USB 2.0 and 1.1 extender over 100 meters

Hallbergmoos, April 2, 2009 - The new USB 2.0 CATx Extender from Black Box, the IT and telecommunications specialist, is available as of now. With it, extensions of up to 100 meters via low-cost CATx cables are possible for any USB devices - even for older 1.1 models. And with a transmission rate of up to 480 Mbps, the extender is perfectly suited for use in media cutting studios, security and industrial control systems.

The new USB extender is available in two versions: the 1-port model extends a desktop port for a USB device, whereas the 4-port model boasts an integrated hub. The extender runs both under Windows 98 SE or higher and under MAC or Linux. Both devices are extremely compact; the respective local units receive their power from the CPU, while the remote units have their own power supplies.
Thus all USB I/O devices, such as printers, scanners, keyboards or mice within a distance of up to 100 meters from the computer can be connected and operated via - possibly already existing - CAT5e/6/7 cables. By combining the extender with the ServSwitch DKM from Black Box, a real DVI switch matrix becomes available that besides digital video (DVI), USB HID, audio and serial data also supports USB 2.0.
This professional system can easily be expanded to up to 16 users and 32 computers.

"Our new extender gives our clients the freedom to place USB devices wherever they are needed", Axel Bürger, Managing Director of Black Box Deutschland GmbH, explains. "And it doesn't matter whether it is older 1.1 equipment or the latest 2.0 devices.

Arguably its most distinguishing feature at the moment is its easy upgrade to a real USB 2.0 switch matrix (16x32) or a mixed USB 2.0 KVM switch matrix with DVI video, that allows the integration of USB 2.0 devices in addition to the conventional signals. Most appreciated by our clients in this context is the system's flexible scalability that operates professionally without loss of signal quality even at its highest configuration level."

With "Free Tech Support" for free and competent technical advice on the phone, free test scenarios, as well as installation and maintenance services, Black Box offers an exceptional service program. The Black Box main catalogue is well-known in the industry and comprises an extensive product portfolio on more than 700 pages. It provides details of approx. 10,000 IT products such as network components, as well as solutions for infrastructures and applications.

The headquarters of Black Box Corporation is in Pittsburgh, USA. Worldwide, the company has approximately 5000 employees, 65 of which in Germany. Black Box Deutschland GmbH has been active on the German market since 1984. Its regular customers include small and medium-sized businesses, as well as big enterprises of various branches, such as services, industry, telecommunications, health care and public administration, and the banking and insurance sector.