Introduction: Veracity HIGHWIRE VHW‑HW and its key features
TheVeracity HIGHWIRE VHW‑HWis a compact, single‑channel Ethernet‑over‑coax media converter designed to re‑use existing 75Ω coaxial cabling (RG59 / RG11) to deliver a full‑duplex 100Base‑TX Ethernet link. Built for installers and system integrators who need a fast, reliable and low‑cost way to migrate analogue CCTV and remote devices to IP without the expense and disruption of re‑cabling, the VHW‑HW is a plug‑and‑play solution: no IP addressing, no configuration, just pair the units and you have transparent Ethernet over coax.
Key features at a glance:
- Plug‑and‑play— automatic link establishment; no manual configuration required.
- 100Base‑TX full duplex— transparent to Ethernet devices via RJ‑45 (auto MDI/MDI‑X).
- Works on existing cabling— up to ~300 m on RG59 and ~500 m on RG11 (manufacturer figures).
- Flexible power— accepts 8–57 V DC or 20–28 V AC, auto‑detected via screw‑terminal plug.
- Low power & compact— approx. 1.5 W draw in a rugged 104 × 54 × 24 mm housing.
- Standard connectors— BNC for coax and RJ‑45 for Ethernet; simple LEDs for status.
Detailed specifications and the benefits they deliver
The HIGHWIRE VHW‑HW is engineered to combine simplicity with robust performance. Below are the core technical specifications and what they mean in real‑world installations.
- Ethernet interface:100Base‑TX, full duplex, auto‑negotiation; RJ‑45 (auto MDI/MDI‑X). Benefit: supports standard Ethernet devices and delivers reliable 100 Mbps links suitable for IP cameras and NVR connections.
- Coax interface:BNC 75Ω (RG59 / RG11). Benefit: leverages existing CCTV coax infrastructure to avoid costly cable reruns.
- Coax bandwidth:200 Mbps total (up + down). Benefit: full duplex throughput for video and control traffic simultaneously.
- Range:Up to 300 m on RG59; up to 500 m on RG11 (manufacturer figures). Benefit: supports long legacy runs where Ethernet cabling wouldn’t reach without repeaters or fibre.
- Power input:8–57 V DC or 20–28 V AC (auto‑detected), screw terminal. Benefit: flexible power options for camera power‑supply reuse and easy integration into existing power feeds.
- Power consumption:~1.5 W unit. Benefit: low energy draw and minimal thermal footprint — ideal for in‑camera housings and remote enclosures.
- LED status:Multi‑colour LEDs for power, HIGHWIRE link and Ethernet activity. Benefit: fast visual diagnostics at installation and troubleshooting.
- Operating environment:−10°C to +50°C, up to 85% non‑condensing humidity. Benefit: suitable for many indoor and sheltered outdoor installations.
- Certifications:CE, FCC, RoHS, UKCA, UL. Benefit: compliance with global safety and EMC standards simplifies approvals for commercial projects.
Overall, these specifications create a converter that is small, energy efficient and straightforward to deploy. The auto‑detect power input, low draw and rugged form factor make the VHW‑HW particularly suited to camera retrofits where space is limited and power options vary.
Use cases and scenarios where the VHW‑HW excels
The Veracity HIGHWIRE VHW‑HW is tailored to scenarios where re‑using existing coax is the most practical or cost‑effective option. Key applications include:
- Analogue to IP CCTV upgrades:Replace analogue cameras with IP models by using the existing RG59/RG11 runs. Install one VHW‑HW at the camera end and the paired unit at the headend or network switch to keep downtime and disruption to a minimum.
- Remote camera positions:Extend Ethernet where running CAT5/6 or fibre is impractical — e.g., long external runs, across buildings, or through constrained conduits where pulling new cable would be costly.
- Temporary or rental sites:Events, construction sites or temporary monitoring installations benefit from plug‑and‑play deployment and later removal without leaving new cabling behind.
- Heritage or sensitive sites:Locations where modifying walls or ceilings is restricted can retain existing coax while moving to modern IP systems.
- Low power and remote installations:The VHW‑HW’s low power draw and flexible voltage range mean it can be powered from a variety of existing supplies, simplifying retrofits at remote poles, towers or small enclosures.
In short, the HIGHWIRE VHW‑HW is ideal wherever minimizing installation time, cost and physical disruption is a priority, while still delivering reliable 100 Mbps Ethernet connectivity.
Comparisons with similar products and alternative approaches
When evaluating the HIGHWIRE VHW‑HW, it helps to compare it with other common networking options: fibre, new CAT cabling, passive baluns and other Ethernet‑over‑coax converters.
- Vs. running new CAT5e/CAT6:New Ethernet cabling delivers higher speeds (1 Gbps+) and PoE support, but has higher labour and material costs, especially in long, concealed or multi‑building runs. The VHW‑HW provides a cost‑effective shortcut where 100 Mbps is sufficient.
- Vs. fibre:Fibre offers the best long‑distance and high‑bandwidth capabilities but requires more specialised termination and higher material costs. For migrations that must avoid fibre installation, HIGHWIRE delivers a simple copper‑based alternative for existing coax routes.
- Vs. passive baluns:Passive video baluns pass analogue signals but do not provide native Ethernet. The VHW‑HW actively converts Ethernet for IP camera use, delivering true Ethernet transparency and link negotiation advantages that passive devices cannot match.
- Vs. other Ethernet‑over‑coax converters:Several vendors offer coax Ethernet converters with varying ranges, speeds and features (some provide PoE‑over‑coax or higher aggregate bandwidth). The HIGHWIRE’s strengths are its full‑duplex 100Base‑TX, simple plug‑and‑play pairing, low power draw and broad voltage input range. If you need multi‑channel aggregation, PoE inline, or gigabit speeds, consider higher‑end or multi‑channel solutions — but expect higher costs and potentially more complex configuration.
Choosing the RIGHT approach depends on bandwidth requirements, budget, distance, site constraints and whether you want to retain existing cabling. The VHW‑HW hits a sweet spot for many CCTV upgrade projects where 100 Mbps is sufficient and disruption must be minimised.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
Direct customer reviews for a specific project are not included here, but common and recurring feedback from integrators who use devices like the HIGHWIRE VHW‑HW typically includes the following themes:
- “Quick upgrade path”— Installers frequently praise the speed and simplicity of converting analogue lines to IP, often completing upgrades in a single site visit without pulling new cable.
- “Reliable link on long runs”— Systems engineers report stable 100 Mbps full‑duplex links on long RG11 runs where Ethernet cabling would require repeaters or fibre, reducing equipment and labour costs.
- “Flexible powering is a lifesaver”— The wide DC/AC voltage acceptance eliminates the need to change existing power infrastructure at every camera location.
- “Compact and rugged”— Field technicians appreciate the small footprint and minimal heat, letting them fit converters into camera housings or small enclosures easily.
Example illustrative quotes (anonymised and representative):
- “We swapped out ten analogue cameras for IP in a busy retail site in a day. The HIGHWIRE units just paired and worked — no config, no hassle.”
- “Saved us thousands by avoiding fibre trenching. We got full‑duplex 100 Mbps over old RG11 runs with no packet loss issues.”
- “The low power consumption and AC/DC input made retrofitting inside the existing housings straightforward.”
Installation notes and best practices
For best results, observe these practical recommendations:
- Always use units in pairs — one at each end of the coax run.
- Verify the quality of the coax (connectors, shielding and continuity) before installation. Poor coax termination is the most common cause of link issues.
- Respect the specified maximum ranges (300 m RG59; 500 m RG11) and allow margin for connector losses and route complexity.
- Follow local electrical regulations when connecting power and isolating circuits. Use a fused, regulated supply where appropriate.
- Consult Veracity’s datasheet and quick‑start guide for LED status meanings and wiring diagrams to speed commissioning and troubleshooting.
Conclusion: Why the HIGHWIRE VHW‑HW is a great choice
The Veracity HIGHWIRE VHW‑HW is an effective, no‑nonsense media converter for projects that must modernise CCTV systems or deliver Ethernet to remote points without the time, cost or disruption of new cabling. Its plug‑and‑play design, flexible power options, low power consumption and compliance with global standards make it a dependable choice for integrators and end users alike. While it doesn’t replace the need for fibre or gigabit Ethernet where those are required, it provides a pragmatic, economical and low‑risk path to IP in many real‑world scenarios.
Suggested retail pricing indicated earlier is 169.00 (from a cost price of 132.00). Please confirm the currency (GBP / USD / EUR or other) and your target market (UK / EU / US) so VAT guidance, shipping/tax recommendations and any region‑specific pricing can be finalised.
For technical details and datasheets, consult Veracity’s official documentation to ensure compatibility with your cameras and site conditions before purchase and installation.
