Beyond 100m: Transmitting Ethernet and PoE Over Coax

A practical overview of upgrading legacy Coax cables paths to carry IP video and PoE well beyond the standard 100m / 328ft. copper limit.

Why Coax Still Matters

Retrofit projects often face access, labor, conduit, and downtime challenges.

Use Ethernet-over-coax when:

  • Existing RG59 or RG6 coax is already installed
  • You are migrating from analog CCTV to IP
  • The device needs data and power without a new cable pull
Reusing existing coax is often the fastest, lowest-disruption path to an IP upgrade.

One Coax Link Carries Data and PoE

A long-distance Coax link can support:

Ethernet data:

  • IP Video
  • Network timing and negotiation
  • Camera-specific traffic (RTSP, ONVIF, multicast)

PoE power (802.3af/at)

The extender system transports data and power over coax, then presents a standard Ethernet/PoE interface at the endpoints.

Understanding Coax Cable Types

Same 75 Ω medium, different conductor size, materials, shielding, and power margin
TypeTypical Bandwidth
Relative resistance
Relevance to Extension
RG59Legacy CCTV Smallest common conductorHighestCommon in older camera runs; inspect age, splices, and terminations
RG6CATV / newer runs Larger conductor; often better shield
LowerOften better for longer runs; dual or quad shield versions are common
RG11
Long trunk runs
Largest 75 Ω coax; less flexible		LowestBest power margin and long reach; usually less common in CCTV retrofits
Field check: verify 75 Ω continuity, conductor material, shield type, connectors, and any splitters or taps.

How the extended Coax link works

An Ethernet-over-coax extender operates as a point-to-point link, with two endpoint units working together to carry Ethernet and PoE over Coax.

  • Headend Unit: Connects to the network switch/PSE and sends the converted Ethernet signal and power over the long-distance Coax link.
  • Remote Unit: Connects to the IP camera or network device, restores standard Ethernet, and provides PoE to the endpoint.
To the network, the link behaves like a standard Ethernet connection over a much longer cable path.

How to Choose a Coax Extender

Distance + data rate
Does the extender maintain a defined rate at a specified distance?

Cable Length
What is the maximum reach of the extender while providing a reasonable data rate?

PoE architecture
Does it use standard PD/PSE conversion or
a pass-through PoE architecture?

Delivered PoE Power
Does it provide the required power at the remote device?

Flexible Configurations
Are there Indoor, outdoor, or multi-port available?

Distance, Data Rate, and PoE are Technology-Dependent

  • Some extenders maintain a fixed data rate; others trade speed for longer reach.
  • PD/PSE and pass-through PoE designs can behave differently at long distances.
  • Delivered PoE depends on cable resistance, extender design, distance, and camera load.
  • Links may use identical transceivers or dedicated transmitter/receiver units.
  • Data and PoE reach may differ; maximum distance alone does not define performance.
The real design question is: how far, how fast, and how many watts?

Installation Factors That Affect Performance

Actual performance is shaped by the cable path, device load, and installation environment:

  • Cable type, conductor gauge, and overall condition
  • Connectors, splices, patch panels, and terminations
  • Required camera power, including heaters and IR illuminators
  • Grounding, surge protection, and outdoor exposure
  • Temperature range and enclosure requirements
Existing cable runs may include splitters, taps, weather exposure, or old terminations that were acceptable for analog video but may affect an IP link.

Vigitron’s MaxiiCopper Coax Solutions

Single-port
Multi-portCoax MidspansCoax PoE Switches
Vi2400AVi2404AVi2608Vi32026
Vi2401AVi2408AVi2616Vi32126
Vi2400WPVi2416AVi32226

Vigitron Coax Product Highlights

Ethernet Data

  • Supports up to 5,000 ft / 1,515 m depending on model, speed, and cable type
  • Fixed data rate at specified distances, supports Jumbo frames

Configurations and Environment

  • Single-port, multiport, and weatherproof
  • -40°C to +75°C operating temperature

Power

  • Patented Pass-Through PoE up to 37W
  • 802.3af/at and UPoE compatibility
  • PoE or locally powered on select models
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