USB 2.0 Ranger® 2101
High Speed Extender System

User Guide

Powered by ExtremeUSB®

Thank you for purchasing the Ranger 2101.
Please read this guide thoroughly.
This document applies to Part Numbers: 00-00231 through 00-00233 and 00-00240.
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement Warning
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
CE Statement
We, Icron Technologies Corporation, declare under our sole responsibility that the Ranger, to which thisdeclaration relates, is in conformity with European Standard EN 55022/A1 Class A, and EN 50082-1(IEC 801-2, IEC 801-3, IEC 801-4)
IC Statement
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

©2008 Icron Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved. Icron Technologies Corporation, the Icron
Technologies Corporation logo, and the Icron Technologies Corporation products referred to herein are
either the trademarks or the registered trademarks of Icron Technologies Corporation. All other trademarks
are property of their respective owners. Icron Technologies Corporation assumes no responsibility for errorsthat may appear in this manual. Information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
Document #90-00477-A04

Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................
Ranger Product Contents ............................................................................................................
Requirements ................................................................................................................................
About the Ranger .........................................................................................................................

3

Installation guide ..........................................................................................
Installing the LEX unit ..................................................................................................................
Installing the REX unit ..................................................................................................................
Connecting the LEX unit to the REX unit ....................................................................................
Checking the Installation .............................................................................................................
Connecting a USB Device ............................................................................................................

6

Troubleshooting ............................................................................................
Specifications .................................................................................................
Limited Hardware Warranty .........................................................................
Hardware Remedies ......................................................................................
Limitation of Liability ....................................................................................
Obtaining Warranty Service .........................................................................
Contacting Technical Support ......................................................................
Technical Glossary .........................................................................................

8
11
12
12
12
13
13
14

3
3
3

6
6
7
7
8

Introduction
The instructions in this guide assume a general knowledge of computer installation procedures, familiarity
with cabling requirements, and some understanding of USB devices.

note NOTE: Notes provide additional information that could be useful.
CAUTION: Cautions provide important information about an operational requirement.

Ranger 2101 Product Contents
Your Ranger 2101 is packaged with:•
Ranger 2101 Quickstart Guide - located on the outer box sleeve•
LEX unit (Local Extender)•
REX unit (Remote Extender)•
REX AC power adapter (1)•Warranty card
An additional AC power adapter may be purchased for the LEX unit in the event that your USB port can not supply

note the required 500mA current. Please contact an Icron Sales representative for further details (See Page 13)

Requirements
To complete the installation, you will also require the following items that are not included with the product:• USB 1.1 or 2.0 compatible computer (Host computer) with a USB compliant operating system• USB 1.1 or 2.0 compatible device• CAT 5 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable with two RJ45 connectors (if using surface cabling),
OR, CAT 5 cabling with two information outlets and two CAT 5 patch cords with RJ45 connectors (ifusing premise cabling)
All references to CAT 5 cable in this document represent the minimum requirement. Category 6 or better or STP cablenote may be substituted.

About the Ranger 2101
The Ranger 2101 incorporates Icron’s patented ExtremeUSB® technology, enabling users to extend beyond
the standard 5m cable limit for USB peripheral devices. With the Ranger 2101, USB devices can be located up
to 100 meters from the computer.
The Ranger is composed of two individual units; the LEX unit and the REX unit.

3

The LEX unit
The LEX unit connects to the computer using the attached USB cable. Power for this unit is provided by the
USB on the Host computer.
					

Back View							Top View

LEX

3
6

1
2

4

5

7

ITEM TYPE

USB 2.0 Extender

DESCRIPTION

1Power LED (Blue)LED turns on when power is supplied. Off when no power is
supplied.

2

Host LED (Green)

LED turns on when Ranger is installed properly.

3

Link Port (RJ45)

Accepts RJ45 connector for CAT 5 cabling (or better).

4

Link LED (Green) on RJ45

Indicates connectivity between LEX and REX. LED turns on whenlink between LEX and REX is established. Off when there is no link
between LEX and REX.

5

Activity LED (Amber) on
RJ45

Indicates activity on RJ45 port. LED blinks intermittently whendata is transmitted between LEX and REX.

6

Power/Config port

Manufacturer use only.

7

USB Type A connector

Used to connect the LEX unit to the Host computer.
4

The REX Unit
The REX unit provides a USB Type A port for standard USB devices. The REX unit allows you to connect one
USB device directly. Additional devices may be connected by attaching USB hubs to the REX unit.
The REX unit is powered by an external AC adapter and can supply up to 500mA to the USB port.
						
						Top View
REX

Front View										Rear View

1
2

3

7

6

4

5

USB 2.0 Extender
		

ITEM

TYPE

DESCRIPTION

1Power LED (Blue)LED turns on when power is supplied. Off when no power is supplied.

2

Host LED (Green)

LED turns on when Ranger is installed properly.

3

Link Port (RJ45)

Accepts RJ45 connector for CAT 5 cabling (or better).

4

Link LED (Green) on
RJ45

Indicates connectivity between LEX and REX. LED turns on when link
between LEX and REX is established. Off when there is no link between
LEX and REX.

5

Activity LED (Amber)on RJ45

Indicates activity on RJ45 port. Blinks intermittently when data istransmitted between LEX and REX.

6

Power/Config port

Connects to the AC power adapter.

7

Device Port (USBType A port)

USB device connection.

The Power/Config port on the REX can only be used with the included Ranger 2101 AC adapter. No USB devices
can be connected or used on the port.

5Installation guide

USB extension up to 100m Cat 5 (or better) cable

Before you can install the Ranger 2101, you need to prepare your site.
1.
2.
3.

Determine where the computer is to be located and set up the computer.
Determine where you want to locate the USB device(s).
If you are using surface cabling, the Ranger 2101 supports a maximum distance of 100m.
OR
If you are using premise cabling, ensure CAT 5 cabling is installed between the two
locations, with CAT 5 information outlets located near both the computer and the USB
device(s).

Installing the LEX unit
1.
2.

Place the LEX unit near the computer.
Plug the USB Type A connector on the LEX into a USB port on the computer.

Installing the REX unit
1.
2.
3.

Place the REX unit near the USB device(s).
Plug the power adapter into a suitable AC outlet.
Connect the power adapter to the REX unit.
Use only the AC adapter supplied with the Ranger. Use of substitute adapters may cause permanent
damage to the system and will void the warranty.

6Connecting the LEX unit to the REX unit
To ensure proper operation, it is recommended that only CAT 5 or better, Unshielded Twisted Pair cablingnote be used to connect the LEX unit to the REX unit. The cabling must have a straight-through conductor

configuration with no crossovers, and must be terminated with 8 conductor RJ45 connectors at both ends. The
combined length of any patch cords using stranded conductors must not exceed 10m.

With Surface Cabling
1.
2.

Plug one end of the CAT 5 cabling (not included) into the Link port (RJ45) on the LEX unit.
Plug the other end of the CAT 5 cabling into the Link port (RJ45) on the REX unit.

With Premise Cabling
1.
2.
3.
4.

Plug one end of a CAT 5 patch cord (not included) into the Link port (RJ45) on the LEX unit.
Plug the other end of the patch cord into the CAT 5 information outlet near the Host computer.
Plug one end of the 2nd CAT 5 patch cord (not included) into the Link port (RJ45) on the 			REX unit.
Plug the other end of the 2nd patch cord into the CAT 5 information outlet near the USB device.
The maximum length of the CAT 5 cable, including patch cords, must not exceed 100 meters. The combinednote length of any patch cords using stranded conductors must not exceed 10m.

Checking the Installation
1.

On the LEX and REX units, check that the Power, Host and Link LEDs are on and that the Activity LED isblinking. If the Link LED and Activity LED are permanently off then the cabling between the LEX and
REX unit is not installed properly or is defective.

2.

For Windows users (2000, XP, or Vista) open Device Manager to confirm that the Ranger has installed
correctly. Expand the entry for Universal Serial Bus controllers by clicking the + sign. If the Ranger has
been installed correctly you should find it listed as a Generic USB Hub.

3.

For Mac OS X users open the System Profiler to confirm that the Ranger has installed correctly. In 		
the left hand column under Hardware, select “USB” and inspect the right hand panel. If the Ranger has
been installed correctly you should find it listed as a Hub under the USB High-Speed Bus/USB Bus.

4.

If the Ranger is not detected correctly or fails to detect please consult the Troubleshooting Guide.

open System Profiler in OS X: Open the Finder, select Applications, then open the Utilities folder and double
note To
click on the System Profiler icon.
To open Device Manager in Windows 2000 or XP:
Right click “My Computer” then select: Properties >> Hardware tab >> Device Manager button
To open Device Manager in Windows Vista:
Open the Start menu, right click on “Computer” then select: Manage >> Device Manager

7

Connecting a USB Device
1.
2.
3.

Install any software required to operate the USB device(s). Refer to the documentation for the USB
device(s), as required.
Connect the USB device to the Device port on the REX unit.
Check that the Device is detected and installed properly in the operating system.

Compatibility
The Ranger 2101 complies with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 specifications governing the design of USB devices.
Icron Technologies Corporation does not, however, guarantee that all USB devices are compatible with theRanger as there are a number of different configurations that may impact the operation of USB devices overextended distances.

Troubleshooting
The following table provides troubleshooting tips. The topics are arranged in the order in which they should
be executed in most situations. If you are unable to resolve the problem after following these instructions,please contact technical support for further assistance.
PROBLEM
All LEDs on LEX
unit are off.

CAUSE
The LEX unit is not receiving
enough power from the USB port
or the (optional) LEX AC adapter.

SOLUTION
1. Ensure that the USB Type A connector from LEX
to Host computer is properly inserted directly ina USB port.
2. Move the LEX USB Type A connector to anotherUSB port on the Host computer.

All LEDs on REX
unit are off

The REX unit is not receiving
power from the AC adapter

1. Ensure that the AC power adapter is properly
connected to the REX unit.
2. Check that the AC adapter is connected to a live
source of electrical power.

Link LEDs on
LEX unit and
REX unit are off.

There is no connection between
the LEX unit and REX unit.

1. Ensure that a CAT 5 cable (or better)with straight-through conductors is connected
between the LEX unit and REX unit.
2. If the CAT 5 cable is defective, connect a short
CAT 5 patch cord between the LEX
unit and REX unit to determine if the original
CAT 5 cable is defective.

		8

PROBLEM
Link LED on LEX
unit is on, Host
LED on LEX unit is
off

CAUSE
•  The Host computer is not
powered on.

SOLUTION
1. Disconnect all USB devices from the REX unit.
2. Disconnect the LEX unit from the computer.

•  The LEX unit is notconnected to the computer(when used with the optional
LEX AC adapter)

3. Disconnect the REX unit from the AC power
adapter.
4. Reconnect the LEX unit to the computer.

•  The computer does notsupport USB hubs.

5. Reconnect the REX unit to the AC power
adapter.

•  The Ranger is malfunctioning
6. In the Universal Serial Bus controllers section of
Device Manager, check that the Ranger is     recognised as a “Generic USB Hub”.
Ranger units were
working but the
Host LED on REX
unit is suddenly
blinking

The REX unit is in suspend mode. 1. Recover/Resume the operating system fromThe operating system may put
Suspend/Standby mode (see your operating
the Ranger in suspend mode
System’s documentation).
when the computer is put into a
Suspend/Standby state or when 2. Attach a USB device to the Ranger.
no USB devices are attached.

All LEDs on both•  The USB device is
the LEX unit andmalfunctioning.
REX unit are on
but the USB device •  The computer does notdoes not operate
recognise the USB device.
correctly or is
detected as an•  The application software for“Unknown Device” the device is notin the operating
operating.
system.
•  The Ranger is malfunctioning.

1. Disconnect the Ranger from the computer.
2. Connect the USB device directly to the USB porton the computer.
3. If the device does not operate properly,
consult the user documentation for the device.
4. Update your system BIOS, chipset or USB Host
controller drivers from your System/Motherboard manufacturer’s website.
5. If the device operates properly when directly
connected to the computer, connect anotherdevice (of a different type) to the Ranger.
Connect the Ranger to the computer.
6. If the second device does not operate, theRanger may be malfunctioning.
Contact technical support for assistance.
7. If the second device does operate properly, thefirst device may not be compatible with theRanger.

9

NOTES

10

Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit Icron’s website for answers to FAQs:   http://www.icron.com/products/usb/faq.php

Specifications
Range

100 metres over Cat 5 (or better) cable

USB device support

High-speed devices (480 Mb/s) (USB 2.0)
Full speed devices (12 Mb/s) (USB 2.0 & 1.1)
Low speed devices (1.5 Mb/s) (USB 2.0 & 1.1)

USB hub support

Any single chain can include up to 4 USB hubs plus one Ranger.

USB host support

EHCI (USB 2.0) and OHCI/UHCI (USB 1.1)

Maximum USB devices
supported (Incl. USB Hubs)

14 USB Devices including any additional USB hubs connected to the REX.

AC adapter(s)Use only the AC
adapter provided

Input: 100/240 V AC, 50 – 60 Hz
Output: 5 V DC, 1.5 A

AC adapter connector

8-pin Icron custom connector

Power available to USB
device at REX unit

500 mAUSB cable length (LEX to
Host computer)0.15 meters (0.49 ft)

LEX unit USB connector

1 x USB Type A connector

LEX unit Link connector

1 x RJ45

REX unit Link connector

1 x RJ45

REX unit USB connector

1 x USB Type A port

LEX unit dimensions

44 mm x 87 mm x 24 mm (1.72” x 3.43” x 0.95”)

LEX unit weight0.06 kg ( 0.13 lbs)

LEX power consumption

500 mA Maximum

REX unit dimensions

44 mm x 87 mm x 24 mm (1.72” x 3.43” x 0.95”)

REX unit weight0.05 kg ( 0.11 lbs)

REX power consumption

Approx. 500 mA (No Load). 1A (Full load)

System shipping weight

0.5 kg (1.1 lbs)

Operating temperature
range

0°C – 50°C

Regulatory testing

FCC Class A, IC, CE Class A

ESD rating

EMC EN-61000-4-2 4kV Contact, 8kV Air
11

Limited Hardware Warranty
Icron Technologies Corporation warrants that any hardware products accompanying this documentation
shall be free from significant defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date ofpurchase. Icron Technologies Corporation’s hardware warranty extends to Licensee, its customers and end
users.

Hardware Remedies
Icron Technologies Corporation’s entire liability and the Licensee’s exclusive remedy for any breach of
warranty, shall be, at Icron Technologies Corporation’s option, either (a) return of the price paid or (b) repair
or replacement of hardware, which will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or
30 days, whichever is longer. These remedies are void if failure of the hardware has resulted from accident,
abuse, or misapplication.

Limitation of Liability
The hardware warranty set forth in this agreement replaces all other warranties. Icron Technologies
Corporation expressly disclaims all other merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and noninfringement of third-party rights with respect to the hardware.
Icron Technologies Corporation dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification,
extension, or addition to this warranty. Under no circumstances will Icron Technologies Corporation, its
suppliers or licensors be liable for any costs of procurement or substitute products or services, lost profits,
loss of information or data, or any other special, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages arising in
any way out of the sale of, use of, or inability to use Icron Technologies Corporation product or service, even
if Icron Technologies Corporation, its suppliers or licensors have been advised of the possibility of suchdamages. In no case shall Icron Technologies Corporation, its suppliers and licensors’ liability exceed theactual money paid for the products at issue.
Because some jurisdictions do not allow the limitation of implied warranties of liability for incidental,
consequential, special, or indirect damages, the above limitation may not always apply.
The above limitations will not apply in case of personal injury where and to the extent that applicable law
requires such liability.

12

Obtaining Warranty Service
To obtain warranty service, you must contact Icron Technologies Corporation within the warranty period
for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. Icron Technologies Corporation will not accept returns
without an authorized RMA number. Be sure you have the serial numbers of the LEX unit and REX unit
units before calling. Package the product appropriately for safe shipment and mark the RMA number on
the outside of the package. The package must be sent prepaid to Icron Technologies Corporation. We
recommend that you insure it or send it by a method that provides for tracking of the package. The repairedor replaced item will be shipped to you, at Icron Technologies Corporation’s expense, not later than thirtydays after Icron Technologies Corporation receives the defective product.
Address the returned product to:
RMA CoordinatorIcron Technologies Corporation
4664 Lougheed Highway, Suite 221
Burnaby, BC V5C 5T5 Canada
Tel: 1-604-638-3920

Contacting Sales
Email: sales@icron.com
Tel: 1-604-638-3920

Contacting Technical Support
Email: techsupport@icron.com
Tel: 1-604-638-3920

To help us serve you better, please include the following information with your technical support request:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Host computer make and modelType of operating system installed (e.g. Windows XP, Mac OS X, etc.)
Part number and serial number of both LEX unit and REX unit
Make and model of any USB device(s) attached to the Ranger
Description of the installation
Description of the problem

13

Technical Glossary
Category 5 (CAT 5) Network Cabling
Category 5 cable is commonly also referred to as CAT 5. This cabling is available in either solid or stranded
twisted pair copper wire variants and as UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) or STP (Shielded Twisted Pair). UTP
cables are not surrounded by any shielding making them more susceptible to electromagnetic interference(EMI). STP cables include shielding over each individual pair of copper wires and provides better protection
against EMI. CAT 5 has been succeeded by CAT 5E cabling which includes better support for high speed
communications and reliability.
USB Cables
USB cables have two distinct connectors. The Type A connector is used to connect the cable from a USB
device to the Type A port on a computer or hub. The Type B connector is used to attach the USB cable to a
USB device.

USB Type A
port

USB Type B
port

USB Type A
connector

USB Type B
connector

RJ45
The Registered Jack (RJ) physical interface is what connects the network cabling (CAT 5) to the LEX and REX
unit. You may use either the T568A scheme (Table 1) or the T568B scheme (Table 2) for cable termination
as the Ranger uses all four pairs of the cable. RJ45 connectors are sometimes also referred to as 8P8C
connectors.
RJ45 Pin Positioning
Table 1 - T568A Wiring					Table 2 - T568B Wiring

PIN

PAIR

WIRE

CABLE COLOR

PIN

PAIR

WIRE

CABLE COLOR

1

3

1

WHITE/GREEN

1

2

1

WHITE/ORANGE

2

3

2

GREEN

2

2

2

ORANGE

3

2

1

WHITE/ORANGE

3

3

1

WHITE/GREEN

4

1

2

BLUE

4

1

2

BLUE

5

1

1

WHITE/BLUE

5

1

1

WHITE/BLUE

6

2

2

ORANGE

6

3

2

GREEN

7

4

1

WHITE/BROWN

7

4

1

WHITE/BROWN

8

4

2

BROWN

8

4

2

BROWN

Pair 2
Pair 3

1

2

Pair 2

Pair 13

4

5

Pair 4

6

7

Pair 38

1

W-G G W-O BL W-BL O W-BR BR

2Pair 13

4

5

Pair 4

6

7

8

W-O O W-G B W-BL G W-BR BR

14

Icron Technologies Corporation
4664 Lougheed Highway, Suite 221
Burnaby, BC, V5C 5T5 Canada
Tel: 1-604-638-3920 Fax: 1-604-638-3930
www.icron.com