ePoE is Dahua's Extended PoE technology for running IP cameras a long way from the switch or recorder. Standard PoE sends power and data down one network cable, but large sites often have cameras more than 100 metres from the control room. Dahua says ePoE can carry power, video, audio and control signals over one cable for up to 800 metres, over Cat5 Ethernet cable or, with a converter, over coax.
This guide explains what ePoE does, how it works, where it helps and which Dahua ePoE cameras, NVRs and switches we stock.
Watch: Dahua ePoE long distance test
Dahua's own ePoE transmission test video, from Dahua Technology's YouTube channel.
What is Dahua ePoE?
ePoE is Dahua's long-distance version of PoE (Power over Ethernet). Dahua describes it as "4 in 1": power, video, audio and control signals travel over a single cable. Dahua provides ePoE across a complete IP system, including IP cameras, NVRs and network switches, and says setup is automatic and plug and play.
How far can ePoE go?
Dahua publishes two ePoE modes over Ethernet cable:
800 metres at 10 Mbps, with 13 W of power
300 metres at 100 Mbps
Over RG59 coaxial cable, using Dahua's LR1002 converter, Dahua says ePoE can reach up to 1,000 metres at 10 Mbit/s.
Bandwidth matters: a higher resolution or higher bitrate camera needs more bandwidth, so check the camera's settings against the distance you need, or ask us to check your plan.
How ePoE works
Connect an ePoE camera to an ePoE port on a Dahua ePoE switch or NVR.
Coding for long cable runs: Dahua uses 2D-PAM3 coding modulation to send the signal much further than standard Ethernet.
Power and data on one cable: the same cable powers the camera and carries video, audio and control.
Reuse coax if you have it: the Dahua LR1002 converter connects to the Ethernet port of an IP camera or switch at one end and coaxial cable at the other.
Where ePoE helps
Large sites: Dahua gives warehouses, parks, gardens and outdoor car parks as examples, where cameras are spread out and far from the control centre.
Fewer repeaters: without ePoE, long runs need repeaters, which add equipment, power and junction box costs.
Analogue to IP upgrades: reuse existing coaxial cable to move to IP cameras and cut installation costs.
Dahua ePoE products on our website
ePoE WizMind IP cameras
These cameras list 12 V DC, standard PoE or ePoE as power options on their product pages.
Dahua DH-LR1002: Ethernet over Coax (EoC) passive converter for ePoE over coax
Browse our WizMind range and Dahua NVRs. Features vary by model and firmware, so check the product page or ask us before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Will an ePoE camera work on a normal PoE switch?
The ePoE cameras we list also show standard PoE (802.3af, or PoE+ on some models) and 12 V DC as power options, so they can run on a normal PoE switch at normal Ethernet distances. For the long ePoE distances you need an ePoE port on a Dahua ePoE switch or NVR.
Do all ports on an ePoE NVR support ePoE?
Not always. On the NVRs listed above, ports 1 to 8 support ePoE. Check the recorder's product page before you plan a long cable run.
Can I use my old coax cable with IP cameras?
Yes. Dahua's LR1002 converter connects an IP camera or switch to coaxial cable, and Dahua says ePoE can run up to 1,000 metres over RG59 coax at 10 Mbit/s.
Why is ePoE slower at 800 metres?
Dahua's published figures trade distance for speed: 300 metres at 100 Mbps, or 800 metres at 10 Mbps. Plan the camera's bitrate to suit the distance.
Do I still need a repeater for long runs?
Within Dahua's ePoE distances, ePoE is designed to replace repeaters, which Dahua says add equipment, power and junction box costs.
Planning long cable runs on a large site? Zenith Security Co has supplied trade and the public since 2012, from our Wolverhampton showroom, trade counter and warehouse, delivering to England, Scotland and Wales. Call us on 01902 902251.
Feature details are taken from Dahua's published ePoE information. Availability can depend on model and firmware version.
