Coax to PoE: Pros and Cons

Topics included in this article:

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

Overview

Coax to PoE refers to a technology that allows you to transmit both Power over Ethernet (PoE) and data signals over existing coaxial cables. This upgrades analog surveillance systems to IP-based systems without replacing the existing wiring.

Pros

• You don't have to run new PoE lines, which minimizes installation costs.
• Overall savings in time and minimal impact on 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 expensive.
• Performance speeds are limited especially if there's heavy usage.
  • Approximately 10/100 Mbps for coax.
  • 1000 Mbps for Cat 5/6.

Recommendations

Rhombus recommends 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 that support PoE at each end of the coaxial cables.

A few products we have seen customers use:

• NVT
• Dualcomm
• AXIS

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

Helpful Links

• Connecting a Rhombus Camera

Contact Support and 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.