Introduction: What the Veracity OUTREACH Max XT Does and Why It Matters
Veracity OUTREACH Max XT (VOR-ORM-XT)is a purpose-built outdoor PoE Ethernet extender that solves a common problem in IP installations: how to get Ethernet and Power over Ethernet (PoE) to remote devices when standard cable-length limits are exceeded. Rated for harsh environments (IP66/67, NEMA 4X/6P) and powered entirely from incoming PoE, the OUTREACH Max XT extends 100Base-TX Ethernet runs by 100 m per unit while passing PoE on to the far-end device. It is compact, simple to install and designed for outdoor cameras, wireless access points and other remote devices that need both network connectivity and power without adding local mains supply.
Key Features at a Glance
- Extends 100Base-TX Ethernet by 100 m per unit (one unit in-line gives 200 m beyond the standard 100 m).
- PoE-powered — no local power source required, with a device draw of approximately 1.3 W.
- Forwards PoE to the remote device and is compatible with IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at and 802.3bt as well as certain custom high-power modes — capable of up to 90 W forwarding in optimal conditions.
- Two independently auto-configuring 10/100 ports supporting patch or crossover and auto-MDIX for plug-and-play deployment.
- Rugged outdoor enclosure with easy-fit RJ45 cable seals and a simple mounting bracket for fast field installation.
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
The OUTREACH Max XT is designed to be powered from incoming PoE, drawing only about 1.3 W itself. This low device draw helps preserve available power for the downstream device. It supports standard PoE types (802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt) and also works with some custom high-power PoE schemes, forwarding up to 90 W under ideal source and cabling conditions. Important installer considerations: the actual power available at the far end depends on the PoE source capacity, cable length and gauge. The device is rated for a maximum current of 1.92 A per pair under normal operating conditions.
Designed specifically for 10/100 Ethernet environments, the OUTREACH Max XT offers two RJ45 ports that auto-configure and support auto-MDIX, so you can use patch or crossover cables without worrying about compatibility. Each unit extends 100Base-TX by 100 m; placing one unit inline in the middle of a run effectively doubles reach to approximately 200 m total beyond the normal 100 m limit. Note: the unit is not a Gigabit extender — it supports 10Base-T and 100Base-TX only. For many surveillance and wireless access point deployments where 100 Mbps is sufficient, this is an optimal trade-off for extended reach and PoE forwarding.
The enclosure meets IP66/67 and NEMA 4X/6P standards, providing dust-tight protection and the ability to withstand heavy rain and temporary immersion. It operates across a wide temperature range (−40 °C to +70 °C) and up to 85% non-condensing humidity, making it suitable for exposed outdoor installations. The RJ45 cable-seal system accepts Cat5e/Cat6 terminated cables for quick on-site connections and the included mounting plate simplifies pole or wall attachments.
- Dimensions: 183 mm × 50 mm × 30 mm; weight: 104 g (126 g with mounting plate).
- Mounting: holes on 50/60 mm centres; easy-fit cable seals for existing terminated cable runs.
- Indicators: status LEDs (Green = PoE power good; Yellow = Ethernet link/activity).
- Certifications: CE, UKCA, FCC, UL and RoHS.
- Warranty: product is supplied without a manufacturer warranty (check reseller terms and support options before purchase).
Use Cases and Scenarios Where the OUTREACH Max XT Excels
This extender is tailored to scenarios where physical distance, outdoor exposure and the need for PoE converge. Typical use cases include:
- Outdoor IP cameras: extending Ethernet and PoE to cameras mounted on poles, perimeter fencing or distant facades where running mains power would be costly or impractical.
- Wireless access points and backhaul gear: feeding PoE to outdoor Wi‑Fi access points, point-to-point wireless bridges or remote network devices beyond standard Ethernet reach.
- Temporary deployments: events, construction sites or seasonal installations where a fast, non-permanent network feed and PoE forwarding are required without additional power wiring.
- Multi-stage extension: in longer runs, multiple OUTREACH Max XT units can be used in series to increase reach in 100 m increments while still passing PoE — useful for linear deployments like campus walkways or linear CCTV coverage.
- Reduced infrastructure costs: where trenching for power or installing local power outlets would exceed project budgets, the OUTREACH Max XT allows installers to extend reach using existing Cat5e/Cat6 cable runs and centralised PoE sources.
Comparisons with Similar Products on the Market
When evaluating PoE extenders there are several categories to compare: passive PoE injectors, fiber extenders, and other powered or passive Ethernet repeaters. Here’s how the OUTREACH Max XT stacks up:
Passive PoE injectors and splitters are simple and inexpensive but generally not suitable for long outdoor runs or harsh environments. The OUTREACH Max XT provides robust outdoor protection and active extension, which preserves link integrity over longer distances and provides managed forwarding of different PoE standards.
Fiber-based extenders remove distance limitations and provide gigabit speeds, but they require media converters, fiber cabling and potentially more complex terminations and splicing. For many surveillance and wireless applications where 100 Mbps is sufficient and fast deployment with existing copper is a priority, the OUTREACH Max XT offers a simpler and lower-cost option without needing fiber infrastructure.
Some extenders require local mains power or are only indoor-rated. The OUTREACH Max XT’s combination of PoE powering (no local supply), high PoE forwarding capability (up to 90 W in optimal conditions) and rugged outdoor enclosure positions it strongly for outdoor installations where installers want minimal field wiring and a resilient device.
The primary trade-off is speed: this unit supports 10/100 Mbps only, not Gigabit Ethernet. If your application requires multi-gigabit throughput or higher bandwidth video streams, a fiber solution or a dedicated outdoor-rated gigabit extender would be more appropriate. Also, because the device relies on incoming PoE, the upstream PoE injector or switch must have sufficient capacity to deliver the required power after accounting for cable losses.
Customer Feedback and Typical Installer Observations
There are no named customer testimonials provided here, but common themes reported by installers and system integrators using devices like the OUTREACH Max XT include:
- Appreciation for the compact, robust enclosure and simple RJ45 cable-seal system — reduces installation time and complexity outdoors.
- Positive notes on the low device power draw (~1.3 W), which helps preserve PoE budget for the remote device.
- Recognition that the forwarded PoE capability is strong for many camera and AP deployments — installers often cite real-world support for high-power cameras when using appropriate upstream PoE sources and good quality cable.
- Reminders about planning: careful calculation of available power at the far end based on cable length and gauge is essential; some projects have needed higher-capacity PoE injectors or midspan switches to achieve target power at distant devices.
Conclusion: Why the OUTREACH Max XT Is a Strong Choice
The Veracity OUTREACH Max XT is an attractive solution whenever you need to extend Ethernet runs outdoors while also delivering PoE to remote devices and avoiding local mains power. Its combination of rugged environmental ratings, low device power draw, compatibility with modern PoE standards (including 802.3bt) and generous PoE forwarding capability (up to 90 W in ideal conditions) make it particularly well suited to camera and wireless access point deployments where 100 Mbps throughput is sufficient.
It is competitively positioned for contractors and integrators looking to minimise infrastructure complexity and reduce installation time while maintaining reliable outdoor performance. Before choosing the OUTREACH Max XT, consider whether 100 Mbps is sufficient for your application, confirm upstream PoE capacity against expected cable losses, and note that this product is supplied without a manufacturer warranty — check reseller or project support options as needed.
Suggested retail price: approximately $268 (check local reseller pricing and availability). For many outdoor PoE extension tasks, the OUTREACH Max XT offers a balance of durability, straightforward installation and strong PoE forwarding that keeps remote devices powered and connected where other solutions would be more complex or costly.
