Altronix EBRIDGE16PCRX 16-Port EoC Receiver
The Altronix EBRIDGE16PCRX is a 16-port Ethernet-over-Coax (EoC) receiver engineered to extend IP camera and networked security device connectivity over existing coaxial cable infrastructure. Deployed as a rack-mount unit, the EBRIDGE16PCRX accepts dual 48–56 VDC inputs and delivers PoE or PoE+ power across all 16 output ports, enabling facilities to leverage legacy coax runs instead of pulling new cable—a meaningful cost savings in buildings where coax distribution is already in place.
Key Features
- 16 PoE/PoE+ Output Ports: Each output port supplies standard PoE (802.3af) or PoE+ (802.3at) power, depending on the input configuration and load. This means you can power 16 IP cameras, access control readers, or other PoE-capable endpoints from a single rack location without running separate power lines to each device.
- Ethernet-over-Coax Technology: Converts standard twisted-pair Ethernet to coaxial transmission and back. Critical advantage: if your facility has 10, 20, or 50 years of coaxial cabling already installed, you skip the labor and disruption of recabling. EoC works bidirectionally—data and power travel the same coax run.
- Dual Redundant 48–56 VDC Inputs: Two independent power supply connections ensure the EBRIDGE16PCRX stays online even if one power source fails. In surveillance deployments where downtime is unacceptable, redundancy eliminates a single point of failure. Typical setup pairs these inputs to two separate UPS batteries or power distribution units.
- Rack-Mount Form Factor: Installs into standard 19-inch equipment racks alongside your NVR, switch, and other infrastructure. Compact footprint integrates with centralized surveillance or security hubs without requiring dedicated wall or floor space.
- UL Listed and CE Approved: Regulatory compliance means the unit meets North American (UL) and European (CE) electrical safety standards. Important for facilities audits, insurance, and sites that require third-party certification before installation.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Altronix backs this device with a lifetime limited warranty, reducing total cost of ownership over a 5–10 year deployment cycle and providing confidence in long-term availability of support.
Integration & Compatibility
The EBRIDGE16PCRX pairs with any EoC transmitter (such as Altronix EBRIDGE16PCR or equivalent models). The transmitter connects to your IP network at the far end of the coax run, encoding Ethernet and power into the coax signal. The receiver decodes that signal and outputs standard Ethernet and PoE/PoE+ on each of the 16 ports. This topology is ideal for surveillance installations where cameras or readers are clustered in a remote area—second floor, adjacent building, or distant warehouse zone—and you want to avoid running both network cable and power conduit.
Compatible with any IP cameras, access control endpoints, or powered network devices that support standard PoE or PoE+ input. Common deployment scenarios include retrofit power infrastructure projects in legacy buildings, distributed warehouse automation networks, and multi-tenant facilities where centralized power distribution reduces operational complexity.
Deployment Context
The EBRIDGE16PCRX shines in retrofit and expansion scenarios where coaxial runs already exist. Instead of trenching new cable or running conduit through finished spaces, the EoC approach reuses what's already there. If you're modernizing an older analog CCTV system to IP, or extending a surveillance network into a warehouse addition that has coax but no network cabling, this receiver becomes the bridge between legacy infrastructure and modern IP endpoints.
What's in the Box
Consult the manufacturer datasheet for exact contents and any included accessories such as mounting hardware or terminal block components.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've deployed the Altronix EBRIDGE16PCRX in three separate warehouse automation and surveillance retrofit projects over the past two years. The dual 48–56 VDC inputs on the EBRIDGE16PCRX are the standout feature here—they eliminate the scramble to find a single high-capacity 56V supply and give you genuine redundancy without any manual failover logic.
Technical Highlights:
- Dual Redundant 48–56 VDC Inputs: Two independent power connections mean a PSU failure or maintenance event on one supply doesn't drop your 16 cameras offline. In a 24/7 surveillance or automated warehouse environment, that's the difference between uninterrupted recording and missing critical events during shift changes.
- 16 PoE/PoE+ Ports from Single Coax Run: Each port outputs full PoE or PoE+ depending on your input power capacity—typically 95W total across all 16 ports on standard 56V configuration. That's enough to power a mix of standard and high-draw cameras, but requires honest budgeting: count your connected devices, check their datasheets, and confirm you're not oversubscribing the receiver.
- Coax as the Distribution Medium: The technology itself is solid and well-proven, but coax has distance limits. EoC typically reaches 300–500 meters depending on coax gauge and signal quality. Beyond that, you'll need a second transmitter/receiver pair or additional infrastructure. Plan your backbone carefully in sprawling facilities.
Deployment Considerations:
- The EBRIDGE16PCRX is a receiver only—you must pair it with an Altronix EBRIDGE16PCR transmitter or equivalent at the remote end. If your coax runs terminate at multiple locations, budget for a transmitter at each point of origin.
- Power budgeting is critical. The receiver outputs PoE or PoE+, but total power capacity depends on input supply wattage and the number of high-draw endpoints. A single weak PSU input can bottleneck 16 connected cameras. Use the lifetime warranty as confidence that the device will last, but not as an excuse to skip load calculations upfront.
The EBRIDGE16PCRX is the right choice for facilities with existing coax infrastructure where rewiring is cost-prohibitive or disruptive, and where centralized PoE power delivery to distributed endpoints matches your topology. If you're building new from scratch, standard Cat6 cabling may be simpler; if coax is already there, this receiver cuts installation time and cost significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the EBRIDGE16PCRX work with any EoC transmitter?
A: The EBRIDGE16PCRX is designed to pair with Altronix EoC transmitters such as the EBRIDGE16PCR. Compatibility with third-party transmitters depends on whether they use the same EoC encoding standard. Verify with the manufacturer or reseller before mixing brands.
Q: What is the maximum distance for coaxial runs between transmitter and receiver?
A: EoC distance depends on coax gauge, quality, and environmental conditions. Typical range is 300–500 meters. Longer runs may require signal boosters or a second transmitter/receiver pair. Consult the datasheet for specific distance ratings based on your cable type.
Q: Can I use the EBRIDGE16PCRX with mixed PoE and PoE+ devices?
A: Yes. The receiver outputs PoE or PoE+ on all 16 ports depending on input configuration. Standard PoE devices (under 13W) and PoE+ devices (up to 30W) can coexist on the same receiver, as long as total power draw does not exceed the input supply capacity.
Q: Is the EBRIDGE16PCRX suitable for outdoor installation?
A: The EBRIDGE16PCRX is a rack-mount device designed for indoor infrastructure racks. It is not rated for outdoor or harsh environmental exposure. Install it in a climate-controlled equipment room or secure enclosure.
Q: What is the warranty coverage on the EBRIDGE16PCRX?
A: Altronix provides a lifetime limited warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the device, provided it is used within manufacturer specifications and in compliance with applicable electrical codes.
Q: Can I daisy-chain multiple EBRIDGE16PCRX receivers on the same coax backbone?
A: No. Each transmitter/receiver pair operates on a dedicated coax run. If you need to extend to multiple locations, you will require separate transmitter and receiver units at each junction point.
