AMG pushes EoC solutions

AMG Systems is urging installers and integrators to consider repurposing coax by delivering EoC (ethernet over coax) systems. AMG’s sales and technical support manager, Ian Creary, states that while it’s generally acknowledged that the rise of IP technology pushed the video surveillance industry forward, in features, responsiveness, storage, analytics and more, there are still companies who are reluctant to make the move from analogue to digital systems.

‘That’s understandable,’ Creary states. ‘They are worried that the migration to IP simply won’t fit their budget, and it can be a sizeable investment, particularly if you have previously poured resources into a substantial analogue cabling infrastructure.’

Ethernet over Coax technology is often overlooked as a cost-effective route from analogue to IP for many users. With a very large legacy install base of coaxial cable in existence, mainly related to analogue CCTV, making use of this as a part of any IP system migration plan could prove to be a cost effective option. By removing the requirement to install new cabling, labour requirements are reduced.

Standard Ethernet over Coax products are point-to-point, often using one locally powered transceiver at the camera and a locally powered receiver at the control room. While this is ideal for small systems, a different approach is needed for larger systems which feature many cameras.

The use of a PoE switch, with four PoE ports and one coax uplink port at the camera gives the user more leverage of legacy cabling and allows a cost-effective upgrade.

With Ethernet cabling and PoE devices, additional networking products need to be installed every 100 metres. This creates  a requirement to source power in various locations throughout the site. Some Ethernet over Coax devices, however, can be powered from a PoE switch and deliver ranges far in excess of this figure without a need for repeaters or other networking products.

Ease of installation is key to the appeal of Ethernet over Coax. EoC products provide an easy-to-connect, transparent network that is very simple to use, reliable, and offer seamless integration between the existing coaxial cable and the Ethernet backbone of the new system.