Can I reuse existing RG59 or RG6 coax for IP cameras with PoE over coax

Updated Source: 116673 Rev Source: 116673 Rev
Quick answer

Yes. When upgrading an analog system you can keep the existing coax and run IP cameras over it with a PoE over coax kit such as the Axis T8640 (Base unit plus Device unit) or T8645 (Base unit plus Compact unit). The Base unit sits at the PoE switch, the far-end unit sits at the camera, and the coax carries both the network and PoE power.

Steps

From: T8640/T8645 PoE over Coax install guide, pp. 14, 17-19

  1. Pick the kit
    Use the Base unit, AXIS T8641, at the switch and the Compact unit, AXIS T8643, at the camera for a simple PoE-powered link, or the Device unit, AXIS T8642, when you need to add a power supply.
  2. Connect the head end
    Patch the PoE switch into the Base unit network connector and land the coax on its BNC connector.
  3. Connect the camera end
    Land the coax on the Compact or Device unit and patch a short Ethernet cable to the camera.
  4. Check the reach
    Compare the run length with the range tables. ) but 20 W only 60 m (200 ft.). RG-11 (14AWG core) reaches 500 m (1600 ft.).
    Model noteOn RG-59 with 22AWG copper-coated steel powered by a PoE switch, 5 W reaches 225 m (750 ft.
  5. Add power if needed
    For maximum PoE over coax power, connect an AXIS T8003 PS57 power supply to the Base unit. If more power is required than the cable can carry, connect it to the Device unit.
  6. Read the LEDs
    Check the Max PoE LEDs while the camera is at peak draw, such as a PTZ while it moves. For a camera that needs 12 watts, make sure the 15 watt LED is lit.

Specs & limits

From: T8640/T8645 PoE over Coax install guide, pp. 14, 17-19

KitsT8640 (T8641 + T8642), T8645 (T8641 + T8643)
Camera power5 to 25 watts
RG-59 22AWG CCS, PoE switch225 m at 5 W, 60 m at 20 W
RG-11 14AWG core500 m (1600 ft.)
Not supportedAXIS High PoE 60 W cameras
Patch cablesCat-5e under 5 m or 16 ft.

Common mistakes

From: T8640/T8645 PoE over Coax install guide, pp. 16, 19

  • Coax link LED orange or red: data rate is below 100% because the link reached its power and range limit. Shorten the run or add the AXIS T8003 PS57 supply to the Device unit.
  • Coax link LED flashing: the units are not detected on the coax. Check the BNC connections and any splices.
  • Unknown cable type. Assume the CCS figures, which show worst-case performance; cable quality, connectors and camera power consumption all change the real range.

Applies to

T8640 · PoE+ over coax adapter kitT8645 · PoE+ over coax compact kit

Sources

  1. AXIS T8640/T8645 PoE over Coax Installation Guide, p. 14 (116673 Rev )
  2. AXIS T8640/T8645 PoE over Coax Installation Guide, p. 16 (116673 Rev )
  3. AXIS T8640/T8645 PoE over Coax Installation Guide, p. 17 (116673 Rev )
  4. AXIS T8640/T8645 PoE over Coax Installation Guide, p. 18 (116673 Rev )
  5. AXIS T8640/T8645 PoE over Coax Installation Guide, p. 19 (116673 Rev )
Was this right?