Introduction to the Veracity VLS-1P-B LONGSPAN Base
Product:Veracity VLS-1P-B LONGSPAN Base — Long-range Ethernet Extender
The Veracity VLS-1P-B LONGSPAN Base is a purpose-built long-range Ethernet and PoE/PoE+ extender designed to bridge the gap between standard network switches and remote devices such as IP cameras without requiring fibre. Engineered for reliability in harsh environments, the VLS-1P-B delivers full 100Base-TX (100 Mbps full-duplex) Ethernet and PoE power over ordinary UTP cable (Cat6/Cat5e and 1/2/4-pair variants), reaching distances of up to approximately 820 metres on Cat6 while remaining fully automatic and easy to install.
Key features at a glance
- Long reach:Up to ≈820 m for full 100Base-TX on Cat6; auto-adapts to lower speeds and pair counts to extend even further for 10Base-T scenarios.
- PoE/PoE+ support:Accepts PoE-in (IEEE 802.3af/at) and can deliver up to around 25 W to the camera depending on cable type and length; optional external 54–57 V DC supply increases the available power budget.
- Automatic operation:Self-configuring with support for patch and crossover cabling — no user setup required.
- Clear diagnostics:SAFEVIEW™ LEDs provide link, power and diagnostic codes for rapid fault finding at either end of the extended link.
- Rugged and reliable:Operational from −40°C to +70°C with approvals suitable for transport and infrastructure applications (CE, UKCA, FCC, RoHS, UL, BS EN 50121-4).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The VLS-1P-B is designed to be flexible in how it receives and delivers power. It supports IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) input and can provide PoE/PoE+ to the remote device. Typical device power consumption is very low at around 1.0 W (idle), which maximises the available budget for the camera at the far end. With PoE-in the unit can pass through and manage up to approximately 25 W delivered to a camera (actual delivered power depends on cable type and run length). For installations requiring more consistent or higher power delivery, an optional detachable screw-terminal DC input accepts 54–57 V DC from Veracity’s external supplies to maximise the power budget over long cable runs.
The LONGSPAN interface uses an RJ45 connector and works over a variety of UTP cable types: Cat6, Cat5e, Cat3 and 1/2/4-pair UTP configurations. The system is optimised for Cat6, where it supports 200 Mbps effective throughput (100Base-TX full-duplex) up to approximately 820 m. If fewer pairs or lower grade cabling are used, the LONGSPAN technology automatically adjusts, still providing stable links and enabling 10Base-T operation up to roughly 1,050 m in the most favourable circumstances. That automatic adaptation removes complexity in mixed-cable or retrofit scenarios.
The Ethernet interface is a standard RJ45 supporting 100Base-TX or 10Base-T with full-duplex auto-negotiation. Diagnostics are a practical strength of the VLS-1P-B: SAFEVIEW LEDs display link/activity, detailed power levels (5/10/15/20/25 W), and diagnostic codes to speed up commissioning and fault-finding. The unit also indicates Ethernet and LONGSPAN link status with dedicated LED colours for easy interpretation on-site.
Compact and lightweight (approx. 120 × 36 × 23 mm and ~100 g), the VLS-1P-B is designed for field deployment. It operates across a wide temperature range from −40°C to +70°C and tolerates up to 85% non‑condensing humidity. Industry approvals (FCC, CE, RoHS, UL, UKCA, BS EN 50121-4) mean it meets standards required for sale and deployment in critical infrastructure and transport environments.
Practical benefits for installers and system designers
- Lower total cost of ownership:By using existing UTP cable rather than installing fibre or new switch infrastructure, LONGSPAN can reduce installation time and cost, particularly in retrofit or constrained-access projects.
- Simplified deployment:No configuration is required; the devices auto-configure and support both patch and crossover wiring, making field swaps and upgrades straightforward.
- Reliable diagnostics:On-device SAFEVIEW LEDs reduce truck rolls and speed troubleshooting by indicating power levels and link conditions at both ends of the link.
- Flexible power options:Use PoE from the switch where available or an optional higher-voltage DC supply when delivering higher power levels over long runs.
Use cases and scenarios where the VLS-1P-B excels
The LONGSPAN Base is explicitly targeted at deployments where long-distance Ethernet and PoE are required but fibre is impractical or too costly. Common scenarios include:
- IP camera deployments:Long-range camera feeds for perimeter surveillance, ports, utilities and other wide-area coverage where cameras must be sited far from network switches.
- Rail and metro networks:Train and trackside camera systems or communications equipment in transport corridors where rugged operation and specific approvals (BS EN 50121-4) are essential.
- Retrofit installations:Sites with existing legacy UTP cabling that needs to be upgraded to support modern IP devices without trenching or running fibre.
- Temporary or remote sites:Event venues, construction sites or remote monitoring stations that require long reach and PoE delivery without complex infrastructure.
Comparisons with alternative solutions
Fibre provides unmatched bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic interference and is often the preferred medium for large installations. However, fibre deployment involves higher upfront costs (cable, termination equipment, splicing) and may require specialist skills. The VLS-1P-B provides a pragmatic alternative when bandwidth demands are modest (100 Mbps) but reach and PoE power are required. For many CCTV and IoT endpoints, LONGSPAN meets performance needs at lower installation cost and complexity.
Traditional PoE extenders or media converters can extend reach in shorter increments and often require multiple devices or electrical outlets along the route. The LONGSPAN system is purpose-built for long single-run extension and can deliver both data and power across a single cable run without intermediate power points or repeated repeaters, simplifying the physical infrastructure.
Installing additional powered switches closer to remote devices is a straightforward approach but entails extra hardware, rack space, power, and cabling. LONGSPAN avoids the need for intermediate active devices and the associated maintenance, providing a simpler and often more cost-effective option for single-run extensions.
Customer feedback and installer perspective
While individual customer testimonials for the VLS-1P-B vary by deployment type, installers commonly praise the unit for its simplicity, diagnostic clarity, and reliability in harsh conditions. Typical installer observations include:
- "SAFEVIEW LEDs make it obvious whether a power or link issue is at the camera end or the base — saves time on site."
- "We avoided trenching for fibre on several perimeter jobs and delivered fully powered cameras over existing Cat6 runs — a clear cost saving."
- "The ability to use an external 54–57 VDC supply means we can guarantee camera power on the longest runs, which is important for PTZs and heaters."
Manufacturers’ datasheet and quick-start documentation are available for detailed planning: Datasheet: https://cdn.dynamictech.uk/uploads/datasheets/6620fd1b87f20_vls-1p-bdatasheet.pdf Quick Start Guide: https://cdn.dynamictech.uk/uploads/datasheets/6620fd202fdee_vls-1p-bquickstartguide.pdf
Conclusion — why choose the Veracity VLS-1P-B?
The Veracity VLS-1P-B LONGSPAN Base is a focused, practical solution for extending 100Base-TX Ethernet and PoE/PoE+ over significantly greater distances than standard Ethernet allows, without immediately resorting to fibre. Its combination of automatic operation, clear diagnostics, rugged environmental ratings and flexible power options make it particularly attractive for CCTV, transport, infrastructure and retrofit installations where reliability and reduced installation complexity matter.
For organisations comparing options, the VLS-1P-B offers a compelling balance of performance, cost-effectiveness and field-friendly features. With a suggested street price around 299.00 and an expected low idle power draw, it is well-suited to projects where extending reach and maintaining PoE power are priorities. If you need to deliver full 100Base-TX throughput and PoE to remote devices over existing copper cabling while keeping installation and maintenance simple, the Veracity VLS-1P-B is an excellent choice.
Key takeaways:Long-range 100Base-TX and PoE over standard UTP; up to ~820 m on Cat6; PoE/PoE+ support with optional high-voltage DC input; automatic setup with practical on-device diagnostics; ruggedised for demanding environments.
