Seven Reasons to Apply PoE Extenders over Coax to IP Surveillance

      As the surveillance market goes forward to IP/Ethernet system, lots of integration convenience has been brought. However, two common issues in field- how to power and transmit IP signals over 100 meters in outdoor, always trouble installers. In order to make the best use of IP camera, PoE (power over Ethernet) extender over coax is thought of as “perfect” solution on IP surveillance system.

      To observe the real point of view on the field, we interviewed Darla Yang, product manager of Alpha Pricing which is the leading solution provider for IP surveillance in Taiwan. Alpha Pricing is the first one to bring Axis products into Taiwan market in 2004 and has firmly believed IP camera will become main trend sooner or later. Darla shares his point of view about how PoE extender over coax will bring benefit to all IP surveillance society. We list the top seven reasons why PoE extender over coax is good to IP surveillance.

1.      Middle-reach remote-powered to solve powering issue of IP camera:

By using PoE to power IP camera, IP surveillance system can provide similar powering method as Telephone system in order to raise the reliability. That means the IP surveillance won’t be stopped even when power-down happens in camera location. Most of cases, to power from remote 200~300 m is quite common. 6~15.4 watts (802.3af) providing from the remote side is needed for PoE powering camera. If there thermal imaging cameras or high power speed domes are used, 30 watts (802.3at) might be needed. The PoE extender over coax is perfect to fit the requirement. Darla comments:  “High cost fiber and wireless solutions may be applicable for long distance (>100m) transmission, but power supply remains a problematic issue, especially for outdoor installations. PoE also provides a hassle-free contingency plan during power shortage, requiring only one UPS unit to power central PoE switch (which in turn powers multiple PoE cameras) instead of providing UPS unit for each camera location.”

2.      IP signal transmission over 100m distance in outdoor environment:

As Darla’s above comment, system solution provider always has headache on how to deploy IP link between IP camera and digital storage for outdoor middle range. If you choose fiber, then equipment and fiber cable cost plus the deploy fee will cost you a lot. No mention the trouble to find power for each IP camera. Now this solution seems to solve these problems. Coax cable has been used in outdoor for more than 50 years and is accepted by surveillance society.

3.      One cable integration

Darla comments: “The beauty of PoE over coax lies in its simplicity, providing robust, long distance transmission of both power and data through one single cable.

4.      Simple interface and no software setting:

Darla told us about his concern on issues of some other solutions. “Simplicity of hardware and software makes it more convenient during installations and maintenance. Simple interface and configuration-free installation is preferred.” It seems that PoE extender over coax has met his requirement again. Only RJ-45 and F-connector interfaces are on box for PoE and coax connection.

5.      Compatible with pre-existed coax cable:

“The greatest advantage with PoE over coax is its seamless integration with existing coax cables. With exiting coax cables, the hassle of cabling work is reduced greatly.”

6.      Cost effective:

Darla comments: “Cost reduction is the main concern of end users, especially on cabling. End users do not understand the high cost involved with long distance cabling and additional power cabling. Ethernet cable has distance limitation of only 100 meters. Therefore, common long distance transmission solutions use fiber or wireless technology, which are costly to install. With PoE over coax solution, distance limitation and cost issues are both solved with one single coax cable. This makes PoE over coax a great solution in terms of marketing and cost effectiveness.”

7.      Green, easy and smart:

In the final comment, Darla says: “End users are more concern about power consumption with all the ongoing notions regarding environmental friendly. With high demand for power saving devices to save money and to be environmental friendly, the PoE over coax devices adheres to it by consuming less than 2 Watts of power during operation.” When he knows that two boxes only consume less than 2 watts, he is quite satisfied. Darla continues his comments:  “Environmental friendly, easy-to-use and innovative device is what IP camera transmission need. PoE over coax solution fits the niche in the current market.”