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Vanco USB 3.2 Extender Review: A Game-Changer in Centralized Installs

As someone who relies on a clean, efficient, and high-performance home office setup, I was excited to test the Vanco USB 3.2 Extender over HDBaseT with USB-C. This device promises to extend USB 3.2 and USB-C signals over long distances using a single Cat6 cable, which is a game-changer for integrators who need to connect peripherals across rooms or to a centralized workstation.

According to Vanco, the EVEXUSB32 accommodates up to four USB 3.2 devices, including webcams, keyboards, mice, and storage drives, through both USB-A and USB-C ports. Utilizing Power over HDBaseT (PoH) technology, it requires only a single power supply at either end. It features two 1.5A ports (USB-A & USB-C) and two 1A ports (USB-A) to power connected peripherals.

The company says the USB extender is well-suited for applications in corporate, medical, security, and educational environments, among others.

CE Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Maintains USB 3.2 speeds up to 328 feet.
  • Supports high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 1 with up to 5 Gbps transfer rates.
  • USB-C and USB-A ports for broad device compatibility.
  • Stable performance with multiple peripherals.
  • Flexibility since only one unit requires power to supply the entire system.
  • Plug-and-play installation with no additional software required.
Cons:
  • Only four USB ports, but that can be extended even further with a USB hub, so this isn’t really a con.

Setup and Installation of the Vanco USB 3.2 Extender

The installation process was incredibly simple, and as plug-and-play as it gets. The kit includes a transmitter and receiver unit, both of which are compact and well-built. I connected the transmitter to my PC using the included USB-C cable and the receiver to my Poly P15 video bar, a Bluetooth dongle for my mouse and keyboard, a Shure microphone, and another USB-C cable for charging various things.

Only one half of the setup, either the transmitter or the receiver, needs the power adapter, offering more flexibility based on available power sources. For my simple desktop setup, I chose to plug in the transmitter. But again, it doesn’t matter which end gets power.

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Vanco provides clear instructions, so set up and installation took mere minutes. I left the transmitter at the back of my desk and and secured the receiever under my desk using zipties. The kit came with mounting brackets, but I didn’t want to drill any holes since this is only a review unit.

Performance

My Poly P15 video bar also performed flawlessly, with no noticeable latency or drop in video quality. The USB-C compatibility is a huge plus, as it future-proofs the device and allows for easy connectivity with modern laptops and peripherals.

Other peripherals I connected included a Shure podcasting microphone and a Poly P15 video bar, both of which performed as if they were plugged directly into my laptop via USB.

My laptop’s two USB-C ports were already taken, one for power and another for an external display, so I actually used a USB-C to USB-A converter and it worked just fine.

One of the most impressive aspects is the extender’s ability to handle multiple devices simultaneously. I daisy-chained a USB hub to the receiver and connected my devices without any issues. The system remained stable, and there was no interference or signal degradation.

Use Case in a Home Office

For my home office, this extender solved a major pain point: cable clutter. By running a single Cat6 cable behind my desk, I was able to create a more organized workspace.

However, since most peripherals I used were already located on my desk, I didn’t have much of a need to extend USB signals much farther than a few feet. However, for purposes of my review, I simulated an office environment with a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) conference room setup and put my Poly video bar on a smart TV across the room in my office. I then mirrored my laptop screen to the TV and fired up a Zoom call on my laptop, and it continued working as advertised. The ability to extend USB signals without sacrificing speed or reliability is a huge win for productivity.

For smart home professionals, this extender is particularly useful in home offices, media rooms, gaming setups, and home automation systems, where users may need to connect external drives or peripherals at a distance from their computers or control hubs. It enables seamless integration of USB devices into centralized smart home ecosystems, ensuring a clutter-free and efficient setup.

Beyond residential applications, the Vanco USB 3.2 Extender over HDBaseT with USB-C is also well-suited for corporate environments where extended USB connectivity is essential. It can be used in conference rooms for seamless video conferencing setups, ensuring smooth operation of webcams and speakerphones at a distance from the host computer

Additionally, in corporate training rooms and shared workspaces, it enables centralized USB device management, such as connecting multiple peripherals like interactive touchscreens, keyboards, and external drives without latency issues. Its plug-and-play functionality and long-distance transmission make it an ideal solution for modern office environments that require flexibility and high-speed USB performance.

Final Thoughts on the Vanco USB 3.2 Extender

Vanco has a reputation for building durable, professional-grade equipment, and this extender is no exception. The units are housed in sturdy metal casings, which not only protect the internal components but also help dissipate heat. The compact design makes them easy to mount or tuck away, and the LED indicators provide clear status updates at a glance.

The Vanco USB 3.2 Extender over HDBaseT with USB-C is an excellent solution for extending high-speed USB connections over long distances. Its robust performance, ease of installation, and compatibility with modern devices make it a standout product for home offices, studios, or any environment where flexibility and reliability are key. If you’re looking to streamline your setup and extend your USB devices without compromising speed or quality, this extender is well worth considering.

For CE Pro readers, this product is a solid choice for integrators and professionals looking to deliver high-performance USB extension solutions in residential or commercial settings.

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