X2USB-EFD Overview and Use Cases

What Is the X2USB-EFD?

The ToVi X2USB-EFD is an X2 Series USB 2.0 Transceiver designed to extend USB 2.0 peripherals over a 1GbE network infrastructure.

The X2USB-EFD can be configured as either a Host unit or a Device unit using the HOST / DEVICE mode switch. In Host mode, the unit connects to a computer using the USB Type-B Host port. In Device mode, the unit connects to USB peripherals using the four USB Type-A Device ports.

The X2USB-EFD supports USB 2.0 data transfer rates up to 480Mbps and transmits signals up to 328ft / 100m over CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 cable. It also supports 1G fiber transmission through the SFP port.

The unit supports PoE through the LAN port, copper and fiber network flexibility, automatic port detection, one-to-one and one-to-many keyboard/mouse extension, Open API integration, Bonjour device discovery, WebGUI control, and rack mounting.

The X2USB-EFD is useful for commercial AV systems, control rooms, classrooms, conference rooms, industrial systems, USB peripheral extension, remote workstation setups, education spaces, and ToVi X2 Series AV over IP installations where USB 2.0 devices need to be extended over a network.

IMPORTANT — X2USB-EFD Is a USB 2.0 Transceiver

The X2USB-EFD is not an HDMI video encoder or decoder.

This product is designed for USB 2.0 extension over a network. It is not a video extender, HDMI matrix, or HDMI streamer.

IMPORTANT — Host Mode and Device Mode Are Different

The X2USB-EFD can operate in two modes.

The HOST / DEVICE mode switch controls the operating mode.

Use one unit in Host mode at the computer side and another unit in Device mode at the USB peripheral side.

IMPORTANT — USB Host Port Works Only in Host Mode

The USB HOST port is used to connect the X2USB-EFD to a computer or laptop.

When the unit is in Host mode, the USB Device ports are not used for connecting local keyboard, mouse, or other USB devices.

The manual specifically notes that when the unit is in Host mode, only the USB-B Host port can be used.

IMPORTANT — Four USB Device Ports Are Available in Device Mode

The X2USB-EFD includes four USB Type-A Device ports.

Compatible USB devices may include:

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Webcam
• Printer
• Touch panel
• USB camera
• USB storage drive
• Other USB 2.0 peripherals

Device support may depend on USB bandwidth, USB power requirements, and network conditions.

IMPORTANT — Supports USB 2.0 up to 480Mbps

The X2USB-EFD supports USB 2.0 data rates.

This model is for USB 2.0 extension. It is not designed as a USB 3.0 extender.

For best results, use USB 2.0 peripherals and avoid devices that require more bandwidth or power than the system can provide.

IMPORTANT — Supports up to 328ft / 100m Over CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7

The X2USB-EFD extends USB signals over a 1G network connection.

Use high-quality, properly terminated network cable.

Poor CAT cable, weak terminations, damaged connectors, couplers, wall plates, patch panels, or low-quality network cable may cause USB dropouts, device detection issues, pairing failure, network instability, or PoE power issues.

IMPORTANT — Supports LAN and SFP Fiber Connections

The X2USB-EFD supports both copper and fiber network connections.

The unit can automatically detect which network port is connected, or the port mode can be manually set through the WebGUI.

This allows the X2USB-EFD to be used in both copper and fiber network installations.

IMPORTANT — LAN and SFP Auto-Switching Is Supported

The X2USB-EFD supports network flexibility between LAN and SFP.

The front LAN / SFP LED indicates which connection is being used.

IMPORTANT — PoE and DC Power Are Supported

The X2USB-EFD can be powered through PoE or by the included DC power adapter.

When using the LAN connection, the unit can receive PoE from the network switch.

When using SFP fiber connection, connect the included DC 12V power adapter.

IMPORTANT — USB Device Power Depends on Power Source

The available USB power depends on how the X2USB-EFD is powered.

If a USB device does not work properly, it may need more power than the current power source can provide.

For high-power USB devices, use the included DC 12V/2.5A power adapter or use a separately powered USB device.

IMPORTANT — One-to-One and One-to-Many K&M Extension Are Supported

The X2USB-EFD supports keyboard and mouse extension over IP.

This allows a computer connected at the Host side to be controlled from one or more Device-side locations, depending on the system configuration.

IMPORTANT — Open API Integration Is Supported

The X2USB-EFD supports Open API integration.

This is useful for professional AV systems, automation systems, control rooms, and third-party management platforms.

IMPORTANT — Bonjour Device Discovery Is Supported

The X2USB-EFD supports discovery using Bonjour protocol tools such as Zeroconf Service Browser.

The device discovery process is:

1. Connect the Host unit, Device unit, and PC to the same network switch.
2. Install a Bonjour-compatible discovery tool on the PC.
3. Open the tool and select Workgroup Manager under the Services list.
4. Select the detected service instance.
5. View the device IP address in the Instance-Info section.

The manual notes:

Use Bonjour discovery if you need to find the current IP address of the Host or Device unit.

IMPORTANT — X2USB-EFD Can Integrate Into ToVi X2 Series Networks

The X2USB-EFD can be integrated into an existing ToVi X2 Series network.

The manual notes that the X2USB-EFD cannot currently be managed through the X2UH-CB WebGUI. For now, it must be controlled directly through its own WebGUI.

IMPORTANT — Network Switch Requirements

Use a suitable managed Gigabit network switch for stable operation.

Recommended switch models listed in the manual include:

Ports and Panel Layout

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Understanding the LED Indicators

Use these LEDs first when troubleshooting power, network connection, active port selection, or pairing issues.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Decide which unit will be used in Host mode and which unit will be used in Device mode.
2. On the computer-side unit, move the HOST / DEVICE mode switch to Host mode.
3. Connect the computer or laptop to the HOST USB Type-B port on the Host unit.
4. On the peripheral-side unit, move the HOST / DEVICE mode switch to Device mode.
5. Connect USB peripherals to the USB DEVICE ports on the Device unit.
6. Connect both units to the same 1G network switch using CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 cable through the LAN / PoE ports.
7. If using PoE, confirm the network switch supports the required PoE standard.
8. If using SFP fiber connection, connect the SFP port to the 1G fiber network switch and connect the included DC 12V/2.5A power adapter.
9. Power on the Host unit, Device unit, computer, USB peripherals, and network switch.
10. Check that the POWER LEDs become steady.
11. Check that the LINK LEDs show pairing status.
12. Use Bonjour discovery if you need to find the Host or Device IP address.
13. Access the unit’s WebGUI if configuration is required.
14. Test keyboard, mouse, webcam, printer, storage drive, or other connected USB devices.
15. If USB devices do not work, check Host / Device mode, USB cable, network segment, power source, and USB power limits.

Device Discovery Setup

The manual shows the Host unit, Device unit, and PC connected to the same network switch.

To discover the units:

1. Connect the Host, Device, and PC to the same switch.
2. Install a Bonjour-compatible tool such as Zeroconf Service Browser.
3. Open the software.
4. Choose Workgroup Manager under Services.
5. Select a listed service instance.
6. Check the Host name, IP address, and port number in the Instance-Info window.

Notes:

• The lower-left window lists detected devices on the network.
• The lower-right window shows Host name, IP address, and port number.
• USB Host units begin with AST-ENC.
• USB Device units begin with AST-DEC.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 cable.

Poor or incorrectly terminated CAT cable may cause:

• No network link
• Pairing failure
• USB device not detected
• Keyboard or mouse not working
• Webcam not working
• USB storage disconnecting
• Printer not responding
• WebGUI not accessible
• PoE power problems
• Unstable USB communication

Use direct, properly terminated network cable whenever possible.

SFP Fiber Requirement — Critical

The X2USB-EFD supports 1G fiber transmission through the SFP port.

When using SFP fiber, connect the included DC 12V/2.5A power adapter because SFP does not provide PoE power.

If the SFP connection does not work, check the SFP module, fiber cable, switch fiber port, WebGUI port mode, and power adapter.

USB Cable and Device Requirement — Critical

Use appropriate USB cables and compatible USB 2.0 devices.

If a USB device is not detected:

• Check whether the X2USB-EFD is in the correct Host or Device mode.
• Try a different USB cable.
• Try a different USB port.
• Check USB power limits.
• Test the USB device directly with the computer.
• Confirm the Host and Device units are paired across the network.

Power Requirement — Critical

The X2USB-EFD can be powered by PoE or DC power.

USB output power depends on the power source:

If high-power USB devices do not work, use the included power adapter or a separately powered USB device.

Rack Mounting

The X2USB-EFD supports installation in a standard 6U V2 rack.

The rack mounting section shows that:

• Mounting ears and rack brackets can be attached using included screws.
• Two extenders can be mounted together side-by-side.
• Up to 20 units can be installed vertically in a compatible 6U V2 rack.
• The mounting ears are secured to the rack using screws.

Use the included mounting ears and screws for rack installation.

Understanding the Application Example

The application diagram shows the X2USB-EFD integrated into a wider ToVi X2 Series network.

The system includes X2 Series Encoders, Decoders, a Controller, computers, USB devices, audio devices, displays, and network cabling. The X2USB-EFD units add USB 2.0 extension into the X2 Series ecosystem.

The manual note below the diagram states that the X2USB-EFD can be integrated into an existing X2 Series network, but it cannot yet be managed through the X2UH-CB WebGUI. It must currently be controlled through its own WebGUI.

Supported Technical Specifications

Package Contents

What USB Devices Is the X2USB-EFD Compatible With?

The X2USB-EFD can work with USB 2.0 peripherals such as:

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Webcam
• USB camera
• Printer
• Touch panel
• Storage drive
• USB control device
• Other compatible USB 2.0 peripherals

Some devices may require more USB power or bandwidth than the extender can provide. If a device does not work, test with a lower-power USB device or use external power where possible.

What Computers Is the X2USB-EFD Compatible With?

In Host mode, the X2USB-EFD can connect to host devices such as:

• Desktop PCs
• Laptops
• Workstations
• Servers
• Control-room PCs
• Classroom computers
• Conference-room PCs
• Industrial computers

The computer connects to the USB HOST Type-B port on the Host-mode unit.

What Network Equipment Is Compatible?

The X2USB-EFD works with suitable Gigabit network equipment, including:

• 1G Ethernet switches
• Layer 3 managed switches
• PoE switches
• Fiber switches with SFP ports
• ToVi NS-1G24
• ToVi NS-1G48

For best performance, use a Gigabit managed switch with IGMP snooping support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the X2USB-EFD used for? 
A: It is used to extend USB 2.0 peripherals over a 1GbE network using Host and Device units.

Q: Is the X2USB-EFD an HDMI extender? 
A: No. It is a USB 2.0 transceiver and does not have HDMI input or HDMI output.

Q: Is the X2USB-EFD a Host unit or Device unit? 
A: It can be either. The HOST / DEVICE mode switch changes the unit between Host mode and Device mode.

Q: What is Host mode used for? 
A: Host mode connects the X2USB-EFD to a PC or laptop through the USB Type-B Host port.

Q: What is Device mode used for? 
A: Device mode connects USB peripherals through the four USB Type-A Device ports.

Q: How do I switch between Host and Device mode? 
A: Use the HOST / DEVICE mode switch. Left is Host mode and right is Device mode.

Q: Can I connect local keyboard and mouse to the USB Device ports while the unit is in Host mode? 
A: No. The manual states that when in Host mode, only the USB-B Host port can be used.

Q: How many USB devices can I connect? 
A: In Device mode, you can connect up to four USB devices using the four USB Type-A Device ports.

Q: Does it support USB 2.0? 
A: Yes. It supports USB 2.0 up to 480Mbps.

Q: Does it support USB 3.0? 
A: USB 3.0 support is not listed in the manual.

Q: Can I connect a keyboard and mouse? 
A: Yes. Keyboard and mouse extension is supported.

Q: Can I connect a webcam? 
A: Yes, the manual lists webcam as an example USB peripheral. Performance depends on USB 2.0 bandwidth and power requirements.

Q: Can I connect a printer? 
A: Yes. Printers are listed as compatible USB peripherals.

Q: Can I connect storage drives? 
A: The manual lists storage drives as supported examples, but high-power drives may require external power.

Q: What is the maximum USB data rate? 
A: The maximum USB 2.0 rate is 480Mbps.

Q: What is the maximum network distance? 
A: It supports up to 328ft / 100m over CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 cable.

Q: Does it support fiber? 
A: Yes. It includes a 1G SFP port for fiber network connection.

Q: Does it support copper RJ45 network connection? 
A: Yes. It includes a 1GB LAN RJ45 port with PoE support.

Q: Does it support automatic failover or auto-switching between copper and fiber? 
A: Yes. The manual lists support for auto-switching between 1GbE copper and fiber SFP connections.

Q: Can I manually select LAN or SFP mode? 
A: Yes. LAN or SFP mode can be manually set through the WebGUI.

Q: Does it support PoE? 
A: Yes. It supports PoE through the LAN port.

Q: What PoE standard does it support? 
A: It supports 802.3at Class 4 and 802.3af.

Q: Do I need the power adapter when using LAN PoE? 
A: No. When using LAN with PoE, the power adapter is not required.

Q: Do I need the power adapter when using SFP fiber? 
A: Yes. The manual states to connect the included power adapter when using SFP module connection.

Q: What power adapter does it use? 
A: It uses a DC 12V/2.5A power adapter.

Q: How much USB power is available when using the power adapter? 
A: With DC 12V/2.5A power, each of the four USB Device ports can provide 5V/1A.

Q: How much USB power is available with PoE 802.3at? 
A: With PoE 802.3at, each of the four USB Device ports can provide 5V/0.9A.

Q: How much USB power is available with PoE 802.3af? 
A: With PoE 802.3af, the four USB Device ports share a total output of 5V/1.2A.

Q: Does it support one-to-one keyboard/mouse extension? 
A: Yes. One-to-one K&M extension is supported.

Q: Does it support one-to-many keyboard/mouse extension? 
A: Yes. One-to-many K&M extension is supported.

Q: Does it support Open API? 
A: Yes. Open API integration is supported for third-party software and custom control.

Q: Can it be used with other ToVi X2 Series devices? 
A: Yes. It can integrate into the ToVi X2 Series ecosystem.

Q: Can it be controlled through the X2UH-CB WebGUI? 
A: Not currently. The manual states that X2USB-EFD cannot yet be managed through the X2UH-CB WebGUI and must be controlled through its own WebGUI.

Q: How do I find the IP address? 
A: Use a Bonjour-compatible discovery tool such as Zeroconf Service Browser.

Q: What name does the Host unit show in discovery? 
A: USB Host units appear with names beginning with AST-ENC.

Q: What name does the Device unit show in discovery? 
A: USB Device units appear with names beginning with AST-DEC.

Q: What switch should I use? 
A: Use a Layer 3 managed Gigabit switch with IGMP snooping. Recommended models include Cisco SG500, Cisco Catalyst series, Huawei S5720S-28X-PWR-LI-AC, ZyXEL GS2210, LUXUL AMS-4424P, ToVi NS-1G24, and ToVi NS-1G48.

Q: What does the POWER LED mean? 
A: It flashes while the system is starting and turns steady when the system is ready.

Q: What does the LINK LED mean? 
A: Off means no LAN or SFP connection, flashing means connected but not paired, and on means connected and paired successfully.

Q: What does the LAN / SFP LED mean? 
A: Green indicates LAN mode or LAN connection. Red indicates SFP mode or SFP connection. Green + red / yellow indicates auto-detect mode.

Q: How do I factory reset the X2USB-EFD? 
A: Press and hold RESET for 5 seconds while powered on. The three front-panel LEDs will flash together. Release the button to restore factory defaults.

Q: What IP setting is restored after factory reset? 
A: Auto IP is enabled, and the IP address is set to the 169.254.xxx.xxx range.

Q: What should I do if a USB device is not detected? 
A: Check whether the unit is in the correct Host or Device mode, try a different USB cable or port, and confirm the USB device does not exceed USB 2.0 power limits.

Q: What should I do if the Host and Device are not connecting across the network? 
A: Confirm both units are on the same network segment, check the IP addresses, make sure the switch supports required bandwidth, make sure traffic is not blocked, temporarily disable VLAN or IGMP snooping for testing, and use Zeroconf Service Browser to confirm IP information.

Q: Can the X2USB-EFD be rack mounted? 
A: Yes. It can be mounted in a standard 6U V2 rack.

Q: How many units can fit in the 6U V2 rack? 
A: The manual shows that up to 20 units can be installed vertically in a compatible 6U V2 rack.