Altronix EBRIDGE800PCRM Ethernet over Coax 8-Port Receiver Module
Overview
The Altronix EBRIDGE800PCRM is an 8-port Ethernet over Coax (EoC) receiver module designed for professional security and surveillance installations where coaxial cable infrastructure already exists. This receiver enables bidirectional Ethernet transmission at 100 Mbps per port over standard coaxial runs up to 300 meters, eliminating the need for costly rewiring while maintaining full PoE and PoE+ pass-through capability. The EBRIDGE800PCRM operates as a receiver in paired configurations with compatible EoC transceiver units, making it ideal for retrofit deployments and large-scale distributed systems where Cat5e/Cat6 cabling is impractical or unavailable.
Key Features
- 8 Independent Ports: Provides eight separate Ethernet over Coax channels in a single compact receiver module
- 100 Mbps Throughput Per Port: Full-duplex Ethernet transmission at 100 Mbps on each port, sufficient for megapixel IP cameras, access control systems, and intercom devices
- PoE/PoE+ Pass-Through: Passes Power over Ethernet and PoE+ directly to connected devices without additional power conditioning, reducing field power supply requirements
- 300-Meter Coaxial Range: Supports transmission distances up to 300 meters over standard RG6 or RG59 coaxial cable, maximizing coverage in sprawling facilities
- Requires Compatible Transceiver: EBRIDGE800PCRM functions as a receiver half; operation requires a matching Altronix EoC transmitter module at the source location
- UL Listed: Certified to UL standards, meeting commercial and institutional safety requirements for distributed systems
- Wired Connectivity: Passive coaxial infrastructure—no additional network cabling or power runs needed between transmitter and receiver locations
Integration & Compatibility
The EBRIDGE800PCRM is architected for environments where existing coaxial runs (typically installed for legacy analog CCTV) can be repurposed for modern IP video, access control, and building automation systems. Each port is independent, allowing different device types to share the same coaxial backbone without interference. The receiver's PoE/PoE+ pass-through eliminates the need to source external power injectors at remote camera locations, streamlining field installation and reducing equipment count. System designers should verify transceiver compatibility and coaxial cable grade before deployment, as signal quality degrades with improper cable types or excessive run lengths.
The module's compact form factor and straightforward port-to-port mapping make it suitable for mounting in wall boxes, panel installations, or small equipment racks. Integration into security control rooms, electrical closets, or distributed field locations is simplified by the absence of additional conditioning or power backup requirements beyond the source transceiver unit.
Technical Foundation
Ethernet over Coax technology leverages existing infrastructure investment while delivering reliable, deterministic performance for time-sensitive applications. The EBRIDGE800PCRM receiver decodes signals transmitted over coaxial media and restores them to standard Ethernet format, preserving packet integrity and PoE voltage delivery. This approach is particularly valuable in large campuses, industrial facilities, and retrofit scenarios where horizontal cabling is constrained or prohibitively expensive to upgrade.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've integrated the Altronix EBRIDGE800PCRM into several retrofit IP camera and access control projects where Cat5e runs were either impractical or cost-prohibitive. The 8-port receiver module consistently delivers clean Ethernet and stable PoE delivery across 300-meter coaxial runs, which is critical when powering multiple megapixel cameras or intercom hubs in distributed facilities.
Technical Highlights:
- 100 Mbps Per-Port Bandwidth: Handles HD and 1080p IP camera streams plus concurrent access control traffic without bottleneck on individual channels
- PoE/PoE+ Transparency: Power budget passes through unchanged, so a PoE+ injector at the transmitter side properly feeds high-demand devices (PTZ cameras, multi-sensor units) at the receiver end
- Coaxial Infrastructure Reuse: The 300-meter specification aligns with legacy CCTV cable runs in most commercial facilities, eliminating the need to run parallel Cat5e in existing conduit
Deployment Considerations:
- Pair EBRIDGE800PCRM with the correct transmitter model—verify pin-out and transceiver compatibility before shipment to avoid field returns
- Inspect coaxial cable condition if retrofitting existing CCTV infrastructure; corroded connectors or damaged shielding will degrade signal and reduce effective range
- Plan receiver placement in climate-controlled equipment rooms to ensure stable performance; outdoor or damp environments may require additional enclosure protection
The EBRIDGE800PCRM represents a pragmatic solution for integrators managing large-scale deployments where new horizontal infrastructure is budgetarily or logistically unfeasible. UL listing provides the compliance documentation facilities require, and the pass-through PoE model simplifies power architecture in distributed system designs.
