USB over Ethernet Extenders | Top 6

Posted by SpencerKrit on September 20th, 2021

USB over Ethernet Extenders - 2021’s 6 of the Best

USB over Ethernet allows you to control remote USB devices over Ethernet, Wi-Fi or over the Internet. Devices like printers, external storage devices and cameras can be accessed as if they were physically connected to your computer.

There are several software solutions available to allow you to share your USB devices. When trying to reach a decision on the best option for your needs, there are a few factors like price and operating system support that should be factored into your decision making process.

Some pointers around available software options:

• There is one open-source product available on the market. The rest are paid for solutions with various cost plans.

• The paid for plans do include a free trial to test out the product before committing.

• The number of simultaneous connections could determine the price you ultimately pay for the software.

• All the available software solutions support remote desktop although configuration is not always a simple process.

Instead of using a hardware solution to extend your USB devices, which invariably will involve very long cables and your hardware may require its own power source – using a software solution like USB Over Ethernet lets you emulate an extender without the need for additional hardware. 

However, should you opt for a hardware solution instead, there are six options that we rate highly. All of these devices use Cat5 and higher to ensure a reliable, high-speed experience. 

1. WEMe Male to Female

WEMe Male to Female gives you good value for money at approximately . It is a USB 2.0 to RJ45 extender over Cat5/5E/6 patch cable. Transfer rates are up to 480Mbs and the range is up to 100m (328ft). 

A cheaper four-plug model is also available, but this model is limited to a range of 60m.

• Includes a 5V2A external power adapter

• Easy plug and play setup without the need for additional software or drivers.

• Does not work with network switches

• Supports all common operating systems

 2. AV Access 4KEX100

AV Access 4KEX-100 is an extender with a range of 100m. Transmitting over Cat5e/6/7 it allows you to distribute video, audio, RS232 and USB 2.0. It includes four USB ports and is HDMI 1.4 and HDBT 2.0 compliant. It includes a DIP switch for Extended Display Identification. (EDI)

• Internal surge protection included

• Housing has a three year warranty

• Audio Analog stereo support but passthrough can be buggy.

• Integrated Internal Power-over-HDBaseT (PoH)

3. TESmart VGA

TESmart VGA stands out above other hardware options with its onboard acquire selector. With support up to 1920*1200 resolution at 60Hz, it also allows you to easily transmit keyboard and mouse data.  At approximately , it provides 8KV ESD protection.

• Transmit high definition video at 60hz

• Single UTP / FTP cable replaces a traditional VGA cable for longer transmission range

• Compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1

• Includes TESmart 1 year hardware warranty and lifetime technical support

4. IOGear GUCE62

IOGear GUCE62 is a compact option that allows you to extend your USB device over Cat 5/5e/6. Easy to install without the requirement of additional software, the GUCE62 includes a power supply and two dongles. Connect the local dongle to your computer and attach the USB device to the remote dongle. This simple action extends your connected device up to 50 meters (164 feet).

• Constant voltage output ensuring signal integrity

• Signal booster chipset ensures data integrity

• USB is converted to RJ-45 extending signal range to 164 feet

5. Gefen EXT-LR

Gefen EXT-LR is a popular choice amongst IT professionals. Offering a dependable user experience, it is a well packaged USB extender but it comes at a price. With easy installation and support for both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 the Gefen has a two port hub and it offers an extender range of up to 100m (330ft).

• Easy plug and play usage

• 100 m range

• Two USB ports at 500mA each

6. StarTech EXT

StarTech’s EXT has the USB110EXT2 OR USB2001EXT2 versions ranging in price from 4 to 5. As the name implies, version 110 extends a USB 1.1 device up to 40m (131ft). Version 2001 will extend your USB 2.0 device up to 100m (330ft). Both versions work over Cat 5 or Cat 6 cables.

• Up to 4 USB ports

• Good reliable transfer rates

• Supports low and high speed USB