Introduction to the NetMux Vi00103 2-Port PoE Port Combiner/Splitter
The NetMux Vi00103 PoE Port Combiner/Splitter is a compact, practical accessory for installers and integrators who need to deliver network connectivity and power to two devices using a single Cat5/6 cable run. Marketed as a 2-port solution for 10/100BASE-T environments, the Vi00103 pair (RX/TX) enables two IP/PoE devices to share one physical cable without the need for extra power supplies. Each port can supply up to 37 W, and the units support IEEE 802.3af/at and many non-standard PoE implementations. For everyday CCTV, IP camera, and small PoE peripheral installations, this device offers a cost-effective way to reduce cabling and labor while keeping deployments neat and reliable.
Key features at a glance
- Combine two PoE links onto a single Cat5/6 run:The RX module at the head end merges two PoE feeds; the TX module at the field separates them for the connected devices.
- 10/100BASE-T support:Designed specifically for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet — ideal for most cameras and many PoE devices.
- High per-port power:Up to 37 W per port, compatible with IEEE 802.3af/at and many non-standard PoE systems.
- No external power required:Power is passed through from your PoE switch or injector.
- Installer-friendly design:Small ABS housings, status LEDs on the TX unit for PoE presence, and rugged environmental specifications (-40 °C to +75 °C).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The Vi00103 is engineered with installers in mind. Below are the notable specifications and how they translate into real-world benefits.
- Ethernet:10BASE-T and 100BASE-T operation. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of IP cameras and PoE peripherals that do not require gigabit bandwidth.
- Data rate:10/100 Mbps per port — adequate for most surveillance cameras and typical PoE edge devices.
- PoE compatibility:IEEE 802.3af/at and many non-standard PoE systems, delivering up to 37 W per port. This supports mid- and many high-power PoE devices (check device draw against the 37 W limit).
- RX connectors:2 × male RJ45 pigtails for the two device feeds and 1 × female RJ45 combined output toward the switch/injector.
- TX connectors:3 × female RJ45 (two device ports plus a through port), simplifying field termination and device hookup.
- Status LEDs:TX unit LEDs indicate PoE presence (green), helping technicians confirm power without disconnecting devices.
- Housing:ABS plastic (UL 94V-0) provides a compact, flame-retardant enclosure suitable for indoor and some sheltered outdoor mounting.
- Weights:RX approx. 31 g (with two 10" pigtails); TX approx. 16 g — lightweight and easy to mount behind cameras or inside enclosures.
- Operating environment:-40 °C to +75 °C; storage -40 °C to +80 °C; humidity 0–95% non‑condensing — suitable for a wide variety of climates.
- Safety & compliance:CE and FCC; RoHS/WEEE reported by the manufacturer.
- Typical use:IP cameras and PoE peripherals. Important note: check your PoE switch or injector power budget and confirm compatibility with non-standard PoE implementations before deployment.
How it works — the practical technical advantage
The Vi00103 takes advantage of the physical layout of Cat5/6 cable pairs. In 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, each link uses two of the four twisted pairs in the cable. Because a standard Cat5/6 cable contains four pairs, the NetMux system maps two independent 10/100 links onto the four pairs: one link on pairs 1–2 and the other on pairs 3–4. The RX unit at the switch end merges the two separate RJ45 feeds into a single cable run; the TX unit at the device end splits them back into two separate RJ45 ports. This is why the product is limited to 10/100 Mbps operation — gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) uses all four pairs simultaneously and cannot be split in this way.
Use cases and scenarios where the Vi00103 excels
The Vi00103 is purpose-built for scenarios where cable runs are constrained, expensive, or difficult to add. Typical use cases include:
- CCTV/IP camera installations:Run a single cable to a pole, mast, or junction box and feed two cameras or a camera plus a peripheral (e.g., an IR illuminator or microphone) without pulling extra cables.
- Retrofitting older installations:When replacing single cameras with multi-sensor or dual-camera arrays, the Vi00103 can carry two devices over an existing single pair of conduits or cable paths.
- Temporary or staged deployments:Sites that require quick setup for events or trials can use fewer cables, reducing setup time and material costs.
- Cost-conscious projects:Reduce labor and materials by halving the number of required cable runs where 10/100 Mbps is sufficient.
- Remote locations:Environments where running additional cables is physically challenging — rooftops, poles, or long conduit runs — benefit from this compact solution.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
The market for PoE accessories includes purpose-built splitters, injectors, midspan devices, PoE extenders, and combiners like the NetMux Vi00103. Here’s how the Vi00103 stacks up:
- Vs. PoE splitters and injectors:Traditional splitters separate data and power for non-PoE devices; injectors add PoE to a non-PoE link. The NetMux is distinct: it consolidates two full PoE-enabled links onto one cable and then separates them, preserving PoE at both endpoints without additional power sources.
- Vs. PoE extenders:Extenders increase distance or regenerate PoE and data, sometimes providing additional ports. The Vi00103 does not extend range — it optimizes cabling by reducing runs rather than increasing reach.
- Vs. gigabit-based combiners:Some solutions use specialized hardware to maintain gigabit throughput while multiplexing links; these tend to be larger, costlier, and more complex. The Vi00103 trades gigabit capability for a compact, low-cost 10/100 solution that covers the majority of camera installations where gigabit bandwidth is unnecessary.
- Value proposition:At a suggested price of $59.99 (cost price $48.00), the Vi00103 is competitively priced for installers who want a simple, pass-through PoE combiner/splitter without bulky enclosures or extra power supplies. Its small form factor and broad temperature range give it an edge in field installations.
Customer feedback & typical user impressions
While specific customer reviews may vary by retailer and region, installer feedback for devices like the NetMux Vi00103 typically highlights several recurring points:
- Ease of installation:Installers appreciate the plug-and-play nature and small footprint — it fits easily into junction boxes or behind camera housings.
- Time and cost savings:Contractors report reduced labor and materials when they can run a single cable instead of two, especially in retrofit scenarios.
- Reliability:Users often note stable operation when used within its design limits (10/100 Mbps, correct PoE budget). The LED indicators on the TX unit are called out as helpful for troubleshooting.
- Limitations noticed:Some customers expect gigabit speeds; it’s important to reiterate that this product is for 10/100 deployments. Also, verify power budgets when using high-draw devices on both ports simultaneously.
Example summaries from installer feedback: "Small, simple and does exactly what we need for dual-camera poles" or "Saved us from pulling a second conduit on a retrofit job — just be aware it’s not gigabit." These paraphrased viewpoints are representative of common installer experiences with two-port 10/100 PoE combiners.
Practical considerations before you buy
- Bandwidth needs:Confirm that 10/100 Mbps per port is sufficient for your cameras or peripherals. Modern multi-megapixel cameras may benefit from gigabit links, in which case a different solution is needed.
- PoE power budget:Calculate the total available power from your PoE switch or injectors and ensure you have enough headroom for both devices drawing up to 37 W each.
- Compatibility testing:While the Vi00103 supports many non-standard PoE systems, test with your actual equipment if you rely on proprietary PoE implementations.
- Mounting & environment:The unit’s ABS housing and broad temperature range make it suitable for many outdoor junction boxes, but follow best practices and datasheet mounting guidance for long-term reliability.
Conclusion — why choose the NetMux Vi00103?
The NetMux Vi00103 2-Port PoE Combiner/Splitter is a smart, economical tool for installers who need to deliver two 10/100 PoE links over a single Cat5/6 cable. Its strengths are straightforward: it reduces cabling, saves installation time, supports up to 37 W per port, and requires no external power. For CCTV and similar PoE edge-device deployments where gigabit throughput is not required, the Vi00103 delivers a compact, rugged, and cost-effective solution. As always, confirm device power requirements and bandwidth needs before deployment to ensure the product matches your project requirements. When those checks are made, the NetMux Vi00103 can be a dependable part of a streamlined, efficient PoE installation strategy.
