Altronix EBRIDGE1PCRT Ethernet-over-Coax PoE Injector Kit
Overview
The Altronix EBRIDGE1PCRT is a single-port Ethernet-over-Coax (EoC) adapter kit that extends modern IP network connectivity over existing coaxial cable infrastructure. This addresses a common retrofit challenge: facilities with extensive coax backbone cabling (originally installed for analog CCTV or legacy systems) that need to support IP cameras, network readers, and other PoE devices without running new network fiber or copper. The EBRIDGE1PCRT ships as a complete kit with both transceiver (injector side) and receiver units, enabling bidirectional data transmission at 25Mbps over distances up to 500 meters on standard RG-6 or RG-59 coax—distances that eliminate the need for intermediate network closets or expensive fiber backbone upgrades.
Key Features
- 25Mbps Ethernet-over-Coax Transmission: Adequate throughput for H.264/H.265 IP video streams and access control traffic. This bandwidth supports multiple H.265 streams simultaneously on most modern cameras, and is sufficient for auxiliary control data (door readers, intercoms, sensors) without congestion.
- 500-Meter Effective Range: Reaches remote endpoints on standard coaxial runs without signal regenerators or mesh topologies. Meaningful for warehouse, parking structure, and perimeter deployments where coax runs already exist but network access is sparse.
- PoE Generation at Receiver End: The receiver unit outputs 48VDC Power over Ethernet directly, eliminating the need for a separate PoE injector or local 24V power supply at the remote camera or device location. This simplifies integration and reduces bill-of-materials on single-device extensions.
- Dual Input Power Options (24VDC or 24VAC): Receiver accepts either DC or AC input, allowing connection to existing 24V security power supplies, transformer-based infrastructure, or dedicated 24V circuits already present in most surveillance installations. Flexibility matters in brownfield retrofits where standardized power supplies vary.
- Complete Kit Configuration: Package includes transceiver and receiver with no external components required for basic operation. Both units ship together, reducing integration lead time.
- UL Listed: Meets UL safety standards for commercial security and telecommunications applications, important for insurance and code compliance in institutional deployments.
- Hardwired Coaxial Connectivity: No wireless interference, no frequency licensing concerns, no latency variability—critical for access control and alarm relay timing where deterministic behavior is required.
Integration & Compatibility
The EBRIDGE1PCRT bridges analog-era infrastructure to IP endpoints. Facilities with established coaxial plant (institutional campuses, large warehouses, retrofit parking structures) can reuse existing cable runs to extend network reach without excavation or new conduit. Connect the transceiver to your network switch or Ethernet source, pair it with the receiver via coax, and the receiver outputs a standard Ethernet port plus 48V PoE on the same output connector. This means a single run of coax delivers both data and power to the far end—reducing the number of circuits and power drops required during installation.
The single-port design suits point-to-point connections: one remote IP camera, one access control reader, or a small cluster of devices powered from the receiver's PoE output. For multi-device remote sites, consider stacking the EBRIDGE1PCRT receiver output through a small PoE-capable switch at the remote location.
What's in the Box
One transceiver unit (injector side), one receiver unit. The receiver requires a separate 24VDC or 24VAC power source (2A typical)—this is sourced from existing site infrastructure, not included. No additional cabling, adapters, or external PoE injectors are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the EBRIDGE1PCRT work with standard IP cameras?
A: Yes. Any IP camera that accepts PoE (802.3af or higher) will work. The receiver outputs 48VDC PoE on its Ethernet connector, so cameras that support passive or active PoE are compatible.
Q: What coax types are supported?
A: Standard RG-6 and RG-59 coaxial cable. The 500-meter range is rated on these standard sizes. Higher-loss cable (thinner gauge) will reduce range.
Q: Can I run multiple EBRIDGE1PCRT kits on the same coax backbone?
A: No. The EBRIDGE1PCRT is a point-to-point adapter. Each coax run requires its own dedicated transceiver and receiver pair.
Q: What happens if the 24V input power is interrupted?
A: The receiver stops generating PoE output and Ethernet transmission ceases. The remote camera or device loses both network and power. For critical installations, use a UPS or battery-backed 24V power supply on the receiver input.
Q: Is there latency or jitter on the EoC link?
A: The EBRIDGE1PCRT is a transparent Ethernet bridge. Latency is minimal and deterministic—suitable for access control and real-time video streaming.
Q: Do I need any special configuration or firmware updates?
A: No. The EBRIDGE1PCRT is plug-and-play. Connect power, plug in Ethernet and coax, and it begins bridging immediately. No IP address configuration or web interface required.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've specified the Altronix EBRIDGE1PCRT in retrofit projects where existing coaxial runs needed to carry modern IP traffic without excavation or new conduit runs. The ability to generate PoE directly at the receiver eliminates a common integration pain point—powering remote IP cameras when only coax infrastructure exists at the far end. This is a straightforward, low-complexity solution that buys you time and saves on installation labor.
Technical Highlights:
- 25Mbps EoC Throughput: Sufficient for H.265 video streams (600–800 kbps per stream) and access control data simultaneously. A single EBRIDGE1PCRT can support 2–3 concurrent HD video feeds plus auxiliary sensors without bottleneck.
- 500-Meter Coax Reach: Meaningful in campus and warehouse deployments where remote zones lack network closets. Eliminates the expense of PoE extenders or intermediate switches at the mid-span.
- Integrated PoE Output (48VDC): Receiver outputs standard Power over Ethernet on the Ethernet connector. No separate injector required. Simplifies bill-of-materials and reduces power distribution complexity at the remote end.
- 24VDC/24VAC Input Flexibility: Connection to existing 24V security supplies or transformer-based infrastructure already onsite. Critical in brownfield retrofit where site power varies across regions.
Deployment Considerations:
- Single Point-to-Point Design: The EBRIDGE1PCRT is not a hub or switch. Each coax run requires its own transceiver-receiver pair. Multi-device remote sites need a secondary PoE switch downstream, adding complexity and cost.
- Receiver Power Dependency: The EBRIDGE1PCRT receiver depends on continuous 24V input. If upstream power fails, the remote camera and all downstream devices lose both network and power. Plan for UPS or battery backup on critical paths; do not assume graceful degradation.
- Coax Cable Loss: Real-world 500-meter range assumes standard RG-6 or RG-59 in good condition. Corroded connectors, splitters, or thinner gauge cable reduce range. Site survey before design lock-in is wise.
Best Fit: Retrofit warehouse surveillance, perimeter access control extensions, or parking structure camera feeds where coaxial backbone is already established and new network runs are cost-prohibitive. Not ideal for distributed multi-camera remote sites; consider a small managed PoE switch at the remote end if more than one device is required.
