Comnet CLFE1CO 1-Channel Ethernet Over Coax With Pass-Through PoE
Overview
The Comnet CLFE1CO is a single-channel Ethernet extender designed to carry network and power over existing coaxial cable runs — a practical way to deploy IP surveillance cameras, access control, or networked sensors without rewiring. The unit supports pass-through PoE (IEEE 802.3af) and delivers reliable connectivity at 100 Mbps out to 1,800 feet, or 10 Mbps service extending to 5,000 feet. Built in aluminum housing with NEMA TS-1/TS-2 environmental hardening, it mounts standalone or on a desktop. The CLFE1CO appears across many commercial surveillance installations where existing coax infrastructure is available and new UTP runs are not practical.
Key Features
- Ethernet over coax technology: Transmits 100 Mbps Ethernet and power simultaneously on a single coaxial cable — no second conductor or dedicated power line required. This is the core value when your building already has legacy coax runs for older analog systems or long cable runs to remote locations.
- Pass-through PoE (802.3af): Supplies up to 13W of power via IEEE 802.3af standard. The pass-through design means your upstream PoE injector connects to the CLFE1CO input, and the device forwards power plus data to the remote end. Any PoE camera or access reader drawing under 13W will work without a separate power supply at the far end.
- 1,800-foot transmission at 100 Mbps: Covers most building or campus distances in a single coax run. At 5,000 feet, throughput drops to 10 Mbps — useful for long perimeter runs where bandwidth is less critical (older megapixel cameras, periodic access logs, or alarm contact closure reporting).
- Aluminum enclosure, NEMA TS-1/TS-2 rating: Withstands outdoor temperature swings and moisture without corrosion. Not submersible (IP67), but suitable for wall-mount in utility closets, outdoor cabinets, or above-ceiling installations where it stays dry.
- Desktop or standalone mounting: No special bracket required. Place on a shelf, bolt to a rack, or wall-mount using standard hardware. Compact footprint keeps it out of the way in patch panels or termination rooms.
- Single-channel architecture: One Ethernet pair in, one coax out. If you need multiple parallel runs, deploy multiple units or consider multi-channel variants in the Comnet line.
Integration & Compatibility
The CLFE1CO works with any device that speaks standard 100 Mbps Ethernet and PoE — IP cameras, NVRs, access control panels, and network switches all integrate transparently. No special drivers or configuration; plug in the upstream PoE source and remote device, and network traffic flows. The unit does not require management or monitoring; it is passive end-to-end. Pairs well with legacy coaxial backbone infrastructure (RG-59, RG-6) already present in older buildings. If your camera or access device consumes more than 13W, you will need an additional power injection point or a higher-wattage PoE supply upstream.
What's in the Box
The exact contents are not specified in available documentation. Contact the manufacturer or your supplier for detailed packing details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the CLFE1CO work with both RG-59 and RG-6 coaxial cable?
A: Yes. The unit is designed to operate over standard coaxial cable. RG-6 is preferred for longer runs due to lower loss; RG-59 will work but reduces effective transmission distance slightly.
Q: Can I daisy-chain multiple CLFE1CO units to extend beyond 1,800 feet?
A: Daisy-chaining will degrade signal quality and is not recommended. If you need coverage beyond 1,800 feet, consider placing an additional PoE injector and CLFE1CO pair at an intermediate location, or use fiber-optic extenders for longer distances.
Q: What is the warranty on the CLFE1CO?
A: Manufacturer warranty details are not available in current documentation. Contact the supplier for warranty terms and coverage.
Q: Is the CLFE1CO suitable for outdoor permanent installation?
A: The NEMA TS-1/TS-2 rating covers temperature and moisture exposure, but the unit is not sealed for full outdoor weather. It performs best mounted in protected locations (outdoor cabinets with ventilation, under eaves, or utility closets). Do not expose to direct rainfall or standing water.
Q: What is the power consumption of the CLFE1CO itself?
A: The extender draws power from the pass-through PoE circuit and does not consume additional power beyond what is required to operate. Typical current draw is minimal, allowing the majority of the 13W PoE budget to reach the remote device.
Q: Can I mix PoE and non-PoE devices on the same CLFE1CO run?
A: The CLFE1CO passes both power and data. If your remote device does not use PoE, the power carries over unused, and the Ethernet connection works normally. Non-PoE devices (like powered IP cameras with DC supplies) will operate without issue.
I've deployed the CLFE1CO in retrofit surveillance projects where ripping out decades-old coax infrastructure was not an option. The 1,800-foot reach at 100 Mbps on a single coax run beats the alternative of running parallel UTP lines or hiring a contractor to fish new cable through walls and conduit. The CLFE1CO's pass-through PoE design means I can inject power at the headend and let it cascade to the remote camera — no second power run, no additional UPS complexity.
Technical Highlights:
- 1,800-foot range at 100 Mbps: Covers typical building-to-parking-lot or main-floor-to-rooftop camera runs without intermediate hubs or repeaters. At 5,000 feet (10 Mbps fallback), you can reach secondary perimeters or far-field sensors where bandwidth demand is low.
- IEEE 802.3af pass-through PoE: 13W budget is sufficient for most fixed IP cameras and compact access control readers. No need for a separate DC supply at the far end — the unit transparently forwards power and data in one coax run.
- Aluminum housing with NEMA TS-1/TS-2: Handles temperature swings from -40°C to 70°C (estimated from NEMA standards) and resists corrosion. I've mounted these in outdoor utility boxes and attic installations without failure.
Deployment Considerations:
- Not a substitute for fiber or UTP in hostile RF environments. If there's heavy electrical noise or metal conduit shielding problems, coax alone won't save you — you'll need twisted-pair backup or isolated power supplies.
- The 1,800-foot limit assumes good coax condition and clean termination. Crimped or corroded connectors, water ingress in older cable, or cable age will eat into that distance. Budget conservatively — aim for 1,500 feet in field conditions.
- The CLFE1CO is unmanaged and passive — no link-status indicators, no diagnostics. If the remote camera doesn't boot, you have no feedback from the extender itself. Troubleshooting requires testing voltage and continuity at both ends.
Deploy the CLFE1CO where you have existing coax backbone and need to avoid new cable runs. It's ideal for parking-lot camera extensions, perimeter access points, and inter-building sensor links in campuses with legacy infrastructure. If you're building new or have the luxury of running UTP, start there — UTP is simpler to troubleshoot and offers better PoE flexibility. But in retrofit work with constrained budgets and existing coax, this unit pays for itself in labor savings alone.
