Altronix EBRIDGE1CRT Ethernet Over Coax Single Port Adapter Kit
Overview
The Altronix EBRIDGE1CRT is a complete Ethernet over Coax (EoC) solution for security integrators and IT architects who need to extend IP connectivity over existing coaxial cable infrastructure. The kit ships as a paired transceiver and receiver unit, eliminating field guesswork about unit orientation. It delivers 25Mbps of Ethernet bandwidth—enough to support HD video streams, PTZ camera control, and bidirectional IP traffic—while simultaneously carrying analog composite video on the same coax line. This capability matters because it lets you migrate from legacy analog systems to IP cameras incrementally, using existing cable runs instead of trenching new Ethernet. Maximum range is 100 meters on standard RG-59 or RG-6 coax, covering most building sections without intermediate repeaters.
Key Features
- 25Mbps Ethernet Throughput: Adequate bandwidth for single HD video stream transmission, PTZ control commands, and access control reader traffic. More than sufficient for one or two IP cameras per coax run, but not a candidate for aggregating multiple 1080p+ feeds onto a single line.
- Simultaneous Composite Video on One Cable: Analog video and Ethernet data coexist on the same coax without crosstalk. This is the real value in retrofit scenarios—you keep working analog cameras online while adding IP devices without running new cable.
- 100-Meter Maximum Range: Covers standard building sections—a floor of a commercial office, a warehouse zone, or large retail space—without requiring active repeaters or intermediate equipment. Verify cable condition before installation; signal degradation increases over longer runs or compromised coax.
- Flexible Power Input (12VDC, 24VDC, 16/24VAC): Accepts multiple voltage sources. You can connect directly to an existing security power supply, UPS, or 24VAC transformer without separate adapters. This integration avoids extra power distribution overhead in retrofit installations.
- F-Type Coax Connectors and Terminal Block Power: Industry-standard connectors and wiring terminals align with existing security system practices. No proprietary connectors; parts and replacements are standard catalog items.
- UL Listed and CE Marked: Meets North American and European safety and EMC regulations. Acceptable for commercial deployments, building code audits, and insurance compliance in most jurisdictions.
Integration & Compatibility
The EBRIDGE1CRT functions as a transparent Ethernet bridge, meaning it appears as a standard network port to your NVR, network switch, or access control panel. Connect the transceiver to your central equipment (switch, NVR) and the receiver to the remote camera or device, and the coax line carries both signals. Single-port design keeps installation straightforward—one transceiver-receiver pair per coax run. In mixed analog-IP environments, this is particularly valuable: operators continue monitoring existing analog camera feeds via composite video while rolling out IP cameras and network-based access readers on the same infrastructure. No need to wait for a complete analog cutover.
Refer to your NVR selection and architecture guide for bandwidth planning across multiple EBRIDGE1CRT units feeding a central recorder.
What's in the Box
One transceiver unit, one receiver unit, F-type coax connectors (pre-installed), and terminal block power connectors. No additional adapters or field splitters are required for basic deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the EBRIDGE1CRT with both 12VDC and 24VAC on the same run?
A: No. Each EBRIDGE1CRT unit requires a single power input. Transceiver and receiver can use different voltage sources (one 12VDC, one 24VAC), but each must be supplied separately—do not mix supplies on a single unit.
Q: Will the EBRIDGE1CRT work with existing analog cameras and new IP cameras on the same coax?
A: Yes. The analog composite video signal and Ethernet data coexist on the same line without interference. Place an analog camera at one end of the coax and use the EBRIDGE1CRT to carry IP traffic from an IP camera or access reader at the other end, as long as total Ethernet demand does not exceed 25Mbps.
Q: What coax cable type does the EBRIDGE1CRT require?
A: Standard RG-59 or RG-6 coaxial cable. Verify cable integrity before installation; damaged or heavily corroded runs will reduce effective range below 100 meters.
Q: Is the EBRIDGE1CRT rated for outdoor installation?
A: The unit itself is UL Listed and CE marked for commercial use, but the enclosure is not outdoor-rated. Mount it indoors or in a weatherproof enclosure if the installation is exposed to direct rain or temperature extremes.
Q: Can I daisy-chain multiple EBRIDGE1CRT units on one coax run?
A: No. Each EBRIDGE1CRT pair (transceiver and receiver) is designed for point-to-point operation on a single coax segment. For multiple drops, provision separate coax runs with dedicated adapter pairs.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've specified the Altronix EBRIDGE1CRT on several retrofit projects where running new Ethernet to remote camera locations wasn't feasible. The kit's ability to carry simultaneous analog video and IP data on one coax line significantly reduces truck rolls and material costs during phased digital migrations. The 100-meter range covers most building sections without requiring intermediate repeaters.
Technical Highlights:
- 25Mbps Ethernet Throughput: Adequate for HD video and control traffic on a single coax line, but not suitable for aggregating multiple 1080p streams or high-bitrate camera feeds. Plan bandwidth per coax run—don't overload one adapter expecting it to handle three 5MP cameras.
- Simultaneous Analog + IP on One Cable: The real win for retrofit deployments. You preserve working analog camera feeds during IP migration instead of forking to run new cable. In a 50-camera warehouse, this cuts installation time and cost significantly.
- Power Flexibility (12/24VDC and 16/24VAC): Direct integration with existing security power supplies eliminates the need for separate adapters. Pair the transceiver with your UPS-backed supply at the headend and the receiver with a local 24VAC transformer at the camera—no extra infrastructure.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify coax cable condition before installation. Damaged, corroded, or improperly terminated coax will degrade signal integrity and reduce effective range below the rated 100 meters.
- This is a point-to-point adapter. Do not attempt to daisy-chain units or split one coax line across multiple EBRIDGE1CRT pairs—each run requires its own dedicated transceiver-receiver pair.
- 25Mbps is a single-HD-stream throughput. If you expect to push 4K or multiple concurrent 1080p+ feeds down one coax line, this adapter will become a bottleneck. Size your migration plan accordingly.
The EBRIDGE1CRT is best suited to phased analog-to-IP transitions in existing facilities where cable infrastructure is already in place and new Ethernet runs are cost-prohibitive. It buys you time and reduces upfront material spend, but it is not a long-term solution for bandwidth-intensive, multi-camera deployments. Plan the eventual migration to dedicated Ethernet runs as IP camera density grows.
