This was noted in another post, but thought I'd post the link here where more folks might see it.

 

This is a VERY good price for a USB-over-Cat5/6 extender ... only $6 to extend USB as much as 150 ft.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/361191909906?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D361191909906%26_rdc%3D1

 

Note that it only works at USB v1.1 speeds, so it's not very useful for high speed devices (DVD R/W drives, hard drives, etc.) ... but it's fine for extending a keyboard/mouse combo or a printer.

 

This was noted in another post, but thought I'd post the link here where more folks might see it.

 

This is a VERY good price for a USB-over-Cat5/6 extender ... only $6 to extend USB as much as 150 ft.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/361191909906?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D361191909906%26_rdc%3D1

 

Note that it only works at USB v1.1 speeds, so it's not very useful for high speed devices (DVD R/W drives, hard drives, etc.) ... but it's fine for extending a keyboard/mouse combo or a printer.

I have the very similar appearing model from monoprice, http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=6042 and it works well when driven with or to a powered USB hub, but I had issues with it connected directly from a motherboard port to a logitech cordless mouse. I suspect the amount of USB power (possibly voltage drop) that is seen at the far end is not enough for some devices. I have several in use, with USB hubs driving a couple, and USB hubs at the far end of a couple more, and they work well in either of those roles.

Using a powered hub at the endpoint is a good idea => the voltage drop over a long distance is indeed likely the reason it doesn't work well for some devices.    Thanks for the tip ... I ordered one of these "just to have it"  (no current need) ... but will be sure to store it with one of my spare powered hubs so I'll remember to use it if I ever need to use the extension.