Black Box IC406A User manual

BL A C K B OX®
Break the 16-foot (5-m) USB distance barrier.
This local transmitter/remote receiver pair
extends USB over a duplex single-mode LC
fiber link up to 6 miles (10 kilometers).
4-Port Single-Mode Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender
June 2010
IC406A
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]
Customer
Support
Information

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4-Port Single-Mode Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender
Federal Communications Commission and Industry Canada Radio Frequency Interference
Statements
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio
Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques
de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
CE Statement
We declare under our sole responsibility that the 4-Port Single-Mode Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender conforms with European
Standard EMC EN-55022:2006+A1:2007 Class B, EN 61000-3-2:2006, EN 61000-3-3:2003, and EN 55024:1998+A2:2003.
IC Statement
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

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NOM Statement
Instrucciones de Seguridad
(Normas Oficiales Mexicanas Electrical Safety Statement)
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca
de una alberca, etc..
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación.
Todo otro servicio deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico
sobre una cama, sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes
que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros
aparatos (incluyendo amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como
se indique en el aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados
sobre o contra ellos, poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

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4-Port Single-Mode Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of BB Technologies, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.
We‘re here to help! If you have any questions about your application
or our products, contact Black Box Tech Support at 724-746-5500
or go to blackbox.com and click on “Talk to Black Box.”
You’ll be live with one of our technical experts in less than 20 seconds.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Specifications ...........................................................................................................................................................................6
2. Overview ...........................................................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 What’s Included ................................................................................................................................................................7
2.3 You Will Also Need............................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.4 Hardware Description ........................................................................................................................................................7
2.4.1 Local unit Front and Back Panels .........................................................................................................................8
2.4.2 Remote unit Front and Back Panels...................................................................................................................... 9
2.5 Typical Application .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
3. Installation ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Installing the Local unit.................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2 Installing the Remote unit................................................................................................................................................ 11
3.3 Connecting the Local unit to the Remote unit.................................................................................................................. 11
3.4 Checking the Installation ................................................................................................................................................. 11
3.5 Connecting a USB Device ................................................................................................................................................ 12
4. Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.1 Problems/Causes/Solutions.............................................................................................................................................. 13
4.2 Contacting Black Box....................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.3 Shipping and Packaging................................................................................................................................................... 15
5. Technical Glossary ......................................................................................................................................................................... 16

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4-Port Single-Mode Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender
1. Specifications
Compliance: Regulatory testing: FCC Class B, IC Class B, CE Class B;
ESD rating: EMC EN-6100-4-2 8 kV contact, 16 kV air
Distance: 6 miles (10 m) over single-mode fiber optic cable
Maximum USB Devices Supported: 14 USB devices or 3 USB hubs with 11 USB devices
USB Device Support: High-speed devices (480 Mbps, USB 2.0);
Full-speed devices (12 Mbps, USB 2.0 and 1.1);
Low-speed devices (1.5 Mbps, USB 2.0 and 1.1)
USB Host Support: EHCI (USB 2.0) and OHCI/UHCI (USB 1.1)
USB Hub Support: Any single chain can include up to 3 USB hubs plus one extender
Connectors: Local unit: (1) USB Type B, (1) pair of LC;
Remote unit: (4) USB Type A, (1) pair of LC
Temperature Tolerance: Operating: 32 to 122° F (0 to 50° C);
Storage: -4 to 158° F (-20 to +70° C)
Humidity Tolerance: Operating: 20 to 80% relative humidity, non-condensing;
Storage: 10 to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing
Power: Input: 100/240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, 600 mA maximum;
Output: 5 VDC, 3 A;
AC adapter connector: 1.7-mm center positive jack
Power available to USB device at remote unit: 500 mA each port;
Power consumption: Local unit: 500 mA maximum,
Remote unit: Approximately 500 mA (no load), 2.5 A (full load)
Size: Each unit: 3.9"H x 3"W x 1"D (10 x 7.6 x 2.6 cm)
System Shipping Weight: 2 lb. (0.9 kg)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender enables you to extend beyond the standard 16-foot (5-m) cable limit for USB peripheral devices.
Using the extender, you can place USB devices up to 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the computer. The extender is composed of two
individual units: the local unit and the remote unit.
2.2 What’s Included
Your package should include the following items. If anything is missing or damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support at
724-746-5500 or [e-mail].
• (1) local unit
• (1) remote unit
• (1) AC power adapter for remote unit
• (1) 6-foot (1.8-m) USB 2.0 cable
• (1) Quick Start Guide
• (1) CD-ROM containing this user’s manual in PDF format
2.3 You Will Also Need
To complete the installation, you will also require the following items that are not included with the extender:
• USB 1.1 or 2.0 compatible computer (host computer) with a USB compliant operating system
• USB 1.1 or 2.0 compatible device
• 2-strand fiber optic cable with duplex LC connectors (if using surface cabling) or 2-strand fiber optic cabling with two
information outlets and two 2-strand fiber optic patch cords with duplex LC connectors (if using premise cabling)
NOTE: The maximum length of the single-mode fiber optic cable supported by the extender, including patch cords, is 6 miles
(10 km) on single-mode duplex fiber optic cable.
2.4 Hardware Description
The local unit connects to the computer using a standard USB cable. The USB interface on the host computer provides power for
the local unit.
The remote unit provides USB Type A ports for standard USB devices. It allows you to connect up to four USB devices directly. You
can connect up additional devices by attaching USB hubs to the remote unit. The remote unit is powered by an external AC
adapter and can supply up to 500 mA to each USB port.

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4-Port Single-Mode Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender
2.4.1 Local unit Front and Back Panels
Figures 2-1 and 2-2 show the local unit’s front and back panels. Table 2-1 describes their components.
1 2 3 4
Figure 2-1. Front panel of the local unit.
5 6 7 8
Figure 2-2. Back panel of the local unit.
Table 2-1. Local unit’s front-panel components.
Number Component Description
1 Power LED (blue) LED lights when power is supplied. LED is off when no power is supplied.
2 Link LED (green) LED lights when a valid link is established between the local unit and the
remote unit.
3 Host LED (green) LED lights when the extender system is properly enumerated on the host PC.
4 Activity LED (amber) LED lights when data is transmitted between the local unit and remote unit.
The LED blinks intermittently with or without a USB device connected. The
LED is off when the local unit and remote unit are in suspend mode.
5 Earth ground Optional earth ground connection to housing of unit. Accepts an M2 type
screw.
6 Power port (optional) Not required in normal operation. An optional 5 V power supply can be
connected to the local unit to provide power if the USB port on the host PC
is not capable of delivering 500 mA to the unit.
7 USB Type B connector Connects the local unit to the host computer.
8 Link port (RJ-45) Accepts duplex LC connector for single-mode fiber optic cable.

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.4.2 Remote unit Front and Back Panels
Figures 2-3 and 2-4 show the remote unit’s front and back panels. Table 2-2 describes their components.
23 4 5 6
1
Figure 2-3. Front panel of the remote unit.
7 8 9
Figure 2-4. Back panel of the remote unit.
Table 2-2. Remote unit’s front- and back-panel components.
Number Component Description
1 Device port (USB Type A) Accepts USB device(s).
2 Device LED (green/orange) Indicates when a USB device is connected to the device port. Solid green
when device is plugged in and active. Off when device is in suspend mode
or remote unit is powered off. Orange when the remote unit detects an over-
current condition and the attached USB device attempts to draw more than
the
500 mA current.
3 Power LED (blue) LED turns on when power is supplied. Off when no power is supplied.
4 Link LED (green) Indicates a valid USB link is established between the local unit and remote
unit over CAT5 cabling. LED turns on when link between local unit and
remote unit is established. LED turns off when there is no link between the
local unit and remote unit.

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4-Port Single-Mode Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender
Table 2-2 (Continued). Remote unit’s front- and back-panel components.
Number Component Description
5 Host LED (green) Indicates that the extender system is properly enumerated on the host PC.
LED blinks when in suspend state.
6 Activity LED (amber) Indicates activity when data transmission is active between the local unit and
the remote unit. LED blinks intermittently with or without a USB device
attached. When the local unit and remote unit are in suspend mode, the LED
is off.
7 Earth ground Optional earth ground connection to unit’s housing. Accepts an M2 type
screw.
8 Power port Connects to the AC power supply. Required at the remote unit for proper
operation.
9 Link port (duplex LC) Accepts LC connector for duplex single-mode fiber optic cabling.
2.5 Typical Application
USB 2.0 over 6 miles
(10 km) single-mode
fiber optic cable
USB 2.0 and
1.1 devices
Local unit Remote unit
Figure 2-5. Application.

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Chapter 3: Installation
3. Installation
NOTE: The local unit and remote unit are interconnected by up to 6 miles (10 km) of fiber optic cable. Two strands of single-mode
fiber are required to support the long reach connection. The cabling subsystem must provide a duplex connection with
crossover, and must be terminated with duplex LC connectors at each end.
Before you can install the Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender, you need to prepare your site:
1. Determine where you want to locate the computer and set up the computer.
2. Determine where you want to locate the USB device(s).
3. If you are using surface cabling, the extender supports a maximum distance of 6 miles (10 km).
If you are using premise cabling, make sure that single-mode fiber cabling is installed between the two locations, with fiber optic
information outlets located near both the computer and the USB device(s), and the total length, including patch cords, is no more
than 6 miles (10 km).
3.1 Installing the Local unit
1. Place the local unit near the computer.
2. Install the supplied USB cable between the local unit and USB port on the host computer.
3.2 Installing the Remote unit
1. Place the remote unit near the USB device(s) in the desired remote location.
2. Plug the power adapter into a suitable AC outlet.
3. Connect the power adapter to the remote unit.
3.3 Connecting the Local unit to the Remote unit
For proper operation, we recommend that you use only duplex single-mode fiber optic cabling to connect the local unit to the
remote unit. The cabling must have a crossover conductor configuration and must be terminated with duplex LC connectors at
both ends.
With Surface Cabling:
1. Plug one end of the fiber optic cabling (not included) into the Link port on the local unit.
2. Plug the other end of the fiber optic cabling into the Link port on the remote unit.
With Premise Cabling:
1. Plug one end of a fiber optic patch cord (not included) into the Link port on the local unit.
2. Plug the other end of the patch cord into the fiber optic information outlet near the host computer.
3. Plug one end of the second fiber optic patch cord (not included) into the Link port on the remote unit.
4. Plug the other end of the second patch cord into the fiber optic information outlet near the USB device.
3.4 Checking the Installation
1. On the local unit and remote unit, check that the Power, Host, and Link LEDs are on and that the Activity LED is blinking. If the
Link LED is permanently off, then the cabling between the local unit and remote unit is not installed properly or is defective.
2. For Windows users (2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7), open Device Manager to confirm that the Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender has
installed correctly. Expand the entry for Universal Serial Bus controllers by clicking the + sign. If the extender has been installed
correctly, you should find it listed as a “Generic USB Hub.”
3. For Mac OS X users, open the System Profiler to confirm that the extender has installed correctly. In the left-hand column
under Hardware, select “USB” and inspect the right-hand panel. If the extender has been installed correctly, you should find it
listed as a “Hub” under the USB High-Speed Bus/USB Bus.
4. If the extender is not detected correctly or fails to detect, go to Chapter 4, Troubleshooting.

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4-Port Single-Mode Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender
NOTES:
To open System Profiler in OS X:
Open the Finder, select Applications, then open the Utilities folder and double-click on the System Profiler icon.
To open Device Manager in Windows 2000 or XP:
Right-click “My Computer” then select: Properties >> Hardware tab >> Device Manager.
To open Device Manager in Windows Vista or Windows 7:
Open the Start menu, right-click on Computer, then select Manage>> Device Manager.
3.5 Connecting a USB Device
1. Install any software required to operate the USB device(s). Refer to the documentation for the USB device(s), as required.
2. Connect the USB device to the device port on the remote unit.
3. Check that the device is detected and installed properly in the operating system.
Compatibility
The extender complies with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 specifications governing the design of USB devices. However, we do not guaran-
tee that all USB devices are compatible with the extender, because there are a number of different configurations that may impact
the operation of USB devices over extended distances.

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Chapter 4: Troubleshooting
4. Troubleshooting
4.1 Problems/Causes/Solutions
The Problems/Solutions are arranged in the order that they should be executed in most situations. If you are unable to resolve the
problem after following these instructions, contact Black Box Technical Support for further assistance.
Table 4-1. Problems/Causes/Solutions.
Problem Cause Solution
All LEDs on the local The local unit is not 1. Make sure that the USB connection between the
unit are off. receiving enough power the local unit and host computer is properly installed.
from the USB port or the 2. Move the USB connector to another USB port on the
(optional) local unit host computer.
AC adapter.
All LEDs on the remote unit The remote unit is not 1. Make sure that the AC power adapter is properly
unit are off. receiving power from connected to the remote unit.
the AC adapter. 2. Check that the AC adapter is connected to a live source
of electrical power. Check that the remote unit’s power
LED
is lit.
Link LEDs on the local There is no connection 1. Make sure that a single-mode fiber optic cable with
unit and remote unit are off. between the local crossover is connected between the local unit
unit and the remote unit. and the remote unit.
2. Connect a short fiber optic crossover patch cord between
the local unit and the remote unit. Recheck the operation
of the system.
Link LED on the local 1. The host computer is 1. Disconnect all USB devices from the remote unit.
unit is on, Host LED on the not powered on. 2. Disconnect the local unit from the computer.
local unit is off. 2. The remote unit is not 3. Disconnect the remote unit from the AC power adapter.
connected to the 4. Reconnect the local unit to the computer.
computer (when used 5. Reconnect the remote unit to the AC power adapter.
with the optional 6. In the Universal Bus Controllers section of Device
local unit AC adapter.) Manager, check that the extender is recognized as a
3. The computer does not “Generic USB Hub.”
support USB hubs.
4. The extender is
malfunctioning.

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4-Port Single-Mode Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender
Table 4-1 (Continued). Problems/Causes/Solutions.
Problem Cause Solution
The extender units were The remote unit is in 1. Recover/resume the operating system from suspend/
working, but the host LED suspend mode. The standby mode (see your operating system’s
on the local/remote unit operating system may documentation).
units are suddenly blinking. put the extender in 2. Attach a USB device to the extender.
suspend mode when
the computer is put
into a suspend/standby
state or when no USB
devices are attached.
USB device is attached to
REX USB port but REX
device LED is off.
All LEDs on both the 1. The USB device is 1. Disconnect the extender from the computer.
local unit and the malfunctioning. 2. Connect the USB device directly to the USB port on the
remote unit are on, but 2. The computer does computer.
the USB device does not not recognize the 3. If the device does not operate properly, consult the user
operate correctly or is USB device. documentation for the device.
detected as an “Unknown 3. The application software 4. Update your system BIOS, chipset, or USB host controller
Device” in the operating for the device is not drivers from your system/motherboard manufacturer’s
system. operating. Web site.
4. The extender is 5. If the device operates properly when directly connected
malfunctioning. to a computer, connect another device (of a different
type) to the extender. Connect the extender to
the computer.
6. If the second device does not operate, the extender may
be malfunctioning. Contact Black Box Technical Support
at 724-746-5500 or [e-mail] for assistance.
7. If the second device does not operate properly, the first
device may not be compatible with the extender.
A USB device is attached to A USB device must have 1. Install the required USB driver on the computer operating
the remote unit USB port, but the the appropriate driver system before attaching the
USB device to the remote unit
remote unit device LED is off. installed on the computer unit. See your USB device manufacturer’s Web site
operating system. for details.
2. Consult your USB device documentation and power your
USB device with the additional, USB device manufacturer
supplied, power supply (if available).
Device LED is orange and Overcurrent condition has Power cycle the remote unit.
units are no longer occurred because USB
functioning. device draws more power
than can be supplied per
USB specification (500mA).

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Chapter 4: Troubleshooting
Table 4-1 (Continued). Problems/Causes/Solutions.
Problem Cause Solution
LED Host and Link LEDs Firmware mismatch 1. Use a different local unit and remote unit that have the
on local/remote unit between the local unit same firmware revision.
units blink intermittently. and the remote unit. 2. Upgrade the local unit/remote unit firmware, contact
Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or
[e-mail] for assistance.
4.2 Contacting Black Box
If you determine that your 4-Port Single-Mode Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender is malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter
or repair the unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500
or [e-mail].
Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be able to provide more efficient and accurate assistance
if you have a complete description, including:
• the nature and duration of the problem.
• when the problem occurs.
• the components involved in the problem.
• any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem or make it worse.
4.3 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your extender:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• If you are returning the unit, make sure you include everything you received with it. Before you ship for return or repair,
contact Black Box to get a Return Authorization (RA) number.

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4-Port Single-Mode Fiber Optic USB 2.0 Extender
4. Technical Glossary
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 4-1. USB Type A and Type B cable connectors.
Duplex LC crossover: When a crossover fiber optic cable is needed, the cable has the transmit signal on one end connected to
the receive signal at the other end.
RX
TX
Figure 4-2. Duplex LC crossover cabling.

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NOTES

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NOTES

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NOTES

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