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USB-EX165-K Overview and Use Cases

Siddhant
Updated

What Is the USB-EX165-K?

The OREI USB-EX165-K is a USB 2.0 extender kit that sends USB signals up to 50m / 164ft over a single CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.

The kit includes a Transmitter and Receiver. The host computer connects to the Transmitter using a USB-B to USB-A cable, the USB devices connect to the Receiver, and a CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable connects the Transmitter and Receiver.

The USB-EX165-K supports USB 2.0 protocol with a transmission rate up to 480Mbps. It includes one USB-B input on the Transmitter and two USB-A outputs on the Receiver. The Receiver uses a 5V/1A power adapter, while the Transmitter is powered through the USB connection from the computer.

The USB-EX165-K is useful for extending USB devices such as printers, USB flash drives, keyboards, mice, and other USB 2.0 devices away from a computer.

 

IMPORTANT — USB-EX165-K Extends USB Only

The USB-EX165-K is a USB extender.

It does not extend:

  1. HDMI video
  2. HDMI audio
  3. DisplayPort video
  4. Ethernet network data
  5. IR control
  6. RS-232 control 
     
    Use this product when USB devices need to be placed farther away from a computer. 
     
    If HDMI video also needs to be extended, use an HDMI KVM extender instead.

 

IMPORTANT — Supports USB 2.0 up to 480Mbps

The USB-EX165-K supports USB 2.0 protocol.

The maximum transmission rate is up to 480Mbps.

This makes it suitable for many common USB 2.0 devices such as:

  1. USB flash drives
  2. Printers
  3. Keyboard
  4. Mouse
  5. Basic USB peripherals 
     
    The connected device must also be compatible with USB 2.0 operation.

 

IMPORTANT — Extends up to 50m / 164ft

The USB-EX165-K can extend USB signals up to 50m / 164ft over CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.

Important note from the manual:

Setup Maximum Distance
Standard USB device extension Up to 50m / 164ft
Some USB 2.0 hub setups Up to 40m / 131.2ft

If a USB hub is being used and devices are unstable, reduce the CAT cable length to 40m / 131.2ft or less.

 

IMPORTANT — Use CAT 5e / CAT 6 Cable

Use a good-quality CAT 5e or CAT 6 cable between the Transmitter and Receiver.

Poor-quality, damaged, or incorrectly terminated CAT cable may cause:

  1. USB device not detected
  2. Printer not responding
  3. USB flash drive disconnecting
  4. Keyboard or mouse not working
  5. Unstable USB connection
  6. Shorter working distance 
     
    For best performance, test with a shorter CAT cable first.

 

IMPORTANT — Receiver Requires Power

The Receiver must be powered using the included 5V/1A power adapter.

The Transmitter is powered by the computer through the USB-B port.

If USB devices do not work, confirm the Receiver power adapter is connected and the Receiver power LED is on.

 

IMPORTANT — Transmitter Is Powered by the Computer

The Transmitter does not use a separate power adapter.

It receives power when connected to the computer’s USB port using the included USB-B to USB-A cable.

The Transmitter green Power LED turns on when it receives power from the computer.

 

IMPORTANT — Two USB-A Ports on the Receiver

The Receiver has two USB 2.0 output ports.

These ports are used to connect USB devices such as:

  1. Printer
  2. USB flash drive
  3. Keyboard
  4. Mouse
  5. Other USB 2.0 devices 
     
    If connecting a device that needs more power, use a powered USB hub if needed.

 

IMPORTANT — Plug and Play

The USB-EX165-K is plug and play.

The manual states that no driver or setting installation is required.

If the computer does not detect the connected USB device, reconnect the USB cable, check Receiver power, and test the USB device directly with the computer.

 

Ports and Panel Layout

Port / LED Unit Function
USB-B Port Transmitter Connects to the computer using the included USB-B to USB-A cable
Power LED Transmitter Green LED lights when the Transmitter receives power from the computer
CAT Port Transmitter Connect CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable to the Receiver CAT port
USB 2.0 Ports x2 Receiver Connect USB devices such as printer, USB flash drive, keyboard, or mouse
Power LED Receiver Green LED lights when the Receiver is connected to power
DC 5V Receiver Connect the included 5V/1A power adapter
CAT Port Receiver Connect CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable from the Transmitter

 

Step-by-Step Setup

  1. Connect the Transmitter USB-B port to the computer using the included USB-B to USB-A cable.
  2. Connect the Transmitter CAT port to the Receiver CAT port using CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.
  3. Connect the included 5V/1A power adapter to the Receiver.
  4. Connect USB devices to the two USB 2.0 ports on the Receiver.
  5. Wait for the computer to detect the USB devices.
  6. Test each connected USB device.
  7. If a device is not detected, reconnect the USB device, check the Receiver power LED, and test with a shorter CAT cable.

 

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

Use a reliable CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.

Cable Type Maximum Distance
CAT 5e / CAT 6 Up to 50m / 164ft
Some USB 2.0 hub setups Up to 40m / 131.2ft

Poor-quality CAT cable may cause:

  1. USB device not detected
  2. USB device disconnecting
  3. Printer failure
  4. USB storage not mounting
  5. Keyboard or mouse not responding
  6. Unstable connection 
     
    Do not exceed the recommended distance.

 

USB Cable Requirement — Critical

Use the included USB-B to USB-A cable between the computer and the Transmitter.

Poor USB cables may cause:

  1. Computer not detecting the extender
  2. USB devices disconnecting
  3. No power to the Transmitter
  4. Unstable USB performance 
     
    For troubleshooting, connect the USB device directly to the computer first to confirm the device works normally.

 

Understanding the Transmitter

The Transmitter is installed near the computer.

It has:

  1. USB-B port for computer connection
  2. Power LED
  3. CAT port to connect to the Receiver 
     
    The Transmitter is powered by the computer through the USB connection.

 

Understanding the Receiver

The Receiver is installed near the USB devices.

It has:

  1. CAT port from the Transmitter
  2. DC 5V power input
  3. Power LED
  4. Two USB 2.0 ports 
     
    The Receiver must be powered using the included 5V/1A power adapter.

 

Understanding the Application Diagram

The manual’s application example shows a PC connected to the Transmitter by USB, the Transmitter connected to the Receiver by CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable, and the Receiver connected to USB devices such as a printer and USB flash drive.

This is the standard use case for the USB-EX165-K: the computer stays in one location while USB devices are placed up to 50m / 164ft away.

 

Supported USB and System Specifications

Specification Support
USB Protocol USB 2.0
Transmission Rate Up to 480Mbps
Maximum Distance Up to 50m / 164ft
Distance With Some USB 2.0 Hubs Up to 40m / 131.2ft
Transmitter Input 1x USB-B female
Transmitter Output 1x RJ45 CAT port
Receiver Input 1x RJ45 CAT port
Receiver Output 2x USB-A female
Housing Metal enclosure
Color Black
Dimensions 82mm x 49mm x 20mm
Weight Transmitter / Receiver: 100g
Power Supply Receiver DC 5V/1A
Power Consumption Transmitter 0.7W, Receiver 1W
Operating Temperature 0°C to 40°C / 32°F to 104°F
Storage Temperature -20°C to 60°C / -4°F to 140°F
Relative Humidity 20% to 90% RH, non-condensing
ESD Protection ±8kV air-gap, ±4kV contact

 

What Computers Is the USB-EX165-K Compatible With?

The USB-EX165-K can work with host computers that support USB 2.0 devices, including:

  1. Desktop PCs
  2. Laptops
  3. Mini PCs
  4. Workstations
  5. Control systems with USB host ports 
     
    The computer connects to the Transmitter using the included USB cable.

 

What USB Devices Is the USB-EX165-K Compatible With?

The USB-EX165-K can extend common USB devices such as:

  1. Printer
  2. USB flash drive
  3. Keyboard
  4. Mouse
  5. Other USB 2.0 peripherals 
     
    For high-power USB devices, use a powered USB hub if needed.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What is the OREI USB-EX165-K used for? 
A: The USB-EX165-K is used to extend USB 2.0 devices up to 50m / 164ft away from a computer using CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.

Q: Does the USB-EX165-K extend HDMI video? 
A: No. This model extends USB only. It does not extend HDMI video or HDMI audio.

Q: What USB version does it support? 
A: It supports USB 2.0 protocol.

Q: What is the maximum USB speed? 
A: The maximum transmission rate is up to 480Mbps.

Q: How far can it extend USB? 
A: It can extend USB up to 50m / 164ft over CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable.

Q: Why does the manual mention 40m / 131.2ft? 
A: The manual notes that transmission distance may be limited to 40m / 131.2ft for some USB 2.0 hub setups.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use CAT 5e or CAT 6 cable.

Q: Can I use CAT 6 cable? 
A: Yes. CAT 6 cable is supported.

Q: Can I connect it through a network switch? 
A: No. The manual shows a direct CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable connection between the Transmitter and Receiver.

Q: Does the Transmitter need a power adapter? 
A: No. The Transmitter is powered by the computer through the USB-B connection.

Q: Does the Receiver need a power adapter? 
A: Yes. The Receiver requires the included 5V/1A power adapter.

Q: How many USB devices can I connect? 
A: The Receiver has two USB 2.0 ports.

Q: Can I connect a printer? 
A: Yes. The manual lists printer as an example USB device.

Q: Can I connect a USB flash drive? 
A: Yes. The manual lists U disk / USB flash drive as an example USB device.

Q: Can I connect keyboard and mouse? 
A: Yes. USB keyboard and mouse can be connected.

Q: Does it require drivers? 
A: No. The manual states that no driver or setting installation is required.

Q: Is it plug and play? 
A: Yes. It is plug and play.

Q: What should I do if the USB device is not detected? 
A: Check that the Receiver power adapter is connected, confirm the CAT cable is connected properly, reconnect the USB device, and test the USB device directly with the computer.

Q: What should I do if the Transmitter power LED is off? 
A: Check the USB cable between the computer and Transmitter. The Transmitter receives power from the computer’s USB port.

Q: What should I do if the Receiver power LED is off? 
A: Check the 5V/1A power adapter and confirm it is connected to the Receiver DC 5V port.

Q: What should I do if the USB connection is unstable? 
A: Use a shorter or higher-quality CAT 5e / CAT 6 cable, avoid using long USB hubs, and test one USB device at a time.

Q: Can I use a USB hub with this extender? 
A: Some USB 2.0 hubs may work, but the manual notes the distance may be limited to 40m / 131.2ft for some USB 2.0 hub setups.

Q: Does the USB-EX165-K need external power? 
A: Yes, but only on the Receiver side. Connect the included 5V/1A power adapter to the Receiver. The Transmitter is powered by the computer.

 

 

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