Hey guys,

Recently built a home theater in part of my unfinished basement. Turns out I forgot to run an Ethernet cable to my media cabinet and I’m kind of at the point of no return on that oversight....

However, I do have a coax line there for my cable box. I would prefer my AV reciever and Apple TV be hard wired to the internet instead of WiFi as the router and modem are rather far away. Moving the modem/router is also not an option as it’s currently in a specific place upstairs so that other things can be hardwired as well.

I’d like to utilize the coax already in the wall via MoCA adaptors but I’m reading spectrum disables that ability in the modem. Is there away to get around this?

I’ve read in a couple different places that it’s possible with a filter at the POE but I don’t understand what any of this means?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!


P.S. Do not want to use a powerline network adapter as they didn’t work for crap in a buddy’s house.

Thanks in advance,

-Sean

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Spectrum really has nothing to do with it. Within a 100 mile radius of me Spectrum has 3-4 different hardware systems for cable. The internet, cable TV, and MoCA all use different frequencies while sharing the same cable/wire.

You'll want to buy a POE filter, Point Of Entry filter. The POE is installed where your cable enters the house. You can do this inside your house between the cable and first splitter, it just screws in, in line with the cable. The POE filter simply stops your MoCA network frequencies from flowing back outside your home where your neighbor or anyone else could share the use of your network.

Make sure that all of your splitters have sufficient bandwidth to pass the MoCA frequencies, 5-1675Mhz. Replace what you have if they don't

Buy/use Bonded MoCA 2.0 adapters. You will need 2 units, one to set-up MoCA at your cable modem and router and one for your remote location.

Wire as per the modifications I made to your diagram.

You can add up to 16 MoCA adapters to the network as you need them anywhere you have a cable drop. I would recommend the Actiontec ECB6200 Bonded MoCA adapters.

 

Make sure that all of your splitters have sufficient bandwidth to pass the MoCA frequencies, 5-1675Mhz. Replace what you have if they don't

Just a follow up question: how do I know if the coax splitters I have are up to the task?

Holland's GHS-PRO-M series (e.g.) is preferable, not just because they're spec'd to cover the MoCA frequency spectrum (through 1675 MHz), but also because they're designed to have lower output port isolation at MoCA frequencies ... valuable for MoCA's port jumping needs.

MoCA can work with most cable-rated splitters, but splitters designed for MoCA become more important as the size/complexity of the MoCA network expands. (MoCA has a 57 dB node-to-node loss limit.)

In my experience, you will get Ok but not great bandwidth with MoCA. I am getting about 80 mbps ... These are the MoCA adapters I have...

https://www.actiontec.com/products/ecb2500c/

Right, just MoCA 1.1 adapters ... and not really even that, if push comes to shove, since Actiontec used a Fast Ethernet port in them, rather than Gigabit ... limiting their throughput to FastE's 100 Mbps max. MoCA 1.1 adapters with Gigabit ports (ECB3500T, WCB3000N, FiOS MI424-WR gateway) are typically capable of 150 Mbps.

But MoCA 2.0, as recommended by b_curry, offers significant increases ... theoretical 400 Mbps for standard 2.0, 800 Mbps bonded ... each with an add'l 25% performance boost for 2-node TURBO setups (e.g.). Just keep in mind that, being peer-to-peer, two nodes will negotiate a connection at the highest MoCA spec supported by both nodes.

Your link is pointing to MoCA 2.0 version hardware which has been available for ~2 years now.

Well, to be fair, the link *is* for the ECB2500C, but Actiontec is overlaying a redirect prompt to take you to the ECB6200. Click "No Thanks" and you'll be on the ECB2500C page.

I would recommend the Actiontec ECB6200 Bonded MoCA adapters.

Any particular reason for this recommendation over the Motorola MM1000 Bonded 2.0 adapters (product page, Amazon)?

 

In my experience, you will get Ok but not great bandwidth with MoCA. I am getting about 80 mpbs from the living room to my NAS / Plex server, which is enough to stream 4k from Netflix or even some 4k movies I have on the Plex server. However, I do have a few 4k movies that require more than 80 mbps due to high bitrate, so they cannot be streamed via the MoCA. Overall though, it gets the job done just fine. I have a dedicated HT in another room, and did go through the trouble of running a gigabit ethernet connection from that room to my office (where my cable modem is). These are the MoCA adapters I have, and have been using them for quite a few years.


https://www.actiontec.com/products/ecb2500c/

 

Your reported speeds are in the MoCA 1.0 version range. Your link is pointing to MoCA 2.0 version hardware which has been available for ~2 years now. MoCA 2.0 will support gigabit now. Maybe you want to take a look at your MoCA hardware.

 

Thank you so much for the illustration and the instructions. That’s beyond helpful!!!

Just a follow up question: how do I know if the coax splitters I have are up to the task?


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Should be labeled on the front of the splitter.

In our area, Spectrum has been using 5-1002MHz Antronix branded splitters. They should be/can be OK for you but it not you'll need to install 5-1675 MHz units.

 

Hello Piggy-backing off this post -


I, too, have Spectrum (internet only, no cable) in a 5 yr old house wired with coax (PPC 9-port CATV MoCA compatible) in every room .


I am looking into getting a MoCA adapter for use with my tv. All of our viewing is streaming off a WiFi signal.


Given that PPC says my CATV is MoCA compatible:

• Do I still need to purchase the POE filter referenced in this thread?
• If yes, would I attach it between the incoming cable and the port labeled "Input"?
  

Feel free to reply as if you're explaining to a child; I am not a technician of any kind. Thanks in advance.

 

Yes and yes.

The POE is a Point Of Entry filter. It's purpose is to keep your network data from flowing back outside. In other words it blocks the MoCA frequencies from feeding back outside and keeps it inside your MoCA network.

The POE filter is positioned at the point where the cable comes into your house, typically before any splitters inside.

Looks like PCC has two versions of that amplifier/splitter. The tear sheet that you've attached shows that apparently it does not have the MoCA POE filter, but it looks like they have a version that does. You'll need to sort that out.

You can see both and the difference here:

https://www.ppc-online.com/drop-amplifiers-and-splitters

 

I also, sorry, want to jump in on this. My router is upstairs and im running wifi to my HT downstairs. I also wanted to have a wired connection. I have spectrum cable run to my downstairs.
After reading this am i not able to put a splitter on the cable and run one line back to the box and one to a modem?

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MoCA is designed to use your existing cable runs as a network.

The first MoCA adapter is connected to your Modem/Router or Router to establish the MoCA network. The second and or additional MoCA adapters are essentially drops at the end of a cable, in another room usually, where a device that requires an Ethernet connection can connect.

MoCA works by modulating (up converting) and de-modulating (down converting) the Ethernet signal. So Ethernet frequenciey > MoCA frequency over tv coax cable > back to Ethernet frequency.

I don't fully understand your question, but no, you should not have to use a splitter and an additional cable. You would establish the MoCA network at the Router and a second MoCA adapter at the end of the cable down stairs.

Don't forget a POE filter where the cable enters your house.

 

Help!


All parts have arrived - POE filter, 2 MoCA adapters. I installed the POE filter at the incoming line/amp panel. I'm not sure how to proceed as I've run into some problems.


Here's what I've got:

A modem with only 2 ports

• 1 coax
• 1 ethernet

A wifi router with

• 1 incoming ethernet port
• 4 outgoing ethernet ports

Normally, coax cable goes into modem, ethernet cable goes from modem to wifi router, everything works fine.



The MoCA directions tell me to plug the coax cable into the adapter and ethernet cable from adapter to ethernet port of modem/router. This is where I get hung up:

1. My modem has only 2 ports - one for incoming coax and one for outgoing ethernet. So if I follow the instructions, there is no way to connect the modem to the router, as there is not a 3rd port.
2. When I test out the modem only (coax cable from wall to adapter, ethernet cable from adapter to modem), my modem does not recognize internet service

I tried running coax cable to MoCA adapter, ethernet from adapter to ROUTER ethernet port outgoing, ROUTER ethernet incoming port to modem ethernet. No joy.


Help?

 

I forgot to add (and can't edit)


The 2nd adapter is setup upstairs in my media room. The setup I'm struggling with is the incoming internet.

 

Ok, I thought I found my problem. I had disconnected the splitter the first time it didn't work. I've reconnected it.



Connections seem to be proper. My modem will not register Online.

 

I think you still need an ethernet cable between your modem and router.

 

Just looking at your drawing again, and with your set up, I'm not even sure you need that splitter. You should be able to go Coax from the wall to the Moca Adapter. Coax out from the adapter to the Modem. Ethernet from the Modem to the Router, and then Ethernet from the Router back to the Moca Adapter. I think that should work.

 

I have 3 Motorola MM1000s. One is connected to my router and the others are in two different room. My house is wired with RG59 and I use my old Dish Network diplexers from 2003 to split OTA/internet. I dropped Dish in 2008 and just use OTA and cable internet. I have read the diplexers are only necessary for OTA channels above 50 MHz. With OTA repack coming soon to my area I probably don't even need them but since everything is working I'll leave well enough alone.


Anyway, I get around 920 mbps to all rooms.


I've been thinking of adding a fourth MM1000 to the system in a room where I'm only getting 58% wi-fi strength (at best). Price has jumped up to $70 (was $60 when I got them earlier this year) but that's a small price to pay to not have to hack up my drywall.

 

Cheaper MoCA adapter

Hey, I just want to see if there is any reason why I shouldn't use the following MoCA Adapters: Comtrend GCA-6000KIT (listed on Amazon but I can't post the link as this is my first forum post).

The only thing that worries me is that the listing says it might not work with an internet connection already using the coax. But this set of 2 is significantly cheaper than any other ones I can find. Just trying to make sure it isn't a waste and will work with Spectrum set up using coax for internet.

Thanks in advance.

 

Good evening everyone. I have been reading and reading about getting wired internet to my kids rooms. This house has coax throughout the house and would like to try to make it work for us. I am on spectrum and attached is a picture of my set up outside where the orange cable is what comes into the house from the box next to the street. Would I need to place a POE filter where the orange cable ends? And should i put another POE filter at my cable modem too? Also, what would cause me not to get my full speeds that I get from Spectrum? Also, there are two splitters there that are 5-1002mhz, will that be a problem? Is there a MOCA adapter that is better than others?

Thanks in advance!

Ronnie

 

Unscrew the orange cable and connect the filter between it and your main splitter there. No need for any other filter inside. It stops your network from leaving your house at that point of installation. I can’t verify the splitters being a problem all you can do is try and replace if needed.

I use the Motorola 2.0 bonded moca adapters in my house. I have modem to router then I have a gigabit link from my router to an 8 port switch in my living room for my devices in there then I am using one port on that switch for moca out because my old directv line install is there. Then I’m using a second adapter in the master bedroom wired into a mesh mode router.

My setup works very well and I get well over 900mbps. As a bonus I also have excellent WiFi coverage in my house and outside.


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Good Morning Everyone,

I had Spectrum 1gb internet installed this week and have a few questions. I read all of the above and wanted everyone’s opinion on the best setup form my house. We do not have cable tv we are only doing streaming through Apple TV.

House: 2 stories approx 2700sf (built 2004 no smart panel)
4 rooms with Apple TV/smart Tv can have Ethernet in.
2 offices with a total of 4 laptops
Have the original Eero mesh system and getting the new Eero 6 next month.
Coax cable in each room.

what I would like to do is where possible hardwire the Apple TV’s, Laptops, and Eeros to get the best speed possible. Then our iPads and Alexa products (about 30) run on Wi-Fi.

if I purchased the New MoCA 2.5 adapters would I just need one to the modem and router and then another one at each room where the coax is to connected? I’m thinking I would not need any splitters or POE adapter since I’m only running internet at the house.

suggestion/feedback would be great.

thanks
Keith

 

Good Morning Everyone,

I had Spectrum 1gb internet installed this week and have a few questions. I read all of the above and wanted everyone’s opinion on the best setup form my house. We do not have cable tv we are only doing streaming through Apple TV.

House: 2 stories approx 2700sf (built 2004 no smart panel)
4 rooms with Apple TV/smart Tv can have Ethernet in.
2 offices with a total of 4 laptops
Have the original Eero mesh system and getting the new Eero 6 next month.
Coax cable in each room.

what I would like to do is where possible hardwire the Apple TV’s, Laptops, and Eeros to get the best speed possible. Then our iPads and Alexa products (about 30) run on Wi-Fi.

if I purchased the New MoCA 2.5 adapters would I just need one to the modem and router and then another one at each room where the coax is to connected? I’m thinking I would not need any splitters or POE adapter since I’m only running internet at the house.

suggestion/feedback would be great.

thanks
Keith

I think I would need a total of 6 MoCA adapters. 1 to the Spectrum modem or router and then one in each of the 5 rooms.

 

So it is not a gateway from Spectrum but a separate Modem and Router. Below is what I pulled from Spectrum which shows as my equipment.
For Ethernet outlets in 6 rooms I think I was quoted 175 to 200 an outlet. I think I could covert the coax in each room for around 100 maybe 110?

what’s your thoughts?

 

Apologies, missed your reply until now. I'm yet to get a hang of AVS' new interface.

 

I think i'm starting to understand, but unsure if the router needs to go back to the MoCA adapter or not

Left is current setup, right is proposed

 

So mine has been up and running for about a week or so and I have Spectrum Internet. So where you have the MoCA Adapter going into the Modem I would change it. I added a splitter there and have the cable from the wall to the splitter and then a cable into both the Modem and the MoCA. Then from both the Modem and MoCA plug the Ethernet into the Router this created the loop and you can then add the MoCA adapter to any other room. I am attaching my final setup hopefully it will help you.

 

Thanks for the prompt reply!

Gotcha, I was thinking the MoCA adapter would act like a splitter, and could plug the router right back into the ethernet port on the adapter (eliminating another splitter)

Also, what POE filter are you using? reading on Amazon that some of them are for TV only, even though it says "MoCA "POE" Filter for Cable TV Coaxial Networking"

Left is proposed and right is modified

 

So your MoCA adapters are a little different then mine. I have the ActionTec MoCA 2.5 and it only has the Cable in and no Cable out. The ActionTec MoCA adapters came with the splitters so adding it was no issue. What you purposed on the right looks correct to me. Let me know how it goes.

 

i'm guessing the ones you have are only Coax in (not both in/out)?

what POE filter are you using?

 

Correct the ones you have above from Amazon is the ones I have. I have 6 of them in different rooms. For the POE also from Amazon it was around 6 bucks for one of them.

 

awesome! thanks for your help!

 

Hello all.

I have been looking all over the place for the knowledge that is contained here. Only here did I find out that I needed a filter (on order) and that my splitters throughput is critical.

I have a layout question:
the MoCA adapters are ActionTec ECB6250 (1 coax in, 1 Ethernet out).
the 2 splitters are TWC SV-2GT (& 4GT) 5-1002 MHz.
please look at the inline image.
I’m not sure how to place the MoCA adapter into the modem/router chain.
are the splitters compatible?

thank you for any and all assistance.

 

Add an additional splitter between the splitter and the DDW36c. Off that splitter will be the DDW36c and the 6250. Connect the 6250 to the Linksys via ethernet. Check out post number 37...the diagram on the right is pretty much what you're doing I think. Hope that helps.

 

Thank you very much. I really do appreciate the help.

edit...
I would like to update the router and modem, would anybody have a suggestion Or a link to another thread?

 

Do I need a POE filter? Here is a rough sketch of how my house is wired and set up. The outside coax goes straight to the modem which is connected to my router/firewall. Then the coax hub internally leading to the rooms is connected to the switch through the MOCA.

I personally don’t think I need it since I have isolated my internal coax from the outside by putting the modem/router/firewall between it and outside connection coming in, but would like to hear from the experts here. Thx.

 

Do I need a POE filter?

Given the diagram and, as you've noted, isolation, no, you don't need a "PoE" MoCA filter for securing your MoCA network, the isolation has taken care of that. (And your setup is ready for whatever DOCSIS 3.1, 4.0, whatever has to throw at it, with the cable modem signal entirely isolated from the MoCA-infused coax plant.)

That said, the "PoE" MoCA filter also provides a performance benefit, but you'd need to alter the configuration to feed all MoCA nodes via outputs of the main splitter to compare to your current PHY rates and power levels.

 

Tried setting this up today with a Spectrum modem and ASUS AC3200 router. (Actiontec ECB7250K02 MoCA's)

I got the POE filter at entry, then splitter at box for my two coax runs.

I have coax into office split again; one going to MoCA, one to modem. Then ethernet from MoCA and Modem into router. Does it matter what input on router each goes into? Like post 37

Once I hooked up the second MoCA I lost wifi and was only getting download speed of 10 (ten) when plugged into second MoCA via ethernet. I get 450 over wifi.

Just not sure what I'm doing wrong. Does it make sense to use a MoCA that has two COAX ports ( like Hitron HT-EM4) so I could COAX straight to modem instead of a loop and splitting again?

 

Did you ever find an answer to your setup? We have almost the exact problem and devices. I have the ASUS router and spectrum but lose signal when the Moca is attached or the POE filter.

 

bump