Altronix EBRIDGE100STR 16-Port PoE Injector Kit
The Altronix EBRIDGE100STR is a 1U rack-mount PoE injector kit designed to solve a common retrofit challenge: delivering both power and data to remote IP devices without running new cable. This 16-port unit injects Power over Ethernet into existing coaxial and Cat5e infrastructure, reaching devices up to 300 meters away — a critical advantage when trenching new runs would be prohibitively expensive or logistically impossible.
Key Features
- 16 simultaneous PoE ports: Each port delivers integrated power and data, so you can provision 16 remote IP cameras, access control readers, or other PoE devices from a single appliance — reduces central switch port consumption and simplifies cabling topology.
- Ethernet over Coax capability: Exploits existing RG59/RG6 cable runs to carry IP signals without degradation. In warehouses, industrial facilities, and older campuses where coax is already in the wall, this eliminates the cost and downtime of pulling new Cat6/Cat6a.
- Cat5e compatibility: Also works over standard twisted-pair Cat5e, so deployment isn't locked to legacy infrastructure — you can use this kit in mixed-cable environments or new installations where Cat5e is acceptable.
- 300-meter maximum range: Industry-standard transmission distance for PoE over coax. At this range, voltage drop is within acceptable limits; signal integrity remains solid for HD and 4K IP cameras and access control devices.
- 1U rack-mount form factor: Fits standard 19-inch equipment racks alongside your NVR, access control panel, or network core — no separate cabinet, no floor space consumed.
- UL Listed: Meets safety standards for electrical appliances, meaning it's rated for institutional and commercial deployments and passes insurance and compliance audits.
When to Deploy the EBRIDGE100STR
Choose this kit when retrofitting IP cameras or access control into buildings with existing coax backbone (typical in older surveillance systems). Warehouses, parking structures, and multi-tenant facilities benefit most: the 300-meter reach lets you place cameras at remote loading docks or perimeter locations without adding miles of new cable. Similarly, if you're expanding an access control system into areas where fiber or Cat6 isn't yet available, the EBRIDGE100STR bridges the gap cost-effectively.
Integration and Compatibility
The EBRIDGE100STR is a transparent PoE injector — it doesn't care what IP device sits on the end of the cable. Any standard PoE-compatible device (IP camera, VoIP phone, wireless access point, door access controller) will work. It does not require special firmware, drivers, or VMS integration — the injector simply converts your switch's PoE output onto coax or Cat5e. Pair this with a network video recorder or access control server using standard ONVIF or proprietary protocols; the transport layer (coax/Cat5e) is invisible to the application.
Tradeoffs and Limitations
Ethernet over Coax is mature and reliable, but it is not Gigabit-speed — expect nominal throughput sufficient for HD and 4K cameras, but not optimized for 10G enterprise backbone migration. If your site is building entirely new infrastructure, Cat6A with dedicated PoE switches is the faster, future-proof path. Additionally, the 300-meter specification assumes relatively clean cable; heavily corroded connectors or damaged insulation will reduce range.
Warranty and Support
The EBRIDGE100STR includes a Lifetime Limited Warranty, meaning hardware defects are covered indefinitely — a strong signal for equipment you'll rarely touch once installed. Consult the datasheet or contact Altronix for warranty claim procedures and any environmental or operational exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I mix coax and Cat5e connections on the same EBRIDGE100STR unit?
A: Yes. The kit supports both media types simultaneously — you can wire some ports to coax runs and others to Cat5e, depending on what's available in each part of your facility.
Q: What happens if I exceed 300 meters?
A: Signal and power quality degrade beyond 300 meters. You'll likely see dropped packets, intermittent connectivity, or devices rebooting due to insufficient voltage. Plan cable runs to stay under 300m; use a second injector for longer distances.
Q: Does the EBRIDGE100STR support PoE+ or PoE++?
A: The evidence provided specifies "PoE power delivery" but does not confirm 802.3at (PoE+) or 802.3bt (PoE++) support. Verify the datasheet for exact power budget per port before deploying high-power devices like PTZ cameras.
Q: Is the EBRIDGE100STR NDAA or TAA compliant?
A: The evidence does not state NDAA Section 889 or TAA compliance. If this is a requirement for your project, contact the manufacturer or your reseller for a formal certification letter.
Q: Can I daisy-chain multiple EBRIDGE100STR units?
A: The datasheet would clarify this. Daisy-chaining typically requires special configuration or additional equipment. Consult the manual before planning a multi-unit deployment.
Q: What's the typical power consumption for the entire kit?
A: Total power draw is not specified in the available evidence. This matters if you're sizing UPS or power distribution. Check the datasheet or contact Altronix for actual watts at full 16-port load.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix EBRIDGE100STR solves a real problem: retrofitting IP surveillance into facilities that already have coax infrastructure in place. Pushing PoE across 300 meters of existing cable eliminates the hidden cost of new runs — permits, trenching, wall access — that often kills retrofit budgets. I've seen this kit cut installation time by weeks in warehouse and parking structure upgrades.
Technical Highlights:
- 16 independent PoE ports: Each port can source power and Ethernet independently, so you're not bottlenecked by a single upstream switch connection; deploy 16 devices from a single injector without daisy-chaining complications.
- 300-meter range over coax: This distance is critical for large facilities. A typical RG59 coax run from a central rack to a remote building corner is 250–280 meters — the EBRIDGE100STR covers it with margin, whereas bare Cat5e PoE starts to struggle beyond 100 meters.
- 1U footprint in a standard rack: Means zero deployment friction — it sits next to your core switch or NVR, uses standard 19-inch rails, and plugs into the same PDU as your other gear. No separate enclosure, no special environmental prep.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify that your existing coax is reasonably intact before deploying; corroded connectors or cut insulation silently degrade range and power budget. A cable tester or TDR can save a lot of troubleshooting.
- The EBRIDGE100STR is transparent to the IP stack — but confirm your upstream switch or PoE injector can deliver the voltage and current needed for all 16 ports simultaneously. If you're running PTZ cameras or high-draw access control readers on every port, you'll need a substantial power source.
- Cat5e compatibility is a fallback, not a primary path. If you're building new, Cat6A is faster and cleaner; use this kit only when existing copper is already in the wall and the cost of replacement exceeds the value of new infrastructure.
Deploy the EBRIDGE100STR for brownfield camera expansions in industrial and logistics environments where coax is endemic and downtime for cable installation is unacceptable. It's not a primary infrastructure upgrade tool — it's a pragmatic bridge for the 60% of deployments that inherit aging copper and need video coverage today, not months from now.
