device and the
power adapter is
connected to the Local
Unit.

1. Move the power adapter from the Local Unit to
the Remote Unit.

Link LED on the Local
Unit is on;
Host LED on the Local
Unit is off.

Cause:

a) The computer is not

functioning.

b) The Local Unit is

not connected to
the computer.

c) The computer does

not support USB
hubs.

d) The USBthere is

malfunctioning.

1. Disconnect all USB devices from the Remote
Unit.

2. Disconnect the Local Unit from the computer.

3. Disconnect and then reconnect the power
adapter to the USBthere.

4. Reconnect the Local Unit to the computer.

5. In the Universal Serial Bus controllers section
of Device Manager, check that the USBthere
is recognised as a “Generic USB Hub”.

6. If the USBthere is not recognised, contact
StarTech.com technical support for
assistance.

User Guide

11

Symptoms/Cause Remedy

A device is connected
to the Remote Unit and
the corresponding
Device LED is off

Cause:

a) The USB device is

malfunctioning.

b) The computer does

not recognise the
USB device.

c) The application

software for the
device is not
operating.

d) The USBthere is

malfunctioning.

1. Disconnect the USBthere from the computer.

2. Connect the USB device directly to the USB
port on the computer.

3. If the device does not operate properly,
consult the user documentation for the device.

4. If the device operates properly when directly
connected to the computer, connect another
device (of a different type) to the USBthere.
Connect the USBthere to the computer.

5. If the second device does not operate, the
USBthere may be malfunctioning. Contact
StarTech.com technical support for
assistance.

6. If the second device does operate properly,
the first device may not be compatible with the
USBthere. Contact StarTech.com technical
support for assistance.

All LEDs on both Local
Unit and Remote Unit
are on but the device
does not operate
correctly

Cause:

a) The USB device is

malfunctioning.

b) The computer does

not recognise the
USB device.

c) The application

software for the
device is not
operating.

d) The USBthere is

malfunctioning.

1. Disconnect the USBthere from the computer.

2. Connect the USB device directly to the USB
port on the computer.

3. If the device does not operate properly,
consult the user documentation for the device.

4. If the device operates properly when directly
connected to the computer, connect another
device (of a different type) to the USBthere.
Connect the USBthere to the computer.

5. If the second device does not operate, the
USBthere may be malfunctioning. Contact
StarTech.com technical support for
assistance.

6. If the second device does operate properly,
the first device may not be compatible with the
USBthere. Contact StarTech.com technical
support for assistance.

USBthere USB201EXT/USB204EXT

12

Specifications

Range (over Category
5 UTP cable)

100 meters (330 ft)

USB device support Full speed devices (12 Mb/s)

Low speed devices (1.5 Mb/s)

USB hub support Any single chain can include four USB hubs and

one USBthere USB201EXT/USB204EXT, in any
order.

Power available to USB
device at Remote Unit
(USB201EXT)

1 x 500 mA

Power available to USB
device at Remote Unit
(USB204EXT)

4 x 100 mA (when powered at the Local Unit)
4 x 500 mA (when powered at the Remote Unit)

USB cable 2 meters (6.6 ft)

Local Unit connector
(upstream)

1 x USB Type B

Local Unit connector
(downstream)

1 x RJ-45

Remote Unit connector
(upstream)

1 x RJ-45

Remote Unit connector
(downstream)

1 x USB Type A (USBthere USB201EXT)
4 x USB Type A (USBthere USB204EXT)

Local Unit dimensions 107 mm x 84 mm x 34 mm

4.25” x 3.4” x 1.4”

Local Unit weight 0.3 kg (0.6 lb)

Remote Unit
dimensions

107 mm x 84 mm x 34 mm

4.25” x 3.4” x 1.4”

Remote Unit weight 0.3 kg (0.6 lb)

Total system shipping
weight

1.1 kg (2.4 lb)

Temperature range 4°C to 40°C

Regulatory testing FCC, CE Class A

User Guide

13

Technical Support

The following technical resources are available for this StarTech.com product:

On-line help:

We are constantly adding new information to the Tech Support section of our
web site. To access this page, click the Tech Support link on our homepage,
www.startech.com. In the tech support section there are a number of options
that can provide assistance with this product.

Knowledge Base - This tool allows you to search for answers to common
issues using key words that describe the product and your issue.

FAQ - This tool provides quick answers to the top questions asked by our
customers.

Downloads - This selection takes you to our driver download page where
you can find the latest drivers for this product.

Call StarTech.com tech support for help:

USA/Canada: 1-519-455-4931
UK/Ireland/Europe: 00-800-7827-8324

Support hours: Monday to Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM EST (except holidays)

Warranty Information

This product is backed by a one-year warranty. In addition,
StarTech.com warrants its products against defects in materials and
workmanship for the periods noted below, following the initial date of
purchase. During this period, the products may be returned for repair,
or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion. The
warranty covers parts and labor costs only. StarTech.com does not
warrant its products from defects or damages arising from misuse,
abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall the liability to StarTech.com Ltd. (or its officers, directors,
employees or agents) for any damages (whether direct or indirect, special,
punitive incidental, consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of
business, or any pecuniary loss, arising out of related to the use of the
product exceed the actual price paid for the product.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages. If such laws apply, the limitations or exclusions
contained in this statement may not apply to you.

USBthere USB201EXT/USB204EXT

14

Notes

User Guide

15

Notes

-