StarTech.com USBthere USB204EXTFIB User manual

USBTHERE
User Guide
USB204EXTFIB
Featuring ExtremeUSB® Technology

FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement Warning
The USBthere has been tested and found compliant 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 installed and operated in a commercial environment. The USBthere
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with this user guide, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. Operation of the USBthere 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, StarTech.com, declare under our sole responsibility that the USBthere,
to which this declaration relates, is in conformity with European Standard
EN 55022/A1 Class A, and EN 50082-1 (IEC 801-2, IEC 801-3, IEC 801-4)
IC Statement
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

User Guide
i
Contents
Introduction................................................................................................ 1
USBthere Product Contents ....................................................................... 1
About the USBthere................................................................................... 2
Before You Begin ...................................................................................... 5
Installing the Local Unit ............................................................................ 5
Installing the Remote Unit ......................................................................... 5
Connecting the Local Unit to the Remote Unit.......................................... 5
Checking the Installation............................................................................ 6
Connecting a USB Device ......................................................................... 6
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 7
Specifications............................................................................................. 9
Technical Support .................................................................................... 10
Warranty Information .............................................................................. 10

User Guide
ii
Notes

User Guide
1
Introduction
This manual is intended to assist IT professionals install the USBthere
USB204EXTFIB. 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 give additional information that could make installation
easier.
USBthere Product Contents
When you open your USBthere for the first time you should find the
following items:
• USBthere User Guide
• Local Unit
• Remote Unit
• AC power adapter (2 units)
• USB cable (2m long)
To complete the installation, you will also require the following items that
are not included with the product:
• USB compatible computer
• USB device
• 2-strand fiber-optic cable with MT-RJ connectors (if using surface
cabling),
OR,
2-strand fiber-optic cabling with two information outlets and two
2-strand fiber-optic patch cords with MT-RJ connectors (if using
premise cabling)
NOTE:The maximum length of the fiber-optic cable, including patch
cords, must not exceed 500m.

User Guide
2
About the USBthere
The USBthere incorporates ExtremeUSB® technology. This technology
breaks the five-meter distance barrier for the connection of USB peripheral
devices and allows users to enjoy the benefits of USB technology beyond the
desktop. With the USBthere, USB devices can be located up to 500 meters
from the host computer.
The USBthere is composed of two individual units, the Local Unit and the
Remote Unit.
The Local Unit
The Local Unit connects to the host computer using a conventional
USB cable. It is powered by an external AC adapter.
Front View Rear View
3
4
1
2
6
5
1Power LED
2Power connector
3Host LED
4Host Port (USB Type B)
5Link LED
6Link Port (MT-RJ)

User Guide
3
The Remote Unit
The Remote Unit connects to a USB device using a conventional
USB cable. The Remote Unit allows you to connect up to four USB
devices. It is powered by an external AC adapter.
Front View Rear View
1
2
3
4
3
4
3
4
3
4
6
5
1Power LED
2Power connector
3Device LEDs
4Device Ports (USB Type A)
5Link LED
6Link Port (MT-RJ)
Network Cabling
The Local Unit and Remote Unit are interconnected by up to 500
meters of fiber-optic cabling. Two strands of 62.5/125 multimode,
50/125 multimode or single-mode fiber-optic cabling are required.
The cabling subsystem must provide a duplex connection with
crossover, and must be terminated with MT-RJ connectors at both
ends.
Fiber
USB USB
Local Remote
cable cable(s) USB
device(s)
Computer
AC power adapter
(shown connected to Local)

User Guide
4
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.
USB Type A
port USB Type A
connector
USB Type B
port
USB Type B
connector
Compatibility
The USBthere complies with USB 1.1 specifications governing the design of
full speed USB devices. However, StarTech.com does not guarantee that all
full speed USB devices are compatible with the USBthere.

User Guide
5
Before You Begin
Before you can install the USBthere, you need to prepare your site.
1. Determine where the host 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, ensure you have enough fiber-optic
cabling to connect the two locations.
OR
If you are using premise cabling, ensure fiber-optic cabling is
installed between the two locations, with fiber-optic information
outlets located near both the computer and the USB device.
Installing the Local Unit
1. Place the Local Unit near the host computer.
2. Plug the power adapter into a suitable AC outlet.
3. Connect the power adapter to the Local Unit.
4. Plug the Type B connector on the USB cable (included) into the
Host port on the Local Unit.
5. Plug the Type A connector on the USB cable into a USB port on the
host computer.
Installing the Remote Unit
1. Place the Remote Unit near the USB device(s).
2. Plug the power adapter into a suitable AC outlet.
3. Connect the power adapter to the Remote Unit.
4.
Connecting the Local Unit to the Remote Unit
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.

User Guide
6
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.
NOTE:The maximum length of the fiber-optic cable, including patch
cords, must not exceed 500 meters.
NOTE: The cabling must provide a duplex connection with crossover, and
must be terminated with MT-RJ connectors at both ends.
Checking the Installation
1. Check that the Power LEDs on the Local Unit and the Remote Unit
are both on.
2. Check that the Link LEDs on the Local Unit and the Remote Unit
are both on.
3. Check that the Host LED on the Local Unit is on.
4. On the host PC, open the Device Manager applet. Expand the entry
for Universal Serial Bus controllers by clicking the + sign. If the
USBthere has been installed correctly you should find it listed as a
Generic USB Hub.
Connecting a USB Device
1. Install any software required to operate the USB device(s). Refer to
the documentation for the device(s), as required.
2. Connect the USB device to the Device port on the Remote Unit.
3. Check that the Device LED on the Remote Unit is on.

User Guide
7
Troubleshooting
The following table provides troubleshooting help. 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 StarTech.com technical support for further assistance (see page 10).
Symptoms/Cause Remedy
All LEDs on Local Unit are off.
Cause:
The Local Unit is not receiving
power from the adapter
1. Ensure that a power adapter is
connected to the Local Unit.
2. Check that the adapter is connected to
a live source of electrical power.
All LEDs on Remote Unit are
off.
Cause:
The Remote Unit is not
receiving power from the
adapter
1. Ensure that a power adapter is
connected to the Remote Unit.
2. Check that the adapter is connected to
a live source of electrical power.
Link LEDs on Local Unit and
Remote Unit are off.
Cause:
There is no connection
between the Local Unit and
the Remote Unit.
1. Ensure that a fiber-optic cable with
crossover is connected between the
Local 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 Local Unit is on;
Host LED on Local Unit is off.
Cause:
a) The computer is not
functioning.
b) The Local Unit is not
connected to the
computer.
c) The computer does not
support USB hubs.
d) The USBthere is
malfunctioning.
1. Disconnect all USB devices from the
Remote Unit.
2. Disconnect the Local Unit from the
computer.
3. Disconnect and then reconnect the
power adapter to the USBthere.
4. Reconnect the Local Unit to the
computer.
5. In the Universal Serial Bus controllers
section of Device Manager, check that
the USBthere is recognised as a
“Generic USB Hub”.
6. If the USBthere is not recognised,
contact technical support for
assistance.

User Guide
8
Symptoms/Cause Remedy
A device is connected to
Remote Unit and the
corresponding Device LED is
off
Cause:
a) The USB device is
malfunctioning.
b) The computer does not
recognise the USB device.
c) The application software
for the device is not
operating.
d) The USBthere is
malfunctioning.
1. Disconnect the USBthere 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. If the device operates properly when
directly connected to the computer,
connect another device (of a different
type) to the USBthere. Connect
USBthere to the computer.
5. If the second device does not operate,
the USBthere may be malfunctioning.
Contact technical support for
assistance.
6. If the second device does operate
properly, the first device may not be
compatible with USBthere. Contact
technical support for assistance.
All LEDs on both the Local
Unit and Remote Unit are on
but the device does not
operate correctly
Cause:
a) The USB device is
malfunctioning.
b) The computer does not
recognise the USB device.
c) The application software
for the device is not
operating.
d) The USBthere is
malfunctioning.
1. Disconnect the USBthere 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. If the device operates properly when
directly connected to the computer,
connect another device (of a different
type) to the USBthere. Connect
USBthere to the computer.
5. If the second device does not operate,
the USBthere may be malfunctioning.
Contact technical support for
assistance.
6. If the second device does operate
properly, the first device may not be
compatible with USBthere. Contact
technical support for assistance.

User Guide
9
Specifications
Range (over 62.5/125
fiber-optic cable) 500 meters (1650 ft)
USB device support Full speed devices (12 Mb/s)
Low speed devices (1.5 Mb/s)
USB hub support Any single chain can include four USB hubs and
one USBthere, in any order.
Power available to USB
device at the Remote
Unit
4 x 500 mA
USB cable 2 meters (6.6 ft)
Local Unit connector
(upstream)
1 x USB Type B
Local Unit connector
(downstream)
1 x MT-RJ
Remote Unit connector
(upstream)
1 x MT-RJ
Remote Unit connector
(downstream)
4 x USB Type A
Local Unit dimensions 114 mm x 106 mm x 38 mm
4.5” x 4.2” x 1.5”
Local Unit weight 0.3 kg (0.6 lb)
Remote Unit
dimensions
114 mm x 106 mm x 38 mm
4.5” x 4.2” x 1.5”
Remote Unit weight 0.3 kg (0.6 lb)
Total system shipping
weight
1.1 kg (2.4 lb)
Temperature range 4°C to 40°C
Link cable
(not included)
Two strands of 62.5/125 multimode, 50/125
multimode fiber-optic cabling are required. The
cabling subsystem must provide a duplex
connection with crossover, and must be
terminated with MT-RJ connectors at both ends.
Regulatory testing FCC, CE Class A

User Guide
10
Technical Support
The following technical resources are available for this StarTech.com product:
On-line help:
We are constantly adding new information to the Tech Support section of our
web site. To access this page, click the Tech Support link on our homepage,
www.startech.com. In the tech support section there are a number of options
that can provide assistance with this product.
Knowledge Base - This tool allows you to search for answers to common
issues using key words that describe the product and your issue.
FAQ - This tool provides quick answers to the top questions asked by our
customers.
Downloads - This selection takes you to our driver download page where
you can find the latest drivers for this product.
Call StarTech.com tech support for help:
USA/Canada: 1-519-455-4931
UK/Ireland/Europe: 00-800-7827-8324
Support hours: Monday to Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM EST (except holidays)
Warranty Information
This product is backed by a one-year warranty. In addition,
StarTech.com warrants its products against defects in materials and
workmanship for the periods noted below, following the initial date of
purchase. During this period, the products may be returned for repair,
or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion. The
warranty covers parts and labor costs only. StarTech.com does not
warrant its products from defects or damages arising from misuse,
abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall the liability to StarTech.com Ltd. (or its officers, directors,
employees or agents) for any damages (whether direct or indirect, special,
punitive incidental, consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of
business, or any pecuniary loss, arising out of related to the use of the
product exceed the actual price paid for the product.

User Guide
11
Notes

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