Icron USB 2.0 RG2304GE-LAN User manual

USB 2.0 RG2304GE-LAN
4-Port USB 2.0 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
Extender System
User Guide

Thank you for purchasing the USB 2.0 RG2304GE-LAN.
Please read this guide thoroughly.
This document applies to Part Numbers: 01-00453, 01-00454, 01-00455, 01-00456, 02-00030, and 02-00031.
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement Warning
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CE Statement
We declare under our sole responsibility that the RG2304GE-LAN, to which this declaration relates, is in
conformity with European Standard EN 55022, EN 55024, EN 61000-3-2, and EN 61000-3-3.
IC Statement
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
©2013 All rights reserved.
Document #90-01103-A04

Contents
Introduction.............................................................................................................3
RG2304GE-LAN Product Contents ................................................................................................ 3
Features .................................................................................................................................................. 3
The Local Extender ............................................................................................................................. 4
The Remote Extender ........................................................................................................................ 5
Installation Guide ....................................................................................................6
Installing the RG2304GE-LAN System on a Local Area Network........................................ 6
Requirements ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Preparing your Network ................................................................................................................... 6
Preparing Your Site ............................................................................................................................. 7
Installing the Local Extender .......................................................................................................... 7
Installing the Remote Extender ..................................................................................................... 7
Installing the RG2304GE-LAN System as Direct Connect .................................................... 8
Requirements ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Preparing Your Site ............................................................................................................................. 8
Installing the Local Extender .......................................................................................................... 9
Connecting the Local Extender to the Remote Extender .................................................... 9
Installing the Remote Extender ..................................................................................................... 9
Checking the Installation................................................................................................................10
Connecting a USB Device...............................................................................................................11
Pairing the Local and Remote Extender....................................................................................11
Unpairing an Extender ....................................................................................................................11
Compatibility ......................................................................................................................................11
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................12
Technical Glossary.................................................................................................14
Specifications.........................................................................................................15

Introduction
This guide provides product information for the RG2304GE-LAN, installation instructions, troubleshooting
guidelines, and instructions for contacting Icron regarding technical support and warranty information.
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.
RG2304GE-LAN Product Contents
Your RG2304GE-LAN is packaged with:
• LocalExtender
• RemoteExtender
• USB2.0Cable
• RemoteExtenderACInternationalPowerAdapter
• Country Specific Power Cable
• Quick Start Guide
Features
The RG2304GE-LAN incorporates ExtremeUSB® technology, enabling users to extend USB beyond the
standard 5m cable limit for USB 2.0 peripheral devices. The RG2304GE-LAN has the following key features:
• 100mofextensionwhendirectlyconnectedoverCat5e
• USBextensionoveraGigabitEthernetLocalAreaNetwork(LAN)
• SupportfornewUSB3.0hostcontrollersanddevices
• Supportforalldevicetypes
USB 3.0 devices will perform at USB 2.0 speeds if extended through the RG2304GE-LAN.
The RG2304GE-LAN extender system is composed of two individual units: the Local Extender and the
Remote Extender.
All references to Cat 5e cable in this document represent the minimum requirement. Category 6 or better and/or STP
cable may be substituted.
note
3
note
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The Local Extender
The Local Extender connects to the computer using a standard USB 2.0 cable. Power for this unit is provided
by the the host computer.
Front View
Rear View
ITEM TYPE DESCRIPTION
1Power LED
(Blue)
LED turns on when power is supplied, off when no power is supplied by the
Host computer.
2Link LED
(Green)
Indicates a valid ExtremeUSB link is established between the Local and
Remote Extender. The LED turns on when link between Local and Remote
Extender is established and off when there is no link between Local and
Rremote Extenders. Fast blinking indicates the unit is in Pairing mode, slow
blinking indicates the unit is attempting to establish a link.
3Host LED
(Green)
Indicates that the RG2304GE-LAN system is properly enumerated on the host
computer.The LED blinks when the RG2304GE-LAN is in a suspended state.
4Activity LED
(Amber)
Indicates data transmission is occurring between Local and Remote Extender.
LED blinks intermittently with or without a USB device connected.When the
Local and Remote Extender are in suspend mode, the LED is off.
5 Pair Used to establish a paired connection between Local and Remote Extenders.
6 USB Host Port Used to connect the Local Extender to the host computer. Accepts Type B
connector into the Local Extender.
7 Link Port (RJ45) Accepts RJ45 connector for Cat 5e cabling (or better) to connect the Local
Extender to the Remote Extender.
8 Config Reserved for manufacturer use.
4

The Remote Extender
The Remote Extender provides USB Type A ports for standard USB devices. The Remote Extender allows you
to connect up to four USB devices directly. Additional devices may be connected by attaching USB hubs
to the Remote Extender.The Remote Extender is powered by an external AC adapter and can supply up to
500mA to each USB port.
Rear View
ITEM TYPE DESCRIPTION
1 USB Device
Ports
Accepts USB device(s) using Type A connectors.
2 Power LED
(Blue)
LED turns on when power is supplied, off when no power is supplied.
3 Link LED
(Green)
Indicates a valid ExtremeUSB link is established between the Local and
Remote Extender. The LED turns on when link between Local and Remote
Extender is established and off when there is no link between Local and
Remote Extenders. Fast blinking indicates the unit is in Pairing mode, slow
blinking indicates the unit is attempting to establish a link.
4 Host LED
(Green)
Indicates that the RG2304GE-LAN system is properly enumerated on the host
computer. The LED blinks when the RG2304GE-LAN is in a suspended state.
5 Activity LED
(Amber)
Indicates data transmission is occurring between Local and Remote Extender
units. LED blinks intermittently with or without a USB device connected.When
the Local and Remote Extender units are in suspend mode, the LED is off.
6 Power Port Connects to the AC power supply. Required at the Remote Extender for
proper operation.
7 Pair Used to establish a paired connection between Local and Remote Extenders.
8 Link Port
(RJ45)
Accepts RJ45 connector for Cat 5e cabling (or better) to connect the Local
Extender unit to the Remote Extender.
9 Config Reserved for manufacturer use.
5
Front View

Installation Guide
Installing the RG2304GE-LAN System on a Local Area Network
Requirements
To complete the installation, you will also require the following items that are not included with the product:
• USBcompatiblecomputer(hostcomputer)withaUSBcompliantoperatingsystem
• USBcompatibledevice(s)
• TwoCat5epatchcables
• PreconguredLocalAreaNetwork
Preparing your Network
Your network must be properly configured in order for full USB 2.0 throughput to be realized and for maxi-
mum stability and reliability of your devices. Consult with your network administrator prior to installation.
Using the RG2304GE-LAN over a network requires:
• LocalExtenderandRemoteExtendertobeonthesamesubnet
• RJ45informationoutletstobenearthecomputerandUSBdevicestobeconnectedtothenetwork 
switch(es)
• Pre-installedandconguredLocalAreaNetwork
USB 2.0 is capable of consuming up to 480Mbps. The minimum requirement for using the RG2304-LAN is a Gigabit
(1000Base-T) network. The performance of the USB network extension will be limited to the slowest link between the Local and
the Remote Extender.
Some networks may be configured to block devices with unfamiliar MAC addresses. If this is the case, you will need to provide
your network administrator the MAC addresses of the Local and Remote Extender units. These can be found on the label on the
bottom of each unit.
Some networks may be configured to block devices that consume a consistently high level of bandwidth. The RG2304GE-LAN
may exhibit this behaviour when high bandwidth devices are connected. Consult with your network administrator to resolve
this.
Units will be prepaired with each other if they were sold together in the same box. If they are not paired, follow the
instructions provided in the section for pairing a Local and Remote Extender.
Increasing the number of switches between the Local and Remote Extender may reduce the available bandwidth
and as a result prevent some devices from functioning properly.
Local Extender
Computer
Gigabit Ethernet Switch(es)
Remote Extender
USB Devices
Up to 100m between extender and switch and between switches
over Cat 5e (or better)
note
note
USB cable
USB cable or device
connectors
Cat 5e Cable Cat 5e Cable
6

Preparing Your Site
Before you can install the RG2304GE-LAN, you need to prepare your site:
1. Place the computer where desired and set it up.
2. Ensure that where you want to locate the USB device(s) is within 100m of Cat 5e cabling of the switch.
3. Ensure that where you want to locate the computer is within 100m of Cat 5e cabling of the switch.
The cable distance between switches must be no greater than 100m if Cat 5e is used as the connection media.
Installing the Local Extender
1. Place the Local Extender near the computer.
2. Connect the supplied USB cable between the Local Extender host port and a USB port on the host
computer.
3. Connect a Cat 5e patch cable (not provided) into the information outlet near the host computer.
4. Connect the patch cable into the Link port of the Local Extender.
Installing the Remote Extender
1. Connect a Cat 5e patch cable (not provided) into the information outlet near the USB devices.
2. Connect the patch cable into the Link port of the Remote Extender.
3. Place the Remote Extender near the USB device(s).
4. Assemble the power adapter and country specific power cord together and connect them into a
suitable AC outlet.
5. Connect the power adapter to the Remote Extender.
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7

Installing the RG2304GE-LAN System as Direct Connect
Requirements
To complete the installation, you will also require the following items that are not included with the product:
• USBcompatiblecomputer(hostcomputer)withaUSBcompliantoperatingsystem
• USBcompatibledevice(s)
• Cat5eUnshieldedTwistedPair(UTP) cable with two RJ45 connectors (if using surface cabling),
OR, Cat 5e cabling with two information outlets and two Cat 5e patch cords with RJ45 connectors
(if using premise cabling)
Preparing Your Site
Before you can install the RG2304GE-LAN, you need to prepare your site:
1. Place the computer where desired and set it up.
2. Ensure that where you want to locate the USB device(s) is within 100m (cable-length) of the
computer. If not, adjust the location of the devices and/or computer accordingly.
3. If you are using surface cabling, install the Cat 5e cabling as desired and terminate it with the
appropriate RJ45 ends.
If you are using premise cabling, ensure Cat 5e cabling is installed between the two locations and if
necessary patched together. Cat 5e information outlets should be located near the computer and the USB
device(s), and the total length, including patch cords must be less than 100m.
Cable installation is important, particularly if high throughput applications are used. When installing, ensure the cable is
installed away from or isolated from potential sources of interference such as electrical wiring, flourescent lighting, etc.
When terminating cables, ensure the matching RJ45 connector is used for the cable type. For example, if Cat 6 cable is
used, then Cat 6 compatible RJ45 connectors must be used. If this care is not taken, the benefits of higher grade
cabling may not be realized.
note
Cat 5e Link Cable
USB cable
USB cable or device
connectors
8

Installing the Local Extender
1. Place the Local Extender near the computer.
2. Connect the supplied USB cable between the LEX host port and a USB port on the host computer.
Connecting the Local Extender to the Remote Extender
With Surface Cabling
1. Connect the Cat 5e cable into the Link port of the Local Extender.
2. Connect the Cat 5e cable into the Link port of the Remote Extender.
With Premise Cabling
1. Connect a Cat 5e patch cable (not provided) into the information outlet near the host computer.
2. Connect the patch cable into the Link port of the Local Extender.
3. Connect a Cat 5e patch cable (not provided) into the information outlet near the USB devices.
4. Connect the patch cable into the Link port of the Remote Extender.
Installing the Remote Extender
1. Place the Remote Extender near the USB device(s).
2. Assemble the power adapter and country specific power cord together and connect them into a
suitable AC outlet.
3. Connect the power adapter to the Remote Extender.
9

Checking the Installation
1. On the Local and Remote Extender, check that the Power, Status, Link and Host LEDs are on.
• For direct connect, if the Host or Link LEDs are permanently off, then the cabling between the Local
and Remote Extender may not be installed properly or is defective.
• For network connect, if the Link LED is blinking, then the network connection between the Local
and Remote Extender is not complete and there may be faulty cabling, network components,
misconfigured network components, or the Local and Remote Extender may need to be re-paired
together (see the section on pairing a Local and Remote Extender).
2. For Windows users (XP, 7, 8), open Device Manager to confirm that the RG2304GE-LAN has installed
correctly. Expand the entry for Universal Serial Bus controllers by clicking the “+”sign. If the
RG2304GE-LAN has been installed correctly, you should find it listed as a“Generic USB Hub”.
To open Device Manager in Windows XP:
Right click “My Computer” then select: Properties >> Hardware tab >> Device Manager
To open Device Manager in Windows 7 or 8
Open the Start menu, right click on“Computer” then select: Manage >> Device Manager
3. For Mac OS X users, open the System Profiler to confirm that the RG2304GE-LAN has installed
correctly. In the left hand column under Hardware, select “USB” and inspect the right hand panel. If
the RG2304GE-LAN has been installed correctly, you should find it listed as a“Hub” under the USB
High-Speed Bus/USB Bus.
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.
4. If the RG2304GE-LAN is not detected correctly or fails to detect, please consult the Troubleshooting
Section later in this guide.
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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 Extender.
3. Check that the device is detected and installed properly in the operating system.
Pairing the Local and Remote Extender
When bought as a complete system, that consists of both a Local Extender and a Remote Extender, the
extenders will be paired with each other out of the box, so no pairing action should be required. However,
if extenders are bought individually, individual extenders have been installed, or you simply wish to change
the Local and Remote Extender pairings across a network, then the following steps must be taken:
The following steps apply to both direct connect and network connect configurations for the RG2304GE-LAN.
1. Ensure the Local and Remote Extender are either directly connected to each other, or are connected
to the same subnet on your network.
2. Press and hold the Pairing button on the back of the Local Extender. Release the button within
10 seconds. The Link LED will start flashing.
3. Within 10 minutes of activating the pairing mode on the Local Extender, press and hold the
Pairing button on the back of the Remote Extender. Release the button within 10 seconds. The
Link LED will start flashing.
4. The Link LED on both units may start flashing more slowly before finally turning on. Once the Link
LEDs are solid, the link is established between both extenders.
If more than 10 minutes passes before the units are paired, then the extenders will switch back to regular mode and
reestablish the previous links they had, if any.
To cancel pairing mode, press and hold the Pairing button a second time. Release it within 10 seconds.
Unpairing an Extender
If for any reason an extender needs to have it’s pairing removed, this can be done by pressing and holding
the Pair button for longer than 10 seconds. Once this is completed the unit will not be paired to any other
extender.
Compatibility
The USB 2.0 RG2304GE-LAN complies with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 specifications governing the design of USB
devices. However, there is no guarantee that all USB devices or hosts will be compatible with the RG2304GE-
LAN, as there are a number of different characteristics that may impact the operation of USB devices over
extended distances.
note
note
11

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 the
Local Extender
are off.
•TheLocalExtenderisnot
receiving power from the USB
port.
1. Ensure that the host computer is connected to
the Local Extender.
2. Move the USB connector to another USB port
on the host computer.
All LEDs on
the Remote
Extender are off.
•TheRemoteExtenderisnot
receiving power from the AC
adapter.
1. Ensure that the AC power adapter is properly
connected to the Remote Extender.
2. Check that the AC adapter is connected to a live
source of electrical power. Check that the Remote
power LED is illuminated.
Link LEDs on
the Local and
the Remote
Extenders are
off.
•Thereisnoconnectionbetween
the Local and Remote Extenders.
1. Ensure Cat 5e cable is connected between the
Local and Remote Extenders. Cat 5e or better
cable, UTP with a straight through connector and
no crossovers, and 8 conductor RJ45 connectors
are used at both ends.
2. Connect a short Cat 5e patch cord between the
Local and Remote Extenders to determine if the
original Cat 5e cable is defective.
Link LEDs are
blinking.
•Thereisnoconnectionbetween
the Local and Remote Extenders.
•Unitsmaynotbepairedtoeach
other.
•Networkswitchesexiston
different subnets.
•Networkswitch(es)areblocking
traffic from the extenders.
1. Ensure both the Local and Remote Extenders are
connected together directly or are connected to
active network switches.
2. Re-pair the units together.
3. Ensure the network switches can communicate
with each other and are on the same subnet.
4. Ensure the network switches are not blocking
traffic from the extenders either based on MAC
address or due to traffic patterns.
5. Consult with your network administrator.
12

PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
Link LED on the
Local and the
Remote Extenders
are blinking slowly.
•Theextendersarepairedwith
each other but have not yet
established a link.
1.Wait for a few minutes for the LEDs to go solid.
2. If LEDs do not go solid, contact your network
administrator to determine if any traffic is being
blocked between the extenders.
Link LED on the
Local Extender is
on, Host LED on
the Local Extender
is off.
•Thehostcomputerisnot
powered on.
•TheLocalExtenderisnot
connected to the computer.
•Thehostcomputerisnot
recognizing the Local. Extender.
•Thecomputerdoesnot
support USB hubs.
•TheRG2304GE-LANis
malfunctioning.
1. Disconnect all USB devices from the Remote
Extender.
2. Disconnect the Local Extender from the
computer.
3. Disconnect the Remote Extender from the AC
power adapter.
4. Reconnect the Local Extender to the computer.
5. Reconnect the Remote Extender to the AC
power adapter.
6. In the Universal Serial Bus controllers section of
Device Manager, check that the RG2304GE-LAN
is recognized as a“Generic USB Hub”.
My USB device
does not work
properly.
•Insufcientbandwidthis
available on the network to
support the device.
1. Connect the Local and Remote Extenders
directly to each other and try the USB device
again.
My USB device
does not work at
all.
•Insufcientbandwidthis
available on the network to
support the device.
•TheLocalExtenderispairedto
the wrong Remote Extender.
1. Connect the Local and Remote extenders
directly to each other and try the USB device
again.
2. Follow the instructions on page 11 and pair the
Local to the Remote Extender that is connected
to the device you wish to use.
13

Technical Glossary
Category 5e (Cat 5e) Network Cabling
Category 5e cable is commonly also referred to as Cat 5e. 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 the copper wires and provides better protection against EletroMagnetic
Interference (EMI).
USB 2.0 Cables
USB 2.0 cables have two distinct full-sized 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 5e) to the Local
Extender unit and Remote Extender unit.You may use either the T568A scheme (Table 1) or the T568B
scheme (Table 2) for cable termination as the USB 2.0 RG2304GE-LAN requires all four pairs of the cable.
RJ45 connectors are sometimes also referred to as 8P8C connectors. Note that any given cable must be
terminated using the same T568 scheme on both ends to operate correctly.
RJ45 Pin Positioning
Table 1 - T568A Wiring Table 2 - T568B Wiring
PIN PAIR WIRE CABLE COLOR PIN PAIR WIRE CABLE COLOR
1 3 1 WHITE/GREEN 1 2 1 WHITE/ORANGE
2 3 2 GREEN 2 2 2 ORANGE
3 2 1 WHITE/ORANGE 3 3 1 WHITE/GREEN
4 1 2 BLUE 4 1 2 BLUE
5 1 1 WHITE/BLUE 5 1 1 WHITE/BLUE
6 2 2 ORANGE 6 3 2 GREEN
7 4 1 WHITE/BROWN 7 4 1 WHITE/BROWN
8 4 2 BROWN 8 4 2 BROWN
Type A USB 2.0 Port Type B USB 2.0 PortType A USB 2.0
Connector
Type B USB 2.0
Connector
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
14

Specifications
RANGE
Direct Connect Up to 100m (330 ft) over solid core Cat 5e or better
Network Connect Up to 100m (330 ft) between switches over solid core Cat 5e
USB DEVICE SUPPORT
Maximum Throughput Up to 480Mbps*
Traffic Types All Traffic Types
Device Types All Device Types
Maximum Number Up to 31 devices
NETWORKING
Standards 1000BASE-T
Data Traffic Layer 2
Control Traffic Layer 3, customizable as unicast or broadcast
LOCAL EXTENDER
USB Connector 1 x USB 2.0 Type B Receptacle
Link Connector 1 x RJ45
Dimensions 100mm x 76mm x 26mm (3.9”x 3.0”x 1.0”)
Enclosure Material Black Anodized Aluminum
REMOTE EXTENDER
USB Connectors 4 x USB 2.0 Type A Receptacles
Link Connector 1 x RJ45
Dimensions 100mm x 76mm x 26mm (3.9”x 3.0” x 1.0”)
Enclosure Material Black Anodized Aluminum
Available Current 600mA at each USB port concurrently
Power Supply 100-240V AC input, 24V 1A DC Output
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature Range 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
Storage Temperature Range -10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F)
Operating Humidity 20% to 80% relative humidity, non-condensing
Storage Humidity 10% to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing
COMPLIANCE
EMC FCC (Class B), CE (Class B)
Environmental RoHS2 (CE)
SUPPORT
Warranty 2 years
* Maximum speed is heavily dependant on network configuration, bandwidth and performance.
15