Black Box IC280A-R2 – 1-Port USB 2.0 over CATx Extender
Black Box IC280A-R2 – 1-Port USB 2.0 over CATx Extender is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Black Box IC280A-R2 – 1-Port USB 2.0 over CATx Extender
Product Overview
The Black Box IC280A-R2 is a single-port USB 2.0 extender over CATx that extends one USB 2.0 device up to 100 meters from the host computer using standard Cat5e or Cat6 cable. Targeted at AV integrators and IT administrators who need to extend a single USB peripheral — such as a touch panel controller, a USB microphone, a card reader, or a single USB camera — to a remote location, the IC280A-R2 provides a straightforward, cost-effective USB extension solution without the overhead of multi-port models.
Product Description
The IC280A-R2 consists of a local transmitter unit and a remote receiver unit, connected by a Cat5e or Cat6 cable carrying the USB 2.0 signal across distances up to 100 meters. The single USB port on the remote unit is suited for applications where only one device needs extension — common in digital signage players, security access readers, USB-controlled AV displays, or touch screen interfaces located away from the host system. Operation is transparent to the host operating system, with no driver installation required on Windows, macOS, or Linux. The slim footprint of both units allows discreet mounting behind displays, within AV furniture, or in wall plates where space is at a premium. For installations requiring multiple USB ports at the remote end, Black Box's IC402A-R2 (2-port) or IC400A-R2 (4-port) are complementary options available at Creation Networks.
Key Features
- Single-Port USB 2.0 Remote — Extends one USB 2.0 device up to 100 meters, suited for single-peripheral extension applications like touch panels, card readers, and cameras.
- 100-Meter CATx Extension — Uses Cat5e or Cat6 structured cabling for extension distances far beyond the native 5-meter USB limit.
- Driver-Free Operation — No software installation required; transparent operation on Windows, macOS, and Linux host systems.
- USB 2.0 High-Speed — Supports USB 2.0 protocol at up to 480 Mbps for full compatibility with cameras, audio devices, and HID controllers.
- Compact Unit Design — Small transmitter and receiver housings allow installation in wall plates, AV furniture cutouts, and rack panels with minimal space requirement.
- Cost-Effective Single-Channel Solution — Right-sized for single-device extension requirements without paying for unused extra ports.
Typical Applications
- Conference room
- Boardroom
- Huddle room
- Training room
- Government space
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | IC280A-R2 |
| USB Version | USB 2.0 (High-Speed, 480 Mbps) |
| Number of Remote USB Ports | 1 |
| Maximum Extension Distance | 100 m (328 ft) over Cat5e/Cat6 |
| Cable Type | Cat5e or Cat6 (sold separately) |
| Power | Bus-powered (local); external power supply (remote, if required) |
| OS Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux (driver-free) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of USB devices work with the IC280A-R2?
The IC280A-R2 supports USB 2.0 device classes including HID (keyboard/mouse), USB audio, USB video (UVC cameras), mass storage, and most other standard USB 2.0 device types. Specialized proprietary USB devices may require verification with the manufacturer.
Can I connect a USB hub to the remote port to add more devices?
While a USB hub can be physically attached, performance and reliability with multiple devices through a hub on an extended USB connection vary. For multi-device remote USB requirements, the IC402A-R2 (2-port) or IC400A-R2 (4-port) are specifically engineered for multi-port use.
Does the IC280A-R2 work with existing Cat5e cabling in my building?
Yes. The IC280A-R2 is compatible with existing Cat5e structured cabling infrastructure. No new cable runs are required if Cat5e is already in place between the host location and the remote device location.
Is this product FCC certified?
Black Box USB extenders are designed to comply with FCC Class B emissions standards. Refer to product documentation for the specific FCC certification status of the IC280A-R2 revision.
What is the difference between the IC280A-R2 and the IC401A-R2?
Both are single-port USB 2.0 CATx extenders. The IC401A-R2 carries FCC Class B certification and may differ in internal design or certifications. Consult the datasheets for both to confirm which model meets your project's compliance requirements.
At Creartion Networks, we do everything we can to create an excellent customer experience. This includes fast shipping and easy returns.
- Most in-stock orders placed Monday-Friday ship within 24-48 hours. General restrictions apply; please see our full shipping policy here.
- We offer a 30-day return policy from the delivery date on many products. Product restrictions apply. Restocking fees for the return of open-box items. Please see our full return policy here for more information.
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From Microsoft Teams Rooms and enterprise video conferencing to LED video walls, live streaming production, and hybrid collaboration systems, we provide end-to-end AV integration using premium, certified technology from industry leaders including Crestron, Q-SYS, Shure, Extron, and Absen.
Whether you operate a single location or manage facilities nationwide, Creation Networks ensures your AV systems are designed for reliability, scalability, security, and long-term performance — helping your organization communicate more effectively and operate at peak efficiency.
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