EPoC Switches: Bridging Legacy Infrastructure and AI-Driven Demands

How EPoC Switches Upgrade Networks without Expensive Rewiring

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how IT networks operate. Applications supporting advanced technologies, such as intelligent IoT and edge inference, demand higher bandwidth, power delivery, scalability, and resilience to operate at peak performance. As AI workloads expand, the need to combine legacy and modern networks is growing.

For many organizations, however, upgrading infrastructure presents a significant challenge. Legacy coaxial cabling remains widely deployed in security systems, industrial facilities, transportation environments, and commercial buildings. Replacing that infrastructure can be expensive, disruptive, and time-consuming. 

Many organizations wanting to upgrade are left to deal with challenges including:

• Legacy coaxial cabling from old CCTV/analog systems
• Standard Ethernet distance limitations of 100 meters
• Expensive rewiring and installation costs
• Increased power requirements for AI-enabled devices

The XC60-084-91-770 is an EPoC managed RX switch from Versa Technology designed to address these challenges. Supporting multiple topologies, including daisy-chain, peer-to-peer, and ring, the switch is designed to extend IP networks over existing coaxial infrastructure while providing the power and management capabilities required for modern applications.

Understanding the AI Network Transition

The transition to AI is being driven by a fundamental physical shift in where data is processed and the power required to process it. Organizations have no choice but to upgrade their hardware because legacy systems simply can’t handle the demands. As organizations deploy more AI-powered cameras, sensors, and edge computing platforms, network infrastructure must evolve accordingly.

Key requirements of AI-enabled networks include:

• High Bandwidth and Low Latency: AI video analytics, sensor fusion, and real-time decision-making rely on fast, reliable data transmission. Excessive latency or packet loss can impact performance and accuracy.
• Higher Power Demands: High-wattage devices like PTZ cameras and AI appliances often require 60W+ Power over Ethernet (PoE) to run without glitches.
• Edge Computing and Dense Device Deployment: AI applications frequently place processing closer to where data is generated. Cameras, sensors, and edge devices must operate in locations where power and connectivity may be difficult to provide.
• Scalability and Reliability: As device counts grow, networks must support additional endpoints while maintaining uptime, redundancy, and operational continuity. 

Rather than replacing existing infrastructure, organizations are increasingly looking for solutions that extend the value of their current cabling investments to avoid full fiber/copper rip-and-replace.

What is EPoC Technology?

EPoC stands for Ethernet and Power over Coax. The technology is designed to transmit high-speed digital Ethernet data and low-voltage electrical power over legacy 75-ohm coaxial cabling, such as RG59 or RG6. By leveraging existing infrastructure, EPoC extends Ethernet and power up to 1,200 meters (3,937 ft.).

With eight 75-ohm (Ω) BNC ports, two GbE ports, and two SFP ports for flexible uplinks, the XC60-084-91-770 EPoC managed switch offers a high PoE budget of up to 90W per port (720W total).

Key features include:

• Graphical Topology Mapping of the network, even in a daisy-chain connection
• Power Reboot Function for remote troubleshooting
• Failover Ring Topology to ensure continuous data and power transmission and rapid recovery
• Auto Discovery to automatically discover and classify any ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) devices, such as network cameras and video servers, with just a mouse-click

Unlike traditional Ethernet, EPoC technology allows legacy coax to be reused without new cabling, resulting in major reductions in installation costs and operational disruption.

How EPoC Switches Specifically Prepares Networks for AI

Enterprise networks must support denser deployments of resource-intensive endpoints to successfully transition to AI-driven surveillance architectures. High-resolution edge cameras, multi-sensor arrays, and localized inference engines depend on a combination of extended range, robust power delivery, and continuous bandwidth. EPoC prepares legacy network environments for the unique demands of edge AI by leveraging existing coaxial infrastructure.

Long-Reach Connectivity for Edge AI

Standard Ethernet is limited to approximately 100 meters. EPoC breaks the distance constraints of standard Ethernet cabling using the thick copper core and heavy shielding of legacy 75-ohm coaxial runs. High quality EPoC switches like Versa’s XC60-084-91-770 can transmit data up to 1200 meters without signal degradation.

High-Power Delivery

Modern edge AI devices require substantial power to operate effectively. Through advanced power pass-through capabilities, EPoC technology transmits up to 60W (P0E+) or 90W (PoE++ 802.3bt) of continuous Power over Ethernet via a single coax cable. This eliminates operational overhead and structural disruptions.

Seamless Migration and Scalability

EPoC provides the structural flexibility needed for phased migrations from analog to AI-driven IP systems. High-priority perimeter zones or critical entry points can be upgraded first while legacy analog equipment operates undisturbed on remaining lines. This lets organizations scale their deployment density over time without facing the expense and complexity of immediate infrastructure overhauls.

Advanced Management and Reliability Features

AI workloads require continuous connectivity and dependable performance to keep localized models synchronized. EPoC solutions incorporate sophisticated management tools designed to ensure high reliability. For example, network topology systems (NTS) provide graphical views, integrated floor maps, auto-discovery (ONVIF), and cable diagnostics. Built-in monitoring tools track live traffic trends and port-level power consumption.

Lower Costs and Improved Sustainability

Reusing existing coaxial infrastructure dramatically reduces capital expenditure (CapEx) by eliminating the cost of installing thousands of feet of new cable. Centralized power management via an EPoC-linked PoE switch optimizes overall energy consumption by allocating power only to active AI nodes. This drives down the total cost of ownership, securing a stable, sustainable foundation for the intelligent edge.

Common EPoC applications include:

• AI-powered video surveillance systems
• Smart building deployments
• Industrial IoT and machine vision systems
• Retail and warehouse automation
• Transportation infrastructure
• Campus and perimeter security networks

Implementation Best Practices

A successful EPoC implementation begins with a physical audit of existing coaxial cable infrastructure to ensure that legacy copper cable can support the elevated power and bandwidth requirements of edge AI devices. Although highly adaptable, a seamless transition requires a few operational benchmarks.

• Assess Existing Infrastructure: Test existing coaxial runs for physical degradation. Assess power needs and construct your AI device roadmap.
• Create a Phased Migration Plan: Plan your deployment to upgrade endpoints incrementally. Transition high-priority security zones or data-intensive perimeters first. EPoC’s backward compatibility keeps analog assets online until subsequent update phases.
• Integration with Existing Network Infrastructure: Connect EPoC endpoints to core switches such as Versatek PoE industrial switches.
• Implement Security and Management: Use managed switch capabilities to segment traffic for segmentation and monitoring. Isolating continuous, high-bandwidth data streams protects the core enterprise network from saturation and secures newly added edge endpoints.

Future-Proofing Legacy Infrastructure with EPoC Switches

Providing extended reach, power, and intelligent management capabilities, EPoC switches effectively allow legacy infrastructure to meet the demands of AI. EPoC switches offer a practical way to bridge legacy infrastructure and modern AI-driven requirements. With EPoC solutions, Versa Technology wants to be your partner for AI-ready networks.

Versa Technology delivers networking solutions designed to help organizations modernize efficiently while maximizing existing infrastructure investments.

To learn more about EPoC technology and AI-ready networking solutions, contact Versa Technology to request a quote or schedule a demonstration.