Described herein are methods and systems for connecting via a cable a USB host and USB device over distances equal to greater than 50 meters. The methods and systems include having the host and device each send a pilot signal over the cable and the host and device, each detecting that the received pilot signal is valid. After confirming the validity of the pilot signals, the host begins standard USB protocols with the device. The system and methods also allow for the insertion of a power over Ethernet device into the cable to provide power to a remote USB device. In some embodiments, only the D+ and D− lines are used allowing multiple independent USB connections over the cable.