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Black rectangular USB 2.0 extender unit over Cat5 cable, black finish

Black Box Corporation

Black Box Corporation IC280A-R2 USB 2.0 Extender Cat5 1-Port 328 ft

SKU CH-4PSQ-5WTR0 MPN IC280A-R2

Extends USB 2.0 signals up to 328 feet over Cat5 cable, supports 480 Mbps speeds, works with USB 1.1 and 2.0 hosts, and offers local or remote power options

  • Maximum extend distance328 ft (100 m)
  • Product typeUSB 2.0 over Ethernet
  • Product colorBlack
  • Extends USB 2.0 signals up to 328 feet over Cat5 cable
  • Powers the remote device through the same UTP link for flexible placement
  • Works with USB 1.1 and 2.0 hosts at speeds up to 480 Mbps
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X and Linux without extra drivers
  • Plug-and-play setup needs no software installation on the host computer

USB 2.0 over Cat5 Extender

The Black Box IC280A-R2 extends a single USB 2.0 connection up to 328 feet using standard Cat5 cabling. It transmits both data and power over the link so the remote device does not need a local supply. The unit is compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0 hosts and supports device speeds up to 480 Mbps. Driver-free operation works across Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.

Suited for remote peripheral placement.

This extender serves installers who need a keyboard, mouse, printer or other single peripheral far from the host computer. It is not designed for users who must connect several devices at the far end or who require a hub function. The single-port design also means it cannot serve setups that need concurrent access to multiple USB targets.

Maximum extension distance of 328 feet

The defining specification is the 328-foot reach over Cat5 cable, which determines whether the link can span the required room-to-room or floor-to-floor run. If the installation demands a longer cable pull this unit will not meet it.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Signal Extenders & Boosters, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $357.99
Pricier than about 80% of the 77 comparable items (median $108.99).

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameBlack Box
Product typeUSB 2.0 over Ethernet
Product colorBlack
Size & build
Shipping weight0.91 kg
Package size254 × 203 × 152 mm
More details
Maximum extend distance328 ft (100 m)

Questions about this item

Should I choose the 328-foot version or a shorter reach for my USB 2.0 setup?

The IC280A-R2 extends USB 2.0 signals up to 328 feet over a single CATx cable. If your peripheral sits closer you can still use this unit; the extra headroom simply guarantees signal integrity at the full rated distance.

What does the 480 Mbps rating mean when the extender is connected to my PC?

The link carries USB 2.0 high-speed traffic at up to 480 Mbps, so bulk endpoints such as external drives, cameras or audio interfaces operate at their native USB 2.0 throughput across the CATx run.

Does the Cat5 connection limit speed compared to a direct USB cable?

The extender transports USB 2.0 high-speed signals at 480 Mbps over the CATx link, matching the host controller’s maximum rate, so the cable medium itself does not impose a lower ceiling.

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