Altronix EBRIDGE1STR Ethernet Over Coax PoE Adapter Kit
The Altronix EBRIDGE1STR is a bidirectional Ethernet-over-coax adapter kit engineered to deliver both data and PoE power over existing coaxial cable infrastructure up to 500 meters at 25 Mbps throughput. This approach solves a real problem: upgrading legacy analog surveillance systems to IP without the cost and disruption of new cabling runs. If you have coax already buried in conduit or walls, the EBRIDGE1STR lets you keep it in service.
Key Features
- 500-Meter Extended Range: Transmits Ethernet and PoE simultaneously over a single coaxial cable to 500m at 25 Mbps — practical for warehouse facilities, industrial campuses, or multi-building sites where Cat6/fiber installation would be cost-prohibitive or require facility downtime.
- Integrated PoE Power Delivery: Combines data and power in a single coax run, eliminating the need for separate power runs or external power supplies at the far end. Particularly valuable in retrofit scenarios where adding electrical circuits is complicated.
- Bidirectional Adapter Pair: Kit includes both receiver and transmitter units, so you deploy one at the head-end (switch/PoE source) and one at the camera or access control device. No confusion about which direction is which.
- Single Output Channel: This is a point-to-point solution — one coax run per adapter pair. If you need to serve multiple cameras on one coax bundle, this is not the tool; consider dedicated cabling or a switch-based architecture instead.
- UL Listed Safety Certification: Meets safety standards for electrical installations, reducing compliance risk in commercial and industrial deployments.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Manufacturer-backed warranty provides confidence in long-term reliability, important for systems you can't easily access to replace.
Integration & Compatibility
The EBRIDGE1STR works with any standard Ethernet-capable IP camera, access control panel, or network device that accepts PoE input. It's device-agnostic — no driver or firmware updates required. Simply wire the transmitter to your PoE-enabled switch or injector at the main location, run the coax to the remote site, and connect the receiver to your camera or access control equipment. The adapter transparently passes all Ethernet traffic, so compatibility with video management platforms and access control systems depends on the endpoint device, not the EBRIDGE1STR itself.
When to Choose This vs. Other Approaches
Select the EBRIDGE1STR if you have existing coax infrastructure and the cost of new cabling is a blocker. The 25 Mbps throughput is sufficient for single or dual 1080p cameras, most standard-definition access control readers, and alarm signaling. If you need to support 4K multi-camera streaming or sub-second latency requirements, the bandwidth limitation becomes a constraint — in that case, invest in fiber or Cat6A runs. For sites under 100 meters where you can run new cable economically, direct Ethernet is always simpler and offers more headroom. The EBRIDGE1STR is best deployed as a bridge for specific legacy links, not as a wholesale replacement for modern cabling infrastructure.
Deployment Considerations
Plan for one adapter pair per coaxial cable. The kit does not support daisy-chaining multiple cameras on a single pair — each run is isolated point-to-point. Verify coax cable condition before deployment; corroded connectors or damaged shielding will degrade range and throughput. For 500m reaches, inspect the coax along its full run and use quality connectors at both ends. The 25 Mbps cap means you have roughly enough bandwidth for one 1080p H.264 stream or two lower-bitrate streams; test your specific camera's bitrate before committing to production. Power budget is also a factor — confirm your PoE source (switch, injector, or dedicated supply) can deliver sufficient current to the adapter and downstream device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the EBRIDGE1STR split one coax run to multiple cameras?
A: No. This is a point-to-point adapter. One transmitter + one receiver per coaxial cable run. Multiple cameras require either multiple coax runs with separate adapter pairs or a switch and Cat6 cabling at the remote site.
Q: What coax cable types does the EBRIDGE1STR support?
A: Standard RG-59 or RG-6 used in analog CCTV installations. The adapter is transparent to coax type, but cable condition and connector quality directly affect range and reliability. Test before full deployment.
Q: Is the EBRIDGE1STR NDAA-compliant or made in the USA?
A: No NDAA compliance or country-of-origin claim is stated in the specifications. If this is a requirement for your project, confirm with Altronix directly or choose an alternative solution.
Q: What is the warranty on the EBRIDGE1STR?
A: Lifetime Limited Warranty from the manufacturer, covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Q: Will the EBRIDGE1STR work with any IP camera?
A: Yes, any standard IP camera or PoE-powered network device. The adapter passes Ethernet transparently; compatibility is determined by the endpoint device, not the EBRIDGE1STR itself.
Q: What is the maximum throughput at different distances?
A: 25 Mbps at 500m. No graduated throughput schedule is provided; plan for 25 Mbps regardless of distance up to the 500m maximum.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix EBRIDGE1STR solves a specific retrofit pain point: you've got 500 meters of coax already in the ground, and the cost of trenching or pulling new Cat6 is unacceptable. At 25 Mbps with integrated PoE delivery, this adapter kit moves Ethernet and power simultaneously over that existing run. It's straightforward — no configuration, no IP addressing, no compatibility drama. Pair it with a decent PoE source and a standard 1080p camera, and you get a working IP system without the capital hit of new cabling.
Technical Highlights:
- 500m Ethernet-Over-Coax Range: Delivers 25 Mbps sustained throughput over up to 500 meters of RG-59 or RG-6 coax. That distance is real-world tested; don't treat it as a soft spec. You'll need solid connectors and cable condition to achieve it.
- Bidirectional Kit (Tx/Rx Pair): Includes both transmitter and receiver. Deploy the transmitter at your PoE source (switch or injector), the receiver at the camera or device end. No guesswork about polarity.
- Integrated PoE Pass-Through: The power and data travel on the same coax. No separate DC run required at the remote location. This is a legitimate cost reducer for outdoor or industrial sites where adding power circuits is complicated or expensive.
Deployment Considerations:
- Point-to-Point Only: One adapter pair per coax run. Don't try to fan out multiple cameras onto a single EBRIDGE1STR pair — you'll need separate pairs or a switch at the far end. This limits flexibility but keeps the design simple.
- Bandwidth Constraint is Real: 25 Mbps is enough for one 1080p H.264 camera or dual lower-bitrate streams, but it's not headroom for 4K or high-bitrate encoding. Verify your camera's actual sustained bitrate (not peak) before committing. Surveillance cameras often advertise bitrate ranges; ask for the 24/7 recording figure, not the peak.
- Cable Condition Matters: Coax that worked fine for analog composite video may degrade Ethernet over 500m. Inspect connectors, check for kinks, and test a short segment first. Corroded BNC connectors will kill range.
Best fit: industrial or warehouse retrofits where you've already invested in coax infrastructure and the alternative is coring through walls or trenching new conduit. It's a bridge solution, not a foundation for new build. For greenfield deployments, Cat6A and PoE switches give you more speed, more channels, and fewer headaches. The EBRIDGE1STR justifies its cost only when you have existing coax and a real financial or logistical barrier to new cabling.
