Appendix Technical Glossary | Black Box IC401A manual

Appendix: Technical Glossary

Appendix. Technical Glossary

Category 5 (CAT5) Network Cabling — Category 5 cable is commonly also referred to as CAT5. This cabling is available in either solid or stranded twisted- pair copper wire variants and as UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) or STP (Shielded Twisted Pair). UTP cables are not surrounded by any shielding, making them more susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI). STP cables include shielding over each individual pair of copper wires and provides better protection against EMI. Category 5 has been superseded by CAT5e cabling, which includes improved data integrity to support high-speed communications.

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.

Figure 6-1. USB connectors.

RJ-45 — The Registered Jack (RJ) physical interface is what connects the network cabling (CAT5) to the LEX unit and REX unit. You may use either the T568A scheme (Table 6-1) or the T568B scheme (Table 6-2) for cable termination. The

1-Port CAT5 USB 2.0 Extender uses all four pairs of the cable. RJ-45 connectors are sometimes also referred to as 8P8C connectors.

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		IC401A User Manual

IC401A, 1-Port CAT5 USB 2.0 Extender User Manua specifications

The Black Box 1-Port CAT5 USB 2.0 Extender, identified as IC401A, is an innovative solution for extending USB connections over long distances without sacrificing performance. This user-friendly device is designed for both home and office environments, offering advanced capabilities that cater to the evolving needs of modern technology.

One of the standout features of the IC401A is its ability to extend USB signals up to 150 feet (45 meters) using standard CAT5e or CAT6 cabling. This flexibility allows for seamless placement of USB devices, whether in a conference room where a computer must be located far from peripherals or in a home setup where connectivity might otherwise be a challenge.

The IC401A supports USB 2.0, ensuring data transfer rates of up to 480 Mbps. This high-speed performance is vital for applications that demand quick and reliable communication between devices, such as printers, scanners, and external storage drives. Additionally, the extender is backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices, providing versatility for users who may still utilize older peripherals.

Technologically, the Black Box extender employs a simple plug-and-play setup, meaning no software installation or complicated configurations are necessary. Users can easily connect the transmitter unit to a USB port on the host device and the receiver unit to the USB device via standard cables. This simplicity significantly reduces setup time and minimizes the potential for user error during installation.

The IC401A is designed with high-quality components to ensure durability and long-lasting operation. The compact design allows for tidy placement, making it easy to integrate into existing setups without cluttering workspaces. Its lightweight nature also means that it can be easily transported and reconfigured as needed.

In terms of power, the IC401A can be powered via USB, eliminating the need for an external power source and thus enhancing convenience. This feature is particularly beneficial in remote scenarios where power outlets may be limited.

Overall, the Black Box 1-Port CAT5 USB 2.0 Extender IC401A stands out for its remarkable performance, ease of use, and versatility. It is a dependable choice for anyone needing to extend USB connections in a variety of settings, ensuring reliable connectivity for all USB 2.0 peripherals.