Migration Strategies: IP-Over-Coax

Sept. 10, 2012
IP over coaxial cabling is the perfect labor and money savings migration strategy for end users

This article originally appeared in the September 2012 issue of SD&I magazine

There are literally millions of existing analog systems that use RG59 and 18/2 cabling infrastructure for video and power. By employing IP-over-coax Ethernet adapters, it is possible to upgrade systems from analog to IP without having to rewire a facility with Cat5 cable. In addition to substantial cost savings, IP-over-coax also extends transmission distances over 2,000 feet without repeaters. This is well beyond the Category 5E/6 cable maximum of 328 feet.

Additional bandwidth also allows multiple cameras to be transmitted on one coax by adding a switch at the camera end. And when using IP cameras with composite video outputs, Ethernet adapters with composite video inputs can transmit both IP and composite video simultaneously ensuring that video is always present on the coax for monitoring and recording purposes.

Save labor and money

Let's take a closer look at how using IP-over-coax can save installation costs. The accompanying chart shows an approximated cost comparison based on list pricing and average installation charges typical of a large integrator. This example also excludes costs for recording equipment, switches, cameras, camera mounts, etc.

It is clear to see the savings using IP-over-coax Ethernet adapters and existing coax infrastructure. They enable transmission of IP video and data over existing coax with high cost efficiency and signal integrity, and they minimize installation costs.