Introduction to the LONGSPAN VLS-1P-C and its key features
The LONGSPAN VLS-1P-C Camera-side PoE & Ethernet Converter is designed to solve one of the most common challenges in IP surveillance: how to power and connect cameras that are far beyond the standard 100 m Ethernet limit. As the camera-side partner in a LONGSPAN point-to-point link, the VLS-1P-C converts the extended LONGSPAN transmission back to standard 10/100Base-T Ethernet and supplies IEEE 802.3af/at PoE to the camera. Compact, rugged and maintenance-free, the unit supports full 100 Mbps Ethernet over ordinary Cat6 cable for distances up to approximately 820 m, and will auto-adapt to 10 Mbps for very long runs up to around 1,050 m. Key features include SAFEVIEW diagnostic LEDs, up to 25.5 W PoE output, wide operating temperature range, and a straightforward, self-configuring installation workflow.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The VLS-1P-C is a camera-side LONGSPAN Ethernet & PoE converter (model VLS-1P-C) that requires a corresponding LONGSPAN base unit (VLS-1P-B or a multi-channel LONGSPAN base) at the network end to create a point-to-point extended link. It is purpose-built for surveillance deployments where standard Ethernet distance limitations would otherwise force expensive and disruptive design changes.
Power-wise, the device draws only about 1.0 W idle device power, keeping overhead at the camera low. More importantly, it provides PoE output to the camera at IEEE 802.3af/at levels with up to 25.5 W available to the camera (actual available power depends on cable length and wiring). The corresponding base supports IEEE 802.3af/at input so the system can be powered from standard PoE switches or PoE power supplies suitable for LONGSPAN bases.
The LONGSPAN link uses an RJ45 connector and supports Cat6, Cat5e and even Cat3 cable — 1-, 2- or 4-pair UTP wiring is supported depending on installation. At nominal conditions the VLS-1P-C delivers 100 Mbps full‑duplex (100Base-TX) over Cat6 cable for distances up to ~820 m. For very long runs where bandwidth needs are lower, the system will auto-adapt to 10 Mbps (10Base-T) to reach distances of up to ~1,050 m. This adaptive behavior offers a balance between distance and throughput, enabling flexible system design for many surveillance scenarios.
The camera-side Ethernet port is an RJ45 providing 100Base-TX or 10Base-T with auto‑negotiation and full‑duplex support. Diagnostics are made simple with SAFEVIEW LEDs that indicate power-level, link status and diagnostic codes using green/amber/red color coding. Additional Ethernet LEDs show link/activity and power-good status, making fault-finding fast for installers and technicians without needing specialized tools.
Physically, the unit is compact — approximately 120 × 36 × 23 mm including brackets — and weighs around 100 g, making it easy to mount discreetly at a camera. It is designed for harsh environments with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C and up to 85% non‑condensing relative humidity. These characteristics make the VLS-1P-C suitable for both indoor and outdoor camera housings where temperature extremes and moisture are concerns.
The product carries common regulatory approvals such as CE, UKCA, RoHS and additional listings (FCC, UL, BS EN 50121-4) where applicable. Installations should follow local wiring regulations and the product quick-start/installation guide, and PoE power budgeting should be performed using the published cable-length tables and certified power supplies.
Benefits — what this means for installers and operators
- Extend cameras without trenching or fiber: Use existing or new Cat5e/Cat6 copper rather than installing fiber, saving on material and civil costs in many projects.
- Power and data over a single cable: The VLS-1P-C delivers both Ethernet and PoE to the camera, simplifying installation and reducing points of failure compared with separate power runs.
- Simple diagnostics on-site: SAFEVIEW LEDs help technicians quickly confirm link health and power state, reducing mean time to repair.
- Rugged and compact: Suitable for exposed or enclosed camera housings and rated for wide temperature ranges.
- Flexible performance: 100 Mbps over long runs where needed, with automatic fallback to 10 Mbps over extreme distances.
Use cases and scenarios where the VLS-1P-C excels
The VLS-1P-C is well suited to many surveillance situations where cameras must be located far from the network closet or the nearest PoE switch. Typical applications include:
- Perimeter security: Long fence lines and boundary cameras around industrial sites, utilities and critical infrastructure often require runs well beyond 100 m. The LONGSPAN solution avoids installing costly fiber or local power drops.
- Transport hubs: Airports, rail stations and seaports frequently have remote camera positions around platforms, concourses and external areas where extended runs are required.
- Stadiums and sports venues: Cameras mounted on light poles or high structures can be reached with single-cable runs that carry both data and PoE.
- Large car parks and campus environments: Spread-out camera networks benefit from extended copper links to reduce the number of network switches and simplify cabling runs.
- Roads, tunnels and bridges: Deployments that must cross challenging terrain can use LONGSPAN to maintain camera connectivity without intermediate active devices.
Note: The VLS-1P-C is the camera-side unit and must be paired with the corresponding LONGSPAN base (VLS-1P-B or a multi-channel base) at the network end. Planning should include the base unit, PoE power source and cable-length considerations to ensure adequate camera power.
How the VLS-1P-C compares with alternative approaches
Fiber provides greater distance capability and immunity to electromagnetic interference, and it supports Gigabit and multi-gigabit speeds. However, fiber installations often require SFP transceivers, media converters and separate power arrangements for cameras, which increases complexity and cost. The VLS-1P-C provides a compelling alternative where moderate bandwidth (up to 100 Mbps) is sufficient and where the ability to deliver PoE over the same copper cable avoids running separate power.
Standard PoE over Ethernet is limited to 100 m. To go further, installers would usually add intermediate switches, power over fiber + local injectors, or dedicated extenders. Adding switches increases equipment and maintenance points; fiber + local injector increases civil and power work at camera locations. The LONGSPAN system reduces these additional elements by extending over a single copper cable and still delivering power directly to the camera.
There are other copper-based PoE extenders on the market that use various proprietary technologies. The LONGSPAN solution focuses on a robust, self-configuring point-to-point link with SAFEVIEW diagnostics, wide temperature tolerance and a compact camera-side form factor. One trade-off is that the VLS-1P-C targets 100 Mbps operation (auto-adapting to 10 Mbps for extreme distances) rather than delivering full Gigabit speeds over the extended run — which is an important consideration if your application requires multi-megabit continuous streams.
Customer feedback and representative installer comments
Public customer reviews for specific models may vary by region and reseller. Below are representative, anonymized comments based on typical installer feedback for LONGSPAN camera-side converters — intended to illustrate the kinds of benefits and observations installers commonly report:
- "Saved us a day of trenching and a significant bill for fiber installation — camera linked and powered over a single Cat6 run."
- "SAFEVIEW LEDs made it easy to confirm link and power status on site; troubleshooting was much quicker than with older media-converter setups."
- "Great for perimeter cameras where we needed reliable PoE over a few hundred metres — the unit was compact and fit neatly inside the housings."
These comments are illustrative and not direct quotations from a named customer. For case studies and region-specific reviews, check reseller pages or installer forums where LONGSPAN deployments have been discussed.
Conclusion — why the VLS-1P-C is a strong choice for long-range camera projects
The LONGSPAN VLS-1P-C Camera-side Converter is a practical, cost-effective solution when you need to place IP cameras well beyond the conventional 100 m Ethernet limit without introducing complex infrastructure changes. By delivering up to 100 Mbps full‑duplex over Cat6 up to ~820 m, providing IEEE 802.3af/at PoE to the camera (up to 25.5 W depending on cable length), and offering robust diagnostics with SAFEVIEW LEDs, it simplifies installation and ongoing maintenance.
Its compact, rugged design and wide operating temperature range make it suitable for demanding surveillance environments, while its self-configuring operation reduces commissioning time. When compared with fiber or multiple intermediate switches, LONGSPAN can often reduce both upfront cost and operational complexity — provided the project bandwidth and latency requirements are compatible with 100Base-TX or adaptive 10Base-T operation at extreme distances.
In short, if you need to extend Ethernet and PoE to remote cameras reliably, want a tidy single-cable solution, and value straightforward diagnostics and rugged hardware, the VLS-1P-C is a strong contender. Be sure to plan the full LONGSPAN link — including the base unit and appropriate power source — and consult published cable-length and power tables to ensure the camera receives the required power at the desired distance.
