Available to buy here:
Welcome back to “Reviews Inside TV.” Today, we’re taking a close look at the Tripp Lite USB Over Cat6 Extender, model B203-101-IND-ER. If you’ve been struggling to extend your USB devices across long distances in industrial settings, or simply need to streamline your connections in challenging environments, this could be the solution. Let’s dive into the details and see how well it performs.
The Tripp Lite B203-101-IND-ER is an industrial-grade USB extender kit designed to extend USB 2.0 signals over Cat6 cabling. It boasts a range of up to 330 feet (100 meters), making it ideal for situations where you need to connect USB devices, such as printers, webcams, or external hard drives, from a distance. The kit includes a local transmitter and a remote receiver, both housed in sturdy all-metal casings, making it highly durable and resistant to tough environments. The extender also incorporates Power over Cable (PoC) technology, allowing the transmitter to be powered through the Cat6 cable itself, eliminating the need for separate power adapters.
In terms of real-world performance, I found the setup to be remarkably straightforward. It’s truly plug-and-play: simply connect the transmitter to your computer, the receiver to your device, and link them with a Cat6 cable. The included power supply with international plug adapters adds a bit more flexibility for various setups. Once everything was connected, the green and orange LEDs on both units lit up, signaling that power and data were flowing smoothly. In terms of performance, the extender worked flawlessly, transmitting data over long distances without any noticeable lag or loss of quality. I connected a 1080p webcam and an external hard drive, and both worked just as they would if plugged directly into the computer. However, if you don’t use a high-quality Cat6 cable, there could be signal degradation, so it’s crucial to pick up a reliable one for optimal performance.
Now, let’s go over the pros and cons. On the positive side, the B203-101-IND-ER is incredibly easy to set up. The PoC feature is a standout—there’s no need for extra bulky power bricks, which is a significant benefit in tight spaces or industrial environments. The ESD protection, rated at ±15 kV, is another excellent feature, especially in industrial settings where electrostatic discharge can cause serious damage. The metal housing ensures durability, and it can withstand the rigors of factory floors or warehouses without skipping a beat. On the downside, the product does require user-supplied Cat6 cables, which adds an additional cost if you don’t have any on hand. Also, the extender only supports USB 2.0 speeds, so if you need USB 3.0 or faster speeds, this might not be the best fit.
When evaluating value for money, this extender offers solid value considering its industrial-grade build and ESD protection. The lack of a need for separate power adapters adds to the overall convenience, making it a practical solution for long-distance USB connections in commercial settings. However, for the price, I do wish it offered USB 3.0 support, as that would have made it more future-proof.
Comparing it to similar extenders on the market, this Tripp Lite unit stands out due to its ESD protection, which is uncommon in many consumer-level models. There are cheaper alternatives, but they often lack the robustness and reliability you get with this one, particularly in industrial environments. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you could find other USB extenders, but none with the same level of durability and protection against static discharge.
When it comes to build quality, the metal chassis on both the transmitter and receiver provide a sense of reliability. These units are clearly designed to withstand harsh physical conditions, such as those found in industrial and commercial environments. Given that it’s meant for places like factories and warehouses, it holds up well even when exposed to elements like dust and mild impacts.
As for customer support, I didn’t have to reach out to Tripp Lite directly for assistance, but the brand has a solid reputation for offering dependable customer service. If you do run into issues, their support team is known to respond promptly and provide useful troubleshooting steps.
So, do I recommend the Tripp Lite USB Over Cat6 Extender? Yes, but with some reservations. It’s perfect for anyone needing to extend a USB connection in industrial or commercial environments, especially when ESD protection is a must. Its value proposition is strong, but I would only suggest it to those who are okay with USB 2.0 speeds and are looking for an industrial-grade solution.
Now, before we wrap up, if you’re enjoying this review, be sure to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon so you don’t miss any of our upcoming content. We appreciate your support!
Thank you for watching! If you have any questions about the Tripp Lite USB Extender or have experience with it yourself, feel free to leave a comment below. The link to get the product is in the comments box, and as always, goodbye till next time… Keep your connections strong with “Reviews Inside TV!”
Available to buy here:
