Extron has launched the USB Extender xi Series, a range of products designed to extend and switch USB signals between peripheral devices and host computers over long distances.

The series can transmit USB signals up to 600m over a Gigabit Ethernet network or up to 100m point-to-point using a single CATx cable. It supports High-Speed USB 2 and earlier devices.

The transmitter can draw power from the host computer or the included power supply and provides USB peripheral emulation, allowing a host computer to boot without a connected keyboard or mouse.

The receiver incorporates a four-port active USB hub, providing up to 500mA of power per port. A matrix controller enables setup and control of distributed USB matrix switching systems over an Ethernet network.

The USB Extender xi Series supports peripherals including interactive whiteboards, keyboards, mice, mass storage devices, webcams, headsets and speakers. USB Extender xi HID models can restrict connectivity to authorised device types.

Multiple form factors are available for integration into different installations. Combined with the USB Matrix Controller xi, the system can support distributed USB switching with up to 64 transmitters and 64 receivers, with centralised management and control.

Extron says the range is suited to applications including courtrooms, conference and meeting spaces, classrooms and lecture halls where USB devices need to be connected to host computers over longer distances.