Hall Research USB 2.0 Over UTP Extender Decora Wall Plate with 2-Port Hub

Meet the Hall Research U22-160-DP, a premium USB 2.0 over UTP extender that turns a single Cat5e/6 cable into a reliable USB backbone. This Decora wall plate solution brings a two-port USB 2.0 hub directly to your workstation, conference room, classroom, or kiosk setup, enabling seamless access to USB devices far from the computer. With support for USB 2.0 data rates up to 480 Mbps and a practical 50-meter (165 feet) reach, you can place keyboards, mice, printers, webcams, USB storage, and other peripherals where they’re most convenient—without cluttering desks or floor space. The system is engineered for clean installation, minimal cabling, and dependable performance, making it an ideal choice for modern offices and educational facilities that demand both aesthetics and functionality.

The U22-160-DP extends your host PC’s USB 2.0 port across a single Cat5e/6 cable to a remote hub located behind a Decora wall plate. This means you can deploy a flexible, in-wall USB extension in almost any environment while preserving full USB 2.0 performance. Because the host side powers the connection and Power-over-Cable (PoC) is supported, most installations require no external power supply for either end. This combination of long reach and PoC capability minimizes clutter and simplifies installation in shared workspaces, media rooms, and retail kiosks where clean, professional presentation matters as much as performance. Whether you’re outfitting a conference room for flawless video conferencing, equipping a classroom with reliable USB peripherals, or routing access devices to a centralized PC, this extender delivers dependable, plug-and-play USB expansion with a discreet, wall-mount form factor.

One of the standout benefits of this Hall Research solution is its integrated 2-port USB 2.0 hub on the remote wall plate. By placing two USB ports directly at the wall, you can quickly connect peripherals without running long cords from the PC. This is particularly valuable in spaces where desktop real estate is at a premium or where devices must be swapped frequently, such as shared training stations or digital signage kiosks. The Decora faceplate keeps the installation looking neat and professional, blending with standard electrical boxes and existing interior décor. The combination of a durable housing, a slim profile, and the familiar Decora aesthetic ensures that the extender not only works well but also looks right in almost any room design.

From a compatibility standpoint, the device is designed to work with USB 2.0 devices and supports typical peripherals such as keyboards, mice, printers, webcams, USB flash drives, and USB hubs. It is intended for use with common operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, with plug-and-play operation that minimizes setup time. Because it relies on USB 2.0 signaling, you won’t get USB 3.x performance, but for most peripherals used in offices and classrooms, USB 2.0 bandwidth is more than sufficient. The extender delivers stable, consistent performance across its supported distance, making it a dependable backbone for shared peripherals and collaborative workflows in high-traffic environments.

In addition to its performance, the U22-160-DP emphasizes ease of installation and long-term reliability. The Cat5e/6 link is designed to be robust in typical office conditions, and the wall-plate mounting keeps cables organized and out of sight. For IT teams, this means faster deployments, simpler maintenance, and fewer stray cables behind desks or in wall cavities. The system is also designed to minimize power consumption and heat in normal operation, contributing to a cooler, quieter workspace. Overall, this Hall Research extender offers a compelling blend of electrical performance, architectural integration, and user-friendly operation that makes it a strong choice for professional deployments requiring USB extension without compromise.

• Extends a USB 2.0 host port over a single Cat5e/6 cable up to 50 meters (165 feet) with data rates up to 480 Mbps.
• Decora-style wall plate with an integrated 2-port USB 2.0 hub for convenient remote access to peripherals.
• Power-over-Cable (PoC) design minimizes the need for external power supplies; host PC powers the system, remote side receives power through the Cat5e/6 link.
• Plug-and-play operation with broad compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux; no special software required for common USB devices.
• Clean, in-wall installation ideal for conference rooms, classrooms, kiosks, and shared workstations while maintaining a professional look.

Technical Details of Hall Research USB 2.0 Over UTP Extender Decora Wall Plate with 2-Port Hub

• Model: U22-160-DP
• USB extension distance: up to 50 m (165 ft) over a single Cat5e/6 cable
• USB data rate: up to 480 Mbps (USB 2.0)
• Ports: Local host connection; remote side features a 2-port USB 2.0 hub accessible via the Decora wall plate
• Cable requirements: One Cat5e/6 Ethernet cable between local and remote units
• Power: Typically no external power required; host PC provides power and PoC delivers power to the remote hub when needed
• Mounting: Decora-style wall plate designed for standard electrical boxes for a clean, professional install
• Compatibility: USB 2.0 devices including keyboards, mice, printers, webcams, USB storage; works with Windows, macOS, and Linux

How to install Hall Research USB 2.0 Over UTP Extender Decora Wall Plate with 2-Port Hub

Step 1: Prepare the host side by identifying a convenient USB port on the PC and connecting it to the local unit of the U22-160-DP using a standard USB 2.0 cable. Ensure the PC is powered so the local end can draw power normally.

Step 2: Run a single Cat5e/6 cable from the local unit to the remote location where you plan to install the Decora wall plate with the 2-port USB hub. Use high-quality shielded or unshielded cabling based on your environment and local code requirements.

Step 3: At the remote wall plate, connect the Cat5e/6 cable to the remote unit. Attach USB peripherals (keyboard, mouse, webcam, printer, USB storage, or a USB hub) to the integrated 2-port USB 2.0 hub accessible at the wall plate.

Step 4: Mount the remote unit behind the Decora faceplate into a standard electrical box and secure the plate to complete the in-wall installation. If your setup relies on PoC, verify that the power delivery specifications are being met by the host side and the network cable supports the required PoC function.

Step 5: Power on the host PC and verify that each connected USB device is recognized by the operating system. Test common devices such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, webcam, and USB storage to confirm consistent operation across the extended link.

Step 6: For best results, route the Cat5e/6 cable away from sources of interference and ensure solid terminations at both ends. Use quality connectors and maintain proper cable management to minimize signal loss and maximize reliability over the full 50-meter distance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the maximum distance you can extend USB 2.0 with this product?

  A: Up to 50 meters (165 feet) over a single Cat5e/6 cable.

• Q: Do I need an external power supply for the adapter?

  A: In most configurations, no external power supply is required. The host PC powers the local end and Power-over-Cable (PoC) delivers power to the remote hub as needed. Some high-power USB peripherals may require consideration of power needs on a case-by-case basis.

• Q: Is this extender compatible with USB 3.0 devices?

  A: The extender is designed for USB 2.0 devices and supports data rates up to 480 Mbps. USB 3.0 devices may function in some scenarios, but performance cannot be guaranteed and is not officially supported by the device.

• Q: What operating systems are supported?

  A: The device works with Windows, macOS, and Linux through standard USB 2.0 drivers and interfaces.

• Q: How many USB ports are available at the remote location?

  A: The remote side features a 2-port USB 2.0 hub integrated into the Decora wall plate, allowing two USB devices to be connected at the wall.