Product Overview

The Lightware USB20-1GBE-DS4 is the device-side extender unit in Lightware’s USB 2.0 over Gigabit Ethernet extension system. Designed for demanding AV and IT environments, it connects up to four USB 2.0 peripherals at the remote end of a LAN extension, delivering transparent USB 2.0 operation across standard Cat or fiber network infrastructure. This unit pairs with a corresponding host-side extender to create a complete USB extension solution over distances that exceed the 5-meter physical USB limit.

Product Description

The USB20-1GBE-DS4 provides four USB 2.0 Type-A ports for peripheral connections, communicating back to the host system over a single Gigabit Ethernet link. It supports isochronous, bulk, interrupt, and control transfer types, making it compatible with a wide range of USB devices including cameras, audio interfaces, storage, and input devices. Power is supplied via the network connection or a local source, and the unit is engineered for installation in rack enclosures or AV equipment rooms. Latency is kept within USB specification bounds, ensuring compatibility with latency-sensitive peripherals such as USB audio and video capture devices. Configuration is minimal the unit operates in a plug-and-play manner once connected to a compatible host-side unit.

Key Features

• Four USB 2.0 Type-A ports on the device side
• Extension over Gigabit Ethernet (standard Cat or fiber infrastructure)
• Supports all USB 2.0 transfer types: isochronous, bulk, interrupt, control
• Transparent USB operation no special drivers required on most platforms
• Compatible with USB peripherals up to 480 Mbps (Hi-Speed USB)
• Designed for integration into Lightware USB extension systems
• Low latency suitable for USB audio and video peripherals
• Compact form factor for rack or equipment room installation

Typical Applications

• Extending USB 2.0 peripherals (cameras, microphones, capture cards) to remote AV sources over LAN
• Corporate boardroom and conference room AV installations
• University lecture capture and classroom AV systems
• Broadcast and production environments requiring remote USB peripheral access
• Huddle rooms and collaboration spaces where USB devices are installed at the table
• IT-managed AV installations using existing Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the USB20-1GBE-DS4 require a specific host-side extender from Lightware?Yes. The DS4 is the device-side unit and requires a compatible Lightware host-side extender (such as the USB20-1GBE-HS4) to complete the extension system. The two units communicate over a Gigabit Ethernet link.Can this unit extend USB audio interfaces and webcams?Yes. The USB20-1GBE-DS4 supports isochronous USB transfers, which are required for real-time audio and video USB devices. Both USB microphones and USB cameras are compatible.What cable infrastructure is required?A standard Gigabit Ethernet connection (Cat5e or Cat6 cabling, or fiber with appropriate SFP modules) is required between the device-side and host-side extender units.Is any special software or driver installation required?In most cases, no. The extension is transparent to the host operating system, and USB peripherals are recognized as if directly connected. Some specialized USB devices may have driver requirements unrelated to the extender itself.Can I connect four different USB devices simultaneously?Yes. All four USB 2.0 Type-A ports operate concurrently, allowing up to four peripherals to be connected and used at the same time, subject to total bandwidth constraints of USB 2.0 (480 Mbps shared).Where can I purchase this product or get expert advice?The USB20-1GBE-DS4 is available at . Our team of AV specialists can advise on system design and compatible host-side units.