Six Considerations for Selecting a USB or KVM Extender

Six Considerations for Selecting a USB or KVM Extender

By Icron – An Analog Devices Brand

Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection has evolved to become the most successful computer interface to date, with billions of devices shipping each year. USB devices are easy to install — simply plug them in and you are good to go, right? Not so fast.

What if your audio-visual application calls for cable length beyond the USB spec of five meters maximum (and even shorter for USB 3 or 4)? You may consider using USB hubs to increase the distance but they only go so far (30 meters maximum when daisy chained) and require power at every other hub. Not the most elegant solution.

Thankfully, USB extenders are available. This solution will either be a one-piece fixed distance cable or consist of three main components:

1. A local point for host connection;

2. A remote point for USB device connection; and

3. Media cable between the two points providing the extension distance.

New to USB extenders? Overwhelmed by the options? Below are six considerations to help you make an informed choice.

1) Use Case

Do you need basic USB 1.1 for keyboard and mouse operation only, or faster throughputs to support USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 devices like flash drives and conferencing cameras? Even if you only need USB 1.1 now, consider futureproofing if you think your application may change.

2) Connector Type

A variety of USB connectors are available with Type-A, B, and C commonly used for computing hosts and audiovisual devices. If using a USB-C device, you may wish to select a USB-C extender such as Icron’s USB 3-2-1 Starling™, otherwise you can purchase an adaptor. Keyboard-Video-Mouse (KVM) extenders also feature video connectors such as DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort allowing USB and video extension with the same solution.

3) Extension Distance

The two extender points are joined using a cable such as Category (CAT) copper or fiber cables to provide the extension distance. CAT 5e is relatively inexpensive while premium CAT 6 through 8 and fiber cables support higher throughputs with enhanced signal protection. Fiber cabling also allows for increased distance, potentially up to 10 kilometers. The extender solution you purchase will be pre-configured for copper or fiber.

4) Application Environment

Extender enclosures are typically made of plastic or metal. If your set-up is in a fairly low traffic area, plastic may be just fine. Metal offers extra protection against knocks and bumps. Operating temperature is another important specification to review if your application will be exposed to extreme temperatures. Also, consider your emissions and immunity requirements as well. An example may be in a carpeted room where there is heavy traffic; having CE Criteria “A” ESD protection will help prevent unwanted electrical behavior from negatively impacting your application. Also, choosing fiber over copper not only allows for increased distance but offers electrical isolation, a requirement of many critically sensitive medical or military applications.

5) Set-up and Operation

Some extender solutions require software drivers to be loaded on the host computer before operation, while products featuring ExtremeUSB® technology from Icron do not require any software and function in a true plug and play fashion. Ensure your computer’s operating system (Windows®, macOS™, Linux® or Chrome OS™) is supported for proper ongoing function. Also, consider power availability. USB 1.1 extenders are bus powered solely from the host while USB 2.0 and 3.2 extender typically require power on at least one end point.

6) Reliability and Service

Some basic questions to ask include the reputation of the product you are buying (low-end cheap or reliable and robust). How long is the warranty? Is there a phone number, website, or email address published to obtain support if needed? Does the company state its specs in a generic fashion or call out the specific spec (e.g. FCC vs. FCC Class B)? Or worse, not at all?

Does the company stand behind its claimed certifications?

There are a variety of makes and models when it comes to USB and KVM extenders. Start with your basic application needs such as distance and powering; work through other considerations such as Operating System compatibility, environmental requirements, and reputation before making that purchase. Before a largescale rollout, best to do a small trial run.

Icron, now part of Analog Devices, Inc., is the leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance USB 3-2-1 and video extension solutions for commercial and industrial markets worldwide. Icron’s patented extension technology extends USB and video devices over many media types including CAT 5e/6/7, fiber, and over a corporate LAN while featuring the ExtremeUSB® and ExtremeUSB-C™ suite of features such as transparent USB extension, true plug-and-play (no software drivers required) and compatibility with Windows®, macOS™, Linux® and Chrome OS™ operating systems. Icron’s video and USB extension products are deployed in a wide range of applications including proAV, industrial automation, machine vision, medical imaging, aerospace, interactive whiteboards, digital signage, remote desktop extension, security, enterprise computing and isolated USB, or anywhere a computer needs to be remotely located from a display or peripheral device.