Goobay 93321 CAT 5/5a/6 / USB 1.1 Converter

Goobay 93321 CAT 5/5a/6 / USB 1.1 Converter

The Goobay 93321 is a specialized USB‑to‑Ethernet extender that allows you to transmit standard USB 1.1 signals over long distances using ordinary network cabling (CAT 5, CAT 5a or CAT 6). With a maximum extension length of 40 meters, this device is ideal for environments where the distance between a computer and its peripherals exceeds the limits of conventional USB cables.

Key Features

• Signal Conversion: Converts USB 1.1 data to Ethernet frames, enabling reliable transmission over twisted‑pair cabling.
• Versatile Cable Compatibility: Works with CAT 5, CAT 5a, and CAT 6 cables – the most common types found in office and industrial settings.
• Maximum Length: Supports up to 40 meters of cable without signal degradation, far surpassing the typical USB reach.
• Plug Design: Features a robust ABS plastic plug for durability in demanding environments.
• Color: Sleek black finish that blends seamlessly with most equipment and infrastructure.

Technical Specifications

How It Works

The converter contains a small USB transceiver chip that encapsulates USB packets into Ethernet frames. On the opposite end, another chip decapsulates these frames back into standard USB signals, allowing any USB‑compatible device to function as if it were directly connected to the host computer.

Because the data is carried over twisted‑pair cabling, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk are minimized. The converter also includes built‑in error detection and correction mechanisms to maintain data integrity across long distances.

Installation Guide

1. Prepare the Cable: Cut a length of CAT 5/5a/6 cable up to 40 meters. Strip the outer jacket and separate the four twisted pairs.
2. Connect the Converter: Attach one end of the cable to the USB port on the converter using an RJ45 connector. The other end connects to a standard USB host (computer, laptop, or hub).
3. Power Supply: Ensure the USB host provides adequate power (5 V/500 mA). No external power source is required for the converter itself.
4. Test Connectivity: Plug a USB peripheral into the converter’s USB port. The device should appear in the operating system’s device manager as if it were directly attached.

Use Cases

• Industrial Automation: Connect legacy USB sensors or actuators located far from control panels.
• Security Systems: Extend USB‑based cameras or alarm modules to remote monitoring stations.
• Office Environments: Provide peripheral access (printers, scanners) to workstations situated in distant rooms.
• Educational Labs: Enable students to use USB instruments without being constrained by cable length.

Benefits Over Traditional Solutions

• No Need for Power Extenders: The converter operates solely on the standard USB power supplied by the host, eliminating additional power cables.
• Cost‑Effective: Uses inexpensive CAT 5/6 cabling instead of specialized high‑speed USB extension cables.
• High Reliability: Built for industrial environments with robust ABS construction and wide temperature tolerance.
• Plug‑and‑Play: No drivers or software installation required; works out of the box on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Maintenance Tips

• Keep connectors clean to avoid signal loss.
• Avoid bending cables sharply; maintain a minimum bend radius of 10 cm.
• Store the device in a dry environment when not in use.

Conclusion

The Goobay 93321 CAT 5/5a/6 / USB 1.1 Converter is an essential tool for extending USB connectivity beyond the conventional limits of cable length. Its robust design, compatibility with standard network cabling, and straightforward installation make it a reliable choice for professionals across industrial, commercial, and educational sectors.