Icron Ranger 2104 User manual

USB 2.0 Ranger® 2104
High Speed Extender System
User Guide
Powered by ExtremeUSB®

Thank you for purchasing the Ranger 2104.
Please read this guide thoroughly.
This document applies to Part Numbers: 00-00234 through 00-00236 and 00-00241.
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement Warning
Note:This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
CE Statement
We, Icron Technologies Corporation, declare under our sole responsibility that the Ranger, to which this
declaration relates, is in conformity with European Standard EN 55022 Class A, EN 61000, and EN 55024.
IC Statement
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
©2008 Icron Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved. Icron Technologies Corporation, the Icron
Technologies Corporation logo, and the Icron Technologies Corporation products referred to herein are
either the trademarks or the registered trademarks of Icron Technologies Corporation. All other trademarks
are property of their respective owners. Icron Technologies Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors
that may appear in this manual. Information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
Document #90-00524-A04

Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................... 3
Ranger Product Contents ............................................................................................................ 3
Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 3
About the Ranger ......................................................................................................................... 3
Installation guide .......................................................................................... 6
Installing the LEX unit .................................................................................................................. 6
Installing the REX unit .................................................................................................................. 6
Connecting the LEX unit to the REX unit .................................................................................... 7
Checking the Installation ............................................................................................................. 7
Connecting a USB Device ............................................................................................................ 8
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................ 8
Specifications ................................................................................................. 11
Limited Hardware Warranty ......................................................................... 12
Hardware Remedies ...................................................................................... 12
Limitation of Liability .................................................................................... 12
Obtaining Warranty Service ......................................................................... 13
Contacting Technical Support ...................................................................... 13
Technical Glossary ......................................................................................... 14

Introduction
The instructions in this guide assume a general knowledge of computer installation procedures, familiarity
with cabling requirements, and some understanding of USB devices.
NOTE: Notes provide additional information that could be useful.
CAUTION: Cautions provide important information about an operational requirement.
Ranger 2104 Product Contents
Your Ranger 2104 is packaged with:
• Ranger2104QuickstartGuide-locatedontheouterboxsleeve
• LEXunit(LocalExtender)
• REXunit(RemoteExtender)
• REXACpoweradapter(1)
• Warranty card
An additional AC power adapter may be purchased for the LEX unit in the event that your USB port can not supply
 therequired500mAcurrent.PleasecontactanIcronSalesrepresentativeforfurtherdetails(SeePage13)
Requirements
To complete the installation, you will also require the following items that are not included with the product:
• USB1.1or2.0compatiblecomputer(hostcomputer)withaUSBcompliantoperatingsystem
• USB1.1or2.0compatibledevice
• CAT5UnshieldedTwistedPair(UTP)cablewithtwoRJ45connectors(ifusingsurfacecabling),
 OR,CAT5cablingwithtwoinformationoutletsandtwoCAT5patchcordswithRJ45connectors(if
 usingpremisecabling)
All references to CAT 5 cable in this document represent the minimum requirement. Category 6 or better or STP cable
may be substituted.
About the Ranger 2104
The Ranger 2104 incorporates Icron’s patented ExtremeUSB® technology, enabling users to extend beyond
the standard 5m cable limit for USB peripheral devices. With the Ranger 2104, USB devices can be located up
to 100 meters from the computer.
The Ranger is composed of two individual units; the LEX unit and the REX unit.
note
note
note
3

The LEX unit
The LEX unit connects to the computer using the attached USB cable. Power for this unit is provided by the
USB on the host computer.
Back View Top View
ITEM TYPE DESCRIPTION
1PowerLED(Blue) LED turns on when power is supplied. Off when no power is
supplied.
2HostLED(Green) LED turns on when Ranger is installed properly.
3ExtensionLinkPort(RJ45) AcceptsRJ45connectorforCAT5cabling(orbetter).
4LinkLED(Green)onRJ45
Indicates connectivity between LEX and REX. LED turns on when
link between LEX and REX is established. Off when there is no link
between LEX and REX.
5ActivityLED(Amber)on
RJ45
IndicatesactivityonRJ45port.LEDblinksintermittentlywhen
data is transmitted between LEX and REX.
6 Power/Config port Manufacturer use only.
7 USB Type A connector Used to connect the LEX unit to the host computer.
The Power/Config port on LEX is for manufacturer use only. No USB devices can be connected or used on the port.
4
3
45
6
LEX
1
2
7
USB 2.0 Extender

The REX Unit
The REX unit provides USB Type A ports for standard USB devices. The REX unit allows you to connect up to
four USB devices directly. Additional devices may be connected by attaching USB hubs to the REX unit.
The REX unit is powered by an external AC adapter and can supply up to 500mA to each USB port.
Front View
Rear View
ITEM TYPE DESCRIPTION
1PowerLED(Blue) LED turns on when power is supplied. Off when no power is supplied.
2HostLED(Green) LED turns on when Ranger is installed properly.
3LinkLED(Green)on
RJ45
Indicates connectivity between LEX and REX. LED turns on when link
between LEX and REX is established. Off when there is no link between
LEX and REX.
4ActivityLED(Amber)
onRJ45
IndicatesactivityonRJ45port.Blinksintermittentlywhendatais
transmitted between LEX and REX.
5LinkPort(RJ45) AcceptsRJ45connectorforCAT5cabling(orbetter).
6 Config port Manufacturer use only.
7DevicePort(USB
TypeAport)
USB device connection.
8 Power port Connects to the AC power supply. Required on REX for proper
operation.
9DeviceLED(Green) 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 REX unit is powered off.
5
34
5
6
8
7777
USB 2.0 Extender
12
9

Installation guide
Before you can install the Ranger 2104, you need to prepare your site.
1. Determine where the computer is to be located and set up the computer.
2. DeterminewhereyouwanttolocatetheUSBdevice(s).
3. If you are using surface cabling, the Ranger 2104 supports a maximum distance of 100m.
OR
If you are using premise cabling, ensure CAT 5 cabling is installed between the two
locations, with CAT 5 information outlets located near both the computer and the USB
 device(s).
Installing the LEX unit
1. Place the LEX unit near the computer.
2. Plug the USB Type A connector on the LEX into a USB port on the computer.
Installing the REX unit
1. PlacetheREXunitneartheUSBdevice(s).
2. Plug the power adapter into a suitable AC outlet.
3. Connect the power adapter to the REX unit.
Use only the AC adapter supplied with the Ranger. Use of substitute adapters may cause permanent
damage to the system and will void the warranty.
6
USBextensionupto100mCat5(orbetter)cable

Connecting the LEX unit to the REX unit
To ensureproperoperation,itisrecommendedthatonlyCAT5orbetter,UnshieldedTwistedPair(UTP)cabling
be used to connect the LEX unit to the REX unit.The cabling must have a straight-through conductor
 congurationwithnocrossovers,andmustbeterminatedwith8conductorRJ45connectorsatbothends.The
combined length of any patch cords using stranded conductors must not exceed 10m.
With Surface Cabling
1. PlugoneendoftheCAT5cabling(notincluded)intotheLinkport(RJ45)ontheLEXunit.
2. PlugtheotherendoftheCAT5cablingintotheLinkport(RJ45)ontheREXunit.
With Premise Cabling
1. PlugoneendofaCAT5patchcord(notincluded)intotheLinkport(RJ45)ontheLEXunit.
2. Plug the other end of the patch cord into the CAT 5 information outlet near the host computer.
3. Plug one end of the 2ndCAT5patchcord(notincluded)intotheLinkport(RJ45)onthe  
REX unit.
4. Plug the other end of the 2nd patch cord into the CAT 5 information outlet near the USB device.
The maximum length of the CAT 5 cable, including patch cords, must not exceed 100 meters.The combined
length of any patch cords using stranded conductors must not exceed 10m.
Checking the Installation
1. On the LEX and REX unit, check that the Power, Host and Link LEDs are on and that the Activity LED is
blinking. If the Link LED and Activity LED are permanently off then the cabling between the LEX and
REX unit is not installed properly or is defective.
2. ForWindowsusers(2000,XP,orVista)openDeviceManagertoconrmthattheRangerhasinstalled
correctly. Expand the entry for Universal Serial Bus controllers by clicking the + sign. If the Ranger has
 beeninstalledcorrectlyyoushouldnditlistedasaGenericUSBHub.
3. For Mac OS X users open the System Profiler to confirm that the Ranger has installed correctly. In
the left hand column under Hardware, select “USB” and inspect the right hand panel. If the Ranger has
been installed correctly you should find it listed as a Hub under the USB High-Speed Bus/USB Bus.
4. IftheRangerisnotdetectedcorrectlyorfailstodetectpleaseconsulttheTroubleshootingGuide.
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 button
To open Device Manager in Windows Vista:
Open the Start menu, right click on“Computer”then select: Manage >> Device Manager
note
note
note
7

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 REX unit.
3. Check that the Device is detected and installed properly in the operating system.
Compatibility
The Ranger 2104 complies with USB1.1 and USB 2.0 specifications governing the design of USB devices.
Icron Technologies Corporation does not, however, guarantee that all USB devices are compatible with the
Ranger as there are a number of different configurations that may impact the operation of USB devices over
extended distances.
Troubleshooting
The following table provides troubleshooting tips. The topics are arranged in the order in which they should
be executed in most situations. If you are unable to resolve the problem after following these instructions,
please contact technical support for further assistance.
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
All LEDs on LEX
unit are off.
The LEX unit is not receiving
enough power from the USB port
orthe(optional)LEXACadapter.
1. Ensure that the USB Type A connector from LEX
to host computer is properly inserted directly in
a USB port.
2. Move the LEX USB Type A connector to another
USB port on the host computer.
All LEDs on REX
unit are off
The REX unit is not receiving
power from the AC adapter
1. Ensure that the AC power adapter is properly
connected to the REX unit.
2. Check that the AC adapter is connected to a live
source of electrical power.
Link LEDs on
LEX unit and
REX unit are off.
There is no connection between
the LEX unit and REX unit.
1.EnsurethataCAT5cable(orbetter)
with straight-through conductors is connected
between the LEX unit and REX unit.
2. If the CAT 5 cable is defective, connect a short
CAT 5 patch cord between the LEX unit and
REX unit to determine if the original Cat 5 cable is
defective.
8

PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
LinkLEDforRJ45
on LEX unit is on,
Host LED on LEX
unit is off
•Thehostcomputerisnot
powered on.
•TheLEXunitisnot
connected to the computer
(whenusedwiththeoptional
LEXACadapter)
•Thecomputerdoesnot
support USB hubs.
•TheRangerismalfunctioning
1. Disconnect all USB devices from the REX unit.
2. Disconnect the LEX unit from the computer.
3. Disconnect the REX unit from the AC power
adapter.
4. Reconnect the LEX unit to the computer.
5. Reconnect the REX unit to the AC power
adapter.
6. In the Universal Serial Bus controllers section of
Device Manager, check that the Ranger is
recognisedasa“GenericUSBHub”.
Ranger units were
working but the
Host LED on REX
unit is suddenly
blinking
The REX unit is in suspend mode.
The operating system may put
the Ranger in suspend mode
when the computer is put into a
Suspend/Standby state or when
no USB devices are attached.
1. Recover/Resume the operating system from
Suspend/Standbymode(seeyouroperating
system’sdocumentation).
2. Attach a USB device to the Ranger.
All LEDs on both
the LEX unit and
REX unit are on
but the USB device
does not operate
correctly or is
detected as an
“Unknown Device”
in the operating
system.
•TheUSBdeviceis
malfunctioning.
•Thecomputerdoesnot
recognise the USB device.
•Theapplicationsoftwarefor
the device is not operating.
•TheRangerismalfunctioning.
1. Disconnect the Ranger from the computer.
2. Connect the USB device directly to the USB port
on the computer.
3. If the device does not operate properly,
consult the user documentation for the device.
4. Update your system BIOS, chipset or USB Host
controller drivers from your System/Mother
board manufacturer’s website.
5. If the device operates properly when directly
connected to the computer, connect another
device(ofadifferenttype)totheRanger.
Connect the Ranger to the computer.
6. If the second device does not operate, the
Ranger may be malfunctioning.
Contact technical support for assistance.
7. If the second device does operate properly, the
first device may not be compatible with the
Ranger.
9

USB device is
attached to REX
USB port but
REX device LED
is off.
•AUSBdevicemusthavethe
appropriate driver installed on the
computer operating system.
•TheUSBdeviceisdrawingmore
current than allowed by USB
specication(>500mA).
1. Install the required USB device driver on the
computer operating system prior to attaching the
USB device to the REX unit. Please see your USB
device manufacturer’s website for details.
2. Consult your USB device documentation and
power your USB device with the additional, USB
devicemanufacturersupplied,powersupply(if
available).
NOTES
10

Frequently Asked Questions
PleasevisitIcron’swebsiteforanswerstoFAQs: http://www.icron.com/products/usb/faq.php
Specifications
Range 100 metres over Cat 5 (or better) cable
USB device support
High-speeddevices(480Mb/s)(USB2.0)
Fullspeeddevices(12Mb/s)(USB2.0&1.1)
Lowspeeddevices(1.5Mb/s)(USB2.0&1.1)
USB hub support Any single chain can include up to 4 USB hubs plus one Ranger.
USB host support EHCI(USB2.0)andOHCI/UHCI(USB1.1)
Maximum USB devices
supported(Incl.USBHubs) 14 USB Devices including any additional USB hubs connected to the REX.
AC adapter(s)
Use only the AC
adapter provided
Input: 100/240 V AC, 50 – 60 Hz
Output: 5 V DC, 3 A
AC adapter connector 1.7 mm centre-positive jack
Power available to USB
device at REX unit 500 mA
USBcablelength(LEXto
hostcomputer) 0.15meters(0.49ft)
LEX unit USB connector 1 x USB Type A connector
LEX unit Link connector 1xRJ45
REX unit Link connector 1xRJ45
REX unit USB connector 4 x USB Type A port
LEX unit dimensions 44mmx87mmx24mm(1.72”x3.43”x0.95”)
LEX unit weight 0.06kg(0.13lbs)
LEX power consumption 500 mA Maximum
REX unit dimensions 110mmx69mmx28mm(4.33”x2.72”x1.10”)
REX unit weight 0.20kg(0.44lbs)
REX power consumption Approx.500mA(NoLoad).2.5A(Fullload)
System shipping weight 0.65kg(1.42lbs)
Operating temperature
range 0°C – 50°C
Regulatory testing FCC Class A, IC, CE Class A
ESD rating EMC EN-61000-4-2 4kV Contact, 8kV Air
11

Limited Hardware Warranty
Icron Technologies Corporation warrants that any hardware products accompanying this documentation
shall be free from significant defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of
purchase. Icron Technologies Corporation’s hardware warranty extends to Licensee, its customers and end
users.
Hardware Remedies
Icron Technologies Corporation’s entire liability and the Licensee’s exclusive remedy for any breach of
warranty,shallbe,atIcronTechnologiesCorporation’soption,either(a)returnofthepricepaidor(b)repair
or replacement of hardware, which will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or
30 days, whichever is longer.These remedies are void if failure of the hardware has resulted from accident,
abuse, or misapplication.
Limitation of Liability
The hardware warranty set forth in this agreement replaces all other warranties. Icron Technologies
Corporation expressly disclaims all other merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and non-
infringement of third-party rights with respect to the hardware.
Icron Technologies Corporation dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification,
extension, or addition to this warranty. Under no circumstances will Icron Technologies Corporation, its
suppliers or licensors be liable for any costs of procurement or substitute products or services, lost profits,
loss of information or data, or any other special, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages arising in
any way out of the sale of, use of, or inability to use Icron Technologies Corporation product or service, even
if Icron Technologies Corporation, its suppliers or licensors have been advised of the possibility of such
damages. In no case shall Icron Technologies Corporation, its suppliers and licensors’liability exceed the
actual money paid for the products at issue.
Because some jurisdictions do not allow the limitation of implied warranties of liability for incidental,
consequential, special, or indirect damages, the above limitation may not always apply.
The above limitations will not apply in case of personal injury where and to the extent that applicable law
requires such liability.
12

Obtaining Warranty Service
To obtain warranty service, you must contact Icron Technologies Corporation within the warranty period
foraReturnMaterialAuthorization(RMA)number.IcronTechnologiesCorporationwillnotacceptreturns
without an authorized RMA number. Be sure you have the serial numbers of the LEX unit and REX unit
units before calling. Package the product appropriately for safe shipment and mark the RMA number on
the outside of the package.The package must be sent prepaid to Icron Technologies Corporation.We
recommend that you insure it or send it by a method that provides for tracking of the package.The repaired
or replaced item will be shipped to you, at Icron Technologies Corporation’s expense, not later than thirty
days after Icron Technologies Corporation receives the defective product.
Address the returned product to:
RMA Coordinator
Icron Technologies Corporation
4664 Lougheed Highway, Suite 221
Burnaby, BC V5C 5T5 Canada
Tel: [phone]
Contacting Sales
Email: [email protected]
Tel: [phone]
Contacting Technical Support
Email: [email protected]
Tel: [phone]
To help us serve you better, please include the following information with your technical support request:
• hostcomputermakeandmodel
• Typeofoperatingsysteminstalled(e.g.WindowsXP,MacOSX,etc.)
• PartnumberandserialnumberofbothLEXunitandREXunit
• MakeandmodelofanyUSBdevice(s)attachedtotheRanger
• Descriptionoftheinstallation
• Descriptionoftheproblem
13

14
Technical Glossary
Category 5 (CAT 5) Network Cabling
Category 5 cable is commonly also referred to as CAT 5. 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 succeeded by CAT 5E cabling which includes better support for high
speed communications and reliability.
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.
RJ45
TheRegisteredJack(RJ)physicalinterfaceiswhatconnectsthenetworkcabling(CAT5)totheLEXunitand
REXunit.YoumayuseeithertheT568Ascheme(Table1)ortheT568Bscheme(Table2)forcabletermination
astheRangerusesallfourpairsofthecable.RJ45connectorsaresometimesalsoreferredtoas8P8C
connectors.
RJ45 Pin Positioning
Table 1 - T568A Wiring Table 2 - T568B Wiring
PIN PAIR WIRE CABLE COLOR PIN PAIR WIRE CABLE COLOR
131WHITE/GREEN 121WHITE/ORANGE
232GREEN 222ORANGE
321WHITE/ORANGE 331WHITE/GREEN
4 1 2 BLUE 4 1 2 BLUE
5 1 1 WHITE/BLUE 5 1 1 WHITE/BLUE
622ORANGE 632GREEN
7 4 1 WHITE/BROWN 7 4 1 WHITE/BROWN
8 4 2 BROWN 8 4 2 BROWN
Pair 2
Pair 3Pair 1 Pair 4
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8
W-GGW-O BL W-BL O W-BR BR
Pair 2
Pair 3Pair 1 Pair 4
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8
W-O O W-G B W-BL GW-BR BR
USB Type A
port
USB Type A
connector
USB Type B
port
USB Type B
connector

Icron Technologies Corporation
4664 Lougheed Highway, Suite 221
Burnaby, BC, V5C 5T5 Canada
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.icron.com