KVM maker Gefen Inc. today announced the release of its ex-tend-it USB-200, a device that enables two USB 1.1-equipped peripherals to operate up to 330 feet away from a computer.
Normally USB signals are limited to a distance of about 17.5 feet, but the Gefen USB-200 enables you to connect a USB-equipped PC or Mac up to hundreds of feet away. The device uses industry standard CAT-5 networking cable to accomplish the task. This way, your computer can be well isolated from the devices you need to use — handy for audio and video engineers, medical specialists and other folks who need to keep computers and sensitive peripheral equipment far away from each other.
The USB-200 joins the USB-100, which sports a single USB connection, and the USB-400, a four-port USB hub that works similarly. Gefen manufactures and sells a wide variety of similar products for monitors and other peripherals, as well.
The Gefen USB-200 costs US$449 and is available for purchase online from Gefen’s Web site.