Acroname offers two highly capable USB extension solutions tailored to AV professionals, systems integrators, and industrial applications: the USBExt3c Extender Standard Kit (R491) and the Professional-Grade Power and USB2 Extension Kit (R489).
The USBExt3c delivers USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps local, 5 Gbps over CAT6A) extension with full USB 2.0 compatibility and Power Delivery, while the USB2 Extension Kit offers reliable USB 2.0 data and power extension across 100m for plug-and-play setups.
Whether you’re building an AV-over-IP system, a BYOD-enabled conference room, or integrating USB devices into a large-scale installation, the key decision is whether you need high-bandwidth USB 3.x (with backward compatibility for USB 2.0) or a cost-effective USB 2.0-only solution.
Product Overview
USBExt3c Standard Kit (R491)
- 5 Gbps USB extension over CATx up to 100 meters
- Two local, two remote USB-C ports
- Bidirectional power over CATx
- USB-C Power Delivery: up to 60W when powered remotely; 90W with local power input
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 support (10 Gbps local, 5 Gbps over CAT6A)
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices (simultaneous support for USB 3.x and 2.0 over the same link)
- Auto host-switching (bidirectional; any port can act as a host)
- Controlled via Acroname’s BrainStem API (automation and scripting support)
- Isochronous mode support
- Ideal for USB-C AV gear, 4K cameras, external SSDs, or data-intensive peripherals
Professional-Grade USB2 Extension Kit (R489)
- Supports USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) extension over CAT6 up to 100 m
- Provides remote device power via USB-C or DC connector: 5 V @ 2 A or 12 V @ 2 A
- Plug-and-play setup (no software or API required)
- Best suited for USB 2.0 AV devices like HD webcams, microphones, and touchscreens
| Feature | USBExt3c (R491) | USB2 Extension (R489) |
|---|---|---|
| USB Speed Support | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) local; 5Gbps over CAT6A | USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) |
| Cable Type & Length | CAT6A / up to 100m | CAT5e/CAT6 / up to 100m |
| Power Delivery | 60W via cable; 90W via local DC input | 5V @2A or 12V @2A delivered to remote device |
| Host Switching | Bidirectional auto-switching between two USB-C hosts | Single fixed host (USB-B input) |
| Device Compatibility | USB-C peripherals, 4K AV, cameras, external drives | USB 2.0 devices, HD webcams, control panels |
| Management Interface | BrainStem API for control and automation | None |
| Price (approx.) | $950 | $369 |
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Feature USBExt3c (R491) USB2 Extension (R489)
USB Speed Support USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps local; 5 Gbps over CAT6A) + USB 2.0 USB 2.0 (480 Mbps)
Cable Type & Length CAT6A / up to 100m CAT5e/CAT6 / up to 100m
Power Delivery 60W via cable; 90W via local DC input 5V @2A or 12V @2A delivered to remote device
Host Switching Bidirectional auto-switching between two USB-C hosts Single fixed host (USB-B input)
Device Compatibility USB-C peripherals, 4K AV, cameras, external drives, USB 2.0 devices USB 2.0 devices, HD webcams, control panels
Management Interface BrainStem API for control and automation None
Price (approx.) $950 $369
Use-Case Scenarios
1. High-Performance AV and Production Environments
The USBExt3c excels in workflows requiring high-speed USB communication with devices like 4K cameras, capture cards, or external SSDs. Acting as both a USB data hub and a programmable switch, it integrates easily with AV-over-IP systems and automation frameworks using the BrainStem API. Bidirectional power extension reduces the need for separate power supplies, simplifying complex installations.
2. Conference Room and Digital Signage Installations
For collaborative spaces where USB 2.0 performance is sufficient, the Professional USB2 Extension Kit is an affordable and reliable choice. It powers and extends devices such as HD PTZ cameras, microphones, or touchscreens with zero configuration—perfect for BYOD-enabled conference rooms and digital signage applications.
3. Machine Vision and Robotics
Industrial robotics and machine vision systems demand low-latency, high-bandwidth connections to cameras and sensors. The USBExt3c’s 5 Gbps extension, with full USB 2.0 support, provides the throughput and backward compatibility needed for real-time image processing, making it ideal for factory automation and robotic environments.
4. Industrial Test and Measurement
Test and measurement setups often require isolating sensitive USB instruments from operators for safety and accuracy. The USB2 Extension Kit enables up to 100m of separation with reliable power delivery, while the USBExt3c supports high-speed USB T&M tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and DAQ modules without compromising signal integrity.
5. Mixed-Speed Hybrid Deployments
The USBExt3c can extend both USB 3.x and USB 2.0 signals over the same CATx link, making it an all-in-one solution for setups combining high-bandwidth devices (e.g., 4K cameras or SSDs) with lower-speed peripherals like HID controls or sensors. This eliminates the need for multiple extenders while simplifying cable management and reducing costs.
Key Decision Factors
- Do you need USB 3.x bandwidth (with full USB 2.0 support)?
- Does your remote device require USB-C PD or high power delivery?
- Will you benefit from host switching and programmable control via API?
- Is your use case fixed (plug-and-play) or automated/scriptable?
- What is your budget per room or station?
Acroname’s USB extension solutions empower AV professionals, integrators, and industrial engineers with options for both high performance and budget-sensitive installations. Whether you need a programmable USB 3.x hub extender for advanced systems or a cost-effective USB 2.0 link for conference rooms, the choice between USBExt3c and USB2 Extension comes down to matching the right tool to your technical and operational needs.
For design help or integration support, Acroname’s technical team is always available to assist.
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