Introduction to the Haydon HAY-USB100M and its key features
The Haydon HAY-USB100M USB 2.0 Extender Kit is a practical, budget-friendly solution for extending USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 peripherals up to 100 metres over a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable. Supplied as a pair (1× Transmitter, 1× Receiver), this plug-and-play kit eliminates the need for long dedicated USB cables, additional drivers or complex configuration. Designed for straightforward deployments, the HAY-USB100M targets environments where a direct USB run is impractical — think conference rooms, kiosks, retail counters, laboratories and surveillance setups.
Key features at a glance:
- USB support:USB 2.0 (High/Full speed) and USB 1.1 compatible.
- Range:Up to 100 m for USB 2.0 full-speed over Cat5e/Cat6; USB 1.1 operation is possible at greater distances in some cases.
- Plug-and-play:No drivers required for basic operation.
- Power:No external power adaptor required; host-powered behaviour has been reported.
- Package:Supplied as Tx + Rx pair; 36-month return-to-base warranty.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The HAY-USB100M is designed to bridge the gap between a host computer and a remote USB device using existing structured cabling. Technically, it supports USB 2.0 high-speed and full-speed signalling, making it suitable for many common devices such as webcams, keyboards, mice, barcode scanners and printers. When used with quality Cat5e or Cat6 cabling, the extender reliably transmits USB data up to 100 metres at USB 2.0 full-speed. Some users report longer distances for USB 1.1 devices — sometimes up to 200 metres — though distance depends heavily on cable quality and environmental factors.
Specifications (high-level):
- Model / SKU:HAY-USB100M / ITM003646 / USB-100MEXT.
- USB Standards:USB 2.0 (High/Full speed) and USB 1.1.
- Maximum Distance:Up to 100 m for USB 2.0 full-speed over Cat5e; longer distances for USB 1.1 possible depending on cable.
- Power:No external power adapter required; host-powered behaviour reported. Note: high-current devices (bus-powered hard drives, some hubs) may not be supported without local power.
- Package Contents:1× Transmitter (Tx), 1× Receiver (Rx).
- Warranty:36 months (3 years RTB).
Benefits:The primary benefit of the HAY-USB100M is convenience. It removes the logistical and aesthetic problems of running long USB cables and provides a reliable data extension method using inexpensive, widely available Cat5e/Cat6 cable. The plug-and-play nature reduces deployment time and technical overhead. Because no external power is required in typical setups, installation is neater and involves fewer components — though you should confirm power needs for high-draw peripherals. The 36-month warranty also gives business and occasional users extra confidence in the product’s durability.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The HAY-USB100M is especially useful in situations where devices must be positioned away from the host system for operational, security or space reasons. Typical scenarios include:
- Video conferencing and surveillance:Extend webcams or PTZ cameras from a PC or NVR to a camera positioned across a large room or hallway without needing USB active cables or separate power runs.
- Retail and point-of-sale:Move barcode scanners, receipt printers and integrated peripherals to customer-facing counters while keeping the POS PC in a secure back-of-house location.
- Kiosks and public terminals:Install touchscreens, card readers or keyboard/mouse combos where cabling must be routed through walls or ceilings to a backend computer.
- Lab and industrial setups:Place measurement instruments, data loggers or USB-controlled equipment at a safe distance from noisy or controlled environments.
- Temporary event deployments:Quickly set up audio-visual equipment or demo stations with minimal cable clutter and fast teardown.
In each of these cases, the HAY-USB100M’s ability to leverage existing Ethernet cabling simplifies installation and often reduces cost compared with running long proprietary USB cables or installing powered extenders and repeaters.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
USB extenders come in several flavours: passive active extenders that run over Cat5e/Cat6, powered extenders that provide local power at the remote end, USB-over-IP devices that route USB over an IP network, and fibre-based extenders for long-distance or electrically isolated installations. Where does the HAY-USB100M fit?
- HAY-USB100M vs. powered USB extenders:Powered extenders can support high-current devices (like bus-powered HDDs or multiple devices through a hub). The HAY-USB100M is generally host-powered and works best with low-power peripherals. If you need consistent power delivery at the remote end, choose a powered extender or a local powered hub.
- HAY-USB100M vs. USB-over-IP:USB-over-IP solutions add flexibility for remote access and device sharing across networks, but they are more complex to set up, may require drivers or software, and can introduce latency. The HAY-USB100M is plug-and-play and has predictable, low-latency behaviour — ideal for webcams, scanners and interactive devices.
- HAY-USB100M vs. fibre USB extenders:Fibre extenders offer longer distances and electrical isolation, which is essential in some industrial or medical environments. They are more expensive and require fibre cabling and media converters. For standard office or retail deployments where up to 100 m is sufficient, the HAY-USB100M is a cost-effective choice.
- HAY-USB100M vs. other Cat5e/Cat6 USB extenders:Competing passive Cat5e/Cat6 extenders vary by supported distance, power options and vendor support. The HAY-USB100M’s value proposition is a balanced combination of plug-and-play simplicity, 100 m USB 2.0 support, and a 36-month warranty at a competitive price point. Some premium extenders advertise longer guaranteed distances or active signal conditioning; those products often come at a higher cost and may require power or configuration.
Customer testimonials and user feedback
Official public reviews specific to the HAY-USB100M are limited on reseller pages, but aggregated user feedback and typical experiences for this class of product provide useful insight:
- Positive feedback:Users commonly praise the simplicity and reliability for webcams, barcode scanners and keyboards. Many report straightforward plug-and-play installation and consistent operation at distances up to 100 m when using good-quality Cat5e/Cat6 cable.
- Power caveat:Several users note that the extender behaves in a host-powered manner and that high-draw devices (external hard drives, some bus-powered hubs) may not function without local power. For such use cases, a powered extender or local powered hub is recommended.
- Practical notes:Installers emphasize the importance of using solid, good-quality cable and avoiding long runs with poor terminations. Where devices are mission-critical, testing the specific device at the intended distance before final installation is commonly advised.
If you require official case studies or direct customer reviews, contact your supplier or reseller for references and feedback from installations similar to your planned deployment.
Conclusion: Why the Haydon HAY-USB100M is a great choice
The Haydon HAY-USB100M USB 2.0 Extender Kit is a sensible, economical choice for anyone needing to place USB peripherals at a distance from the host computer without the complexity of networked USB solutions or the expense of fibre. Its plug-and-play nature, support for USB 2.0 and USB 1.1, and compatibility with standard Cat5e/Cat6 cabling make it well-suited to common business, education and event scenarios. While it’s important to be mindful of power limitations for high-current devices and to verify compliance requirements for specialised installations, the HAY-USB100M delivers reliable data extension for webcams, scanners, keyboards, printers and other low-power peripherals.
With a modest suggested retail price and a 36-month warranty, this extender strikes a practical balance between cost, capability and reliability. For straightforward USB extension needs up to 100 metres, especially where minimal setup and tidy cabling are priorities, the Haydon HAY-USB100M is a strong candidate to consider.
