Coax to PoE: Pros and Cons

In this article we'll discuss the pros and cons of leveraging existing coax connections and converting them to PoE.

• Pros
• Cons
• Recommendations
• Helpful Links
• Contact Support and Sales

Pros

• You don't have to run new PoE lines which minimizes installation costs.
• The overall savings in time and minimal impact to operations.
• Coax cables can be run over longer distances versus Cat 5/6
  • Approximately 1500-2000ft for coax
  • 300ft for Cat 5/6

Cons

• The connection from an existing coax cable might not be as good as a new PoE line. Factors could include:
  • The quality of existing coax cable.
  • The distance of the run.
  • The amount of data being transmitted over coax.
• The converter can be just as or more expensive.
  • Between $70-$500 per converter.
• Performance speeds are limited especially if there's heavy usage.
  • Approximately 10/100 Mbps for coax.
  • 1000 Mbps for Cat 5/6

Recommendations

Rhombus suggests that cameras be connected with Cat 5/6 when possible to ensure the best connection for camera performance and usage.

If you have existing cameras wired with coaxial cables, you can use those cables. You'll need to put Ethernet-to-coax adapters at each end of the coaxial cables that support PoE. A few products we have seen customers use:

• NVT
• Dualcomm
• AXIS

If you have any other questions regarding this setup, please contact support.

Helpful Links

• Wiring New Rhombus Cameras

Contact Support or Sales

Have more questions? Contact Rhombus Support at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 2 or support@rhombus.com.

Interested in learning more? Contact Rhombus Sales at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 1 or sales@rhombus.com.