Guides
BNC vs RJ45: Wiring Analog vs IP Security Cameras
BNC coax vs RJ45 network: how analog and IP cameras are wired, when UTP baluns save cable, and which connectors you need.
Published 2026-07-12
Two connector worlds run most CCTV: BNC for analog/HD-over-coax and RJ45 for IP. Knowing which you have decides everything else.
BNC — analog, TVI, CVI, AHD
Analog and HD-over-coax cameras use BNC connectors on RG59/RG6. Terminate with BNC connectors and power them with 12V alongside the coax (or via siamese cable).
RJ45 — IP cameras and PoE
IP cameras use RJ45 Cat5e/Cat6 for data and (with PoE) power. This is the modern standard and scales to high resolution and long backbones.
Baluns bridge the two
Want to run analog video over cheap Cat5e? A UTP Video Balun Pair converts BNC to RJ45 up to 300m — no coax, lower cost on long runs.
Power connectors
Both worlds need 12V power ends — keep a pack of DC power plugs for splits and extensions.
Frequently asked
Can I use Cat6 instead of coax for analog cameras?
Yes, with UTP baluns. A balun pair converts the BNC analog signal to run over Cat5e/Cat6 up to 300m, which is cheaper than coax on long pulls.
Is RJ45 the same as Ethernet for cameras?
For IP cameras, yes — RJ45 carries network data and, with PoE, power. It is the standard for new installs and supports higher resolutions than coax.
Products mentioned in this guide
BNC Connectors (10-pack)
Model: SF-BNC-10
10 nickel-plated BNC twist-on connectors for coax camera ends.
UTP Video Balun Pair
Model: SF-BALUN-PAIR
Passive BNC-to-RJ45 baluns to run analog video over Cat5e/Cat6.
Cat6 Cable 305m (Box)
Model: SF-CABLE-CAT6
305m box of Cat6 UTP for IP camera and PoE network backbone.
DC Power Plugs 10-pack (M/F)
Model: SF-DC-10
10 pairs of 5.5×2.1mm DC power plugs (male + female) for 12V cameras.