When it comes to carrying the Internet connection To reach every corner of the house, the ideal is to have a good installation based on Ethernet cables, but as this is not always possible, the most common thing is to use wireless systems with WiFi, which are simpler and faster to use.
However, since many times the WiFi connections have speed and stability issues, we may prefer to use a wired connection using the cables that we already have deployed and installed at home. For this we can opt for PLC adapters that use the home electrical network to send the information, or another less known trend that uses coaxial cables.
What are coaxial-Ethernet extenders?
Most current homes have some installation inside to carry the television signal classic, analog or digital, coming from the antenna to one or more rooms in the house using coaxial cables.
The idea with these coaxial-Ethernet adapters is to take advantage of the already installed cable deployment to be able to extend a local network signal without having to deploy new wiring, thus achieving a kind of point to point ethernet extender that reaches different rooms.
Image: Comtrend
They are usually small devices, shaped like a “black box” that we can place almost anywhere, even hanging on the wall, and practically They do not offer configuration or management options. Simply plug in, plug in, and they should start doing their job.
In general, adapters have one or more coaxial cable sockets to which we will have to connect the ends of the wall sockets that we already have at home, and they also have a Ethernet input which should go to the router or the equipment that we want to connect (for example a PC or a television), as well as a power socket that we will connect to a socket.
Advantages and disadvantages
Its main advantage is the Ease of installation and use. You just have to take them out of the box, connect them in the rooms where you want to have the Ethernet network and that’s it, there is little else to do.
In addition, the most modern and powerful models have a high data transmission speed. up to 2.5 Gbpsso we can use them for any activity we propose to carry out online.
Image: Comtrend
As a drawback we find that Not all homes are prepared for them to work correctly, since we need direct wiring, point to point, between the two ends of the network that we are going to create. If there are signal splitters, amplifiers and the like, something very typical to carry the TV signal to different areas of the house, the performance may decrease considerably or We cannot directly establish the Ethernet network.
Then there is the issue of price. It is a very specific product aimed at a very specific audience and this makes the price of most models skyrocket. above 150 eurosespecially if we are looking for a model from a well-known manufacturer.
Ethernet Coaxial Adapters: What to Look for When Buying
If we have decided to set up our local network using one of these adapters in one or more sections of the home, it is advisable take into account these previous considerations:
- Before buying any device, it is advisable Check out our facility and check that between the rooms where we want to carry the signal We have direct wiringwithout divisions or other intermediary equipment that can hinder the Ethernet network.
- Adapter Usage Type: There are models designed specifically to transmit the signal of the IP security cameras which are cheaper but offer fewer features. If we want it for a cutting-edge Ethernet network, we will have to look for an adapter focused on this type of use.
- Transmission speed: The most basic and inexpensive adapters can offer very limited speeds. “up to 10/100 Mbps” which then in practice decrease considerably as happens with PLCs. If we want to obtain high speeds we will have to go to gigabit models so that later, with the losses, we are left with more than 200-400 Mbps stable.
- Number of connectors available: There are models with a single coaxial socket on each adapter and others that allow several sockets, for example, to simultaneously carry the television signal to the room in addition to the Ethernet signal.
- Signal filtering: In the most advanced models some are included interference filtering system from other services that may be using the same coaxial cable, such as cable modems. If you have one of these, it will be useful to have this type of filter.
- Power consumption: Since this is a device that will be plugged in all day long using electricity, it is a good idea to look carefully at the consumption indicated in the specifications when comparing between models.
- Power supply: They may have it already integrated into the casing, need a cable that goes to a plug or even powered via Ethernet cable (PoE)In all cases, it is advisable to check whether the power supply is included in the package and whether the cable has the necessary length for our use case or whether we will have to prepare an extension cord.
Featured Models
Comtrend GCA-6000
This model of Comtrend GCA-6000 It is one of the few “name brands” that are already on sale and consists of a set of two devices that promise speeds of up to 1200Mbps. Each adapter has two coaxial socketsone of them to maintain the TV signal, an Ethernet output and the power socket. Its price is 239 euros.
Comtrend G.hn Powerline 1200Mbps Ethernet over Coax Kit I Enhanced Streaming and Gaming I 2-Unit Kit (GCA-6000KIT)
* Some prices may have changed since the last review
DIGITUS PoE+ Extender
This DIGITUS set consists of a transmitting and receiving unit for the IP data transmission over coaxial cables up to 500 meters.
The transmitter unit itself can be powered by a PoE input signal existing or by an external 54 volt DC power supply not included in the packagewhile the receiver is powered by PoE. It has a maximum speed of up to 100 Mbps and a price of 203 euros per couple.
DIGITUS PoE+ extender set – range with RJ45 up to 400 m / with coaxial up to 500 m – Fast Ethernet up to 100 Mbit/s
* Some prices may have changed since the last review
LINOVISION POE Over Coax
This POE IP over coaxial converter LINOVISION’s IP camera can be used to upgrade an existing analog surveillance system to a new IP model while using the existing coaxial cable.
Acts as MoCA (Multimedia over Coax) in a point to point connectiontransmits video/audio/data/control signal through a coaxial cable, as if it were used with twisted pair, with a maximum speed of up to 100 Mbps. The price of the kit of two units is 89.99 euros.
LINOVISION PoE Over Coax MAX 3000ft Power and Data Transmission Over Regular RG59 Coaxial Cable for Upgrading Analog Surveillance System to IP Surveillance System
* Some prices may have changed since the last review
Cover image | Comtrend
At Xataka Smart Home | Devices to improve WiFi coverage throughout the house: types of equipment, advantages and disadvantages