USB is one of the most widely used connection standards – but its biggest limitation is distance.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (formerly USB 3.0) supports up to 5 Gbps, yet passive copper cables reach only a few meters. In professional environments, that’s rarely enough. Here, USB 3.2 extenders over CAT6A/7 provide the ideal solution.
How It Works
A kit consists of:
- Local unit (host side): connects to the PC or workstation via USB-A or USB-C.
- Remote unit (device side): provides one or more USB ports for peripherals.
The units are linked with a CAT6A/7 cable up to 100 meters, converting USB signals into a protocol optimized for twisted-pair cabling. The connection is transparent – devices appear as if connected locally.
Cascade Mode
Many models support cascade (daisy-chain) mode, allowing multiple kits to be linked. This enables:
- Distances beyond 100 m.
- Multiple remote devices at different locations.
- Flexible scaling in AV, medical, and industrial setups.
Cascade mode ensures stable performance with full USB 3.2 Gen 1 bandwidth throughout the chain.
Benefits
- Up to 100 m per kit
- Cascade support for extended reach or multi-zone setups
- Full 5 Gbps speed (USB 3.2 Gen 1)
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1
- Stable performance – unlike USB-over-IP, latency and bandwidth remain predictable
- Advanced features like Gigabit Ethernet passthrough, Power over Cable, or USB-C with Power Delivery
Applications
- Video conferencing – cameras, speakerphones, controllers
- Industrial automation & machine vision – sensors and high-speed cameras
- Medical diagnostics – imaging devices and lab equipment
- Secure IT/AV – host PC placed in a controlled environment, peripherals at the user’s location
- Large-scale setups – cascade mode for multi-room or long-distance installations
Conclusion
A USB 3.2 Gen 1 extender over CAT6A/7 is the most reliable way to overcome USB’s distance limitation – without sacrificing speed or stability. With cascade mode, installations can easily expand and adapt across AV, industrial, medical, and IT environments.