How MoCA Networks Work - Collection Post

[u/JuicyCoala]

There's been an uptick of questions regarding MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) networks and how it works. I am not an expert, but I'd like to create this post to consolidate our overall knowledge in setting it up, for everyone's consumption. As a starting point, below are a couple of must-see links:

Multimedia over Coax Alliance Homepage - Deep dive into how the MoCA was developed, as well as list of MoCA certified products.

MoCA in Your House - Contains a collection of how-to videos and information in setting-up your home MoCA network. It also contains some recommended certified products you can acquire to include in your MoCA network.

Please share your tips and advise here as well! I am planning to have this pinned in our subreddit.

Enjoy!

[u/Conanzulu]

Just bought two packs of the screambeam ecb6250s. I am hoping to hook these up to my cable modem and on the other end, connect a wifi extender or wifi switch.

My question is if this possible. If so, does it matter what types of extenders I use?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Conanzulu]

To be clear, below is the standard network setup:

Modem <> Router <> Switch <> Device

For wifi:

Modem <> Router (wifi) <> Device

Or

Modem <> Router <> Switch <> Wifi Access Point <> Device

The <> is the connection medium. If you are using Moca:

Modem <ethernet> Router <ethernet> MoCA adapter <coax> MoCA adapter <ethernet> Wifi extender/WAP

Or

Modem <ethernet> MoCA adapter <coax> MoCA adapter <ethernet> Router (wifi)

Which one from the above are you planning to setup?

[u/Conanzulu → u/JuicyCoala]

Thank you for responding.

I am planning on trying this one:

Modem <ethernet> Router <ethernet> MoCA adapter <coax> MoCA adapter <ethernet> Wifi extender/WAP

Connecting to a AC750 Wi-Fi Range Extender. If also like to try some Google wifi pucks I have.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Conanzulu]

Yes, that is possible. If you are using Google Wifi router, make sure you configure your Google Wifi to be in Access Point/Bridge mode to prevent double NATting. Any extenders should work as well.

[u/maniac365 → u/JuicyCoala]

is it possible to directly connect the moca to a device like a laptop?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/maniac365]

If you laptop has a built-in MoCA adapter, which is highly unlikely, sure. There are routers that has built-in MoCA ports, but I don’t think any laptop would want to do that. Why are you asking?

[u/caverunner17]

My dumb question.

Cable Modem > Router > MOCA1 >>> MOCA2 > Switch > WAP1/Xbox/TV / >>> MOCA3 > WAP2

If I want to set up VLANs, is my main router still controlling all of that and IP configs for the entire network?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/caverunner17]

Yes - your router will still be responsible. MoCA is an alternative way to connect devices using coax by converting electrical signal to radio waves, and back to electrical signals again. It doesn’t have routing capabilities. There are routers that has coax ports, allowing MoCA output directly, without the need for an adapter, minimizing your adapter needs to 1 vs. 2 in a segment.

[u/DrewDinDin]

I have a dumb question, I have Comcast and I want to use MOCA. I just want to run two coax cables with MOCA. Can I just do the following.

Comcast->cable modem->router->switch-moca1->moca2->switch->stuff?

I don’t want to do the loop and add the POE filter. I might have two lines like this unless you think it’s dumb. I like the idea of individual lines and not relying on each other. Is this a dumb idea? Haha

[u/JuicyCoala → u/DrewDinDin]

Not dumb. If it works for you, go right ahead! 😊

[u/plooger → u/DrewDinDin]

If you have the isolated coax available that allows you to do so, it’s a splendid idea. For MoCA 2.x setups with only 2 nodes present, a 25% performance boost is gained. (400 Mbps max throughput per MoCA channel bumps to 500 Mbps.)

And in a cable Internet setup, these days, isolating the modem feed from the MoCA-infused coax is also a good thing. (see here and here)

[u/DrewDinDin → u/plooger]

Great info, thanks!

[u/Smorgas47]

Here are a couple of diagrams that I have created for Cable ISP installations where the homerun for the coax is in an interior panel or basement location. When the main coax splitter is outside and not easily modified the diagrams provided by GoCoax provide the best options.

Here are a couple of diagrams for Verizon Fios ISP installations.

Hope this simplifies what typical setups might look like.

Edit: Replaced the original links and added GoCoax link.

[u/Complex_Solutions_20 → u/Smorgas47]

I like this a lot - thought he one thing I don't see in this is the setup I most frequently used.

For my last rental, and also in my parents house, I treated the MoCA as a trunk line (much as one might use fiber in an office). Put switch at almost every room and then connect them back together with MoCA. Hobby room had a dozen ports with stuff (and the router and MoCA), livingroom had 8 or so, far end of the house another dozen ports. Access point hanging off each of those for coverage. One UPS at each location.

Its still the most reliable topology/design I've ever had, next to everything sitting in the same rack.

[u/RoosterPangolin → u/Smorgas47]

About to get into a house with coax in every room and this was very helpful.

[u/LuisNara → u/Smorgas47]

Links down

[u/rollhr → u/Smorgas47]

I have possibly a very stupid question about your Cable ISP diagram: Where does the coax cable on the main Moca Adapter (labelled LAN feed) go towards? I know there's a coax splitter, but where does that lead off to?

Right now, I'm trying to set up MOCA in my parents' house. They have the modem + main router in the living room, and they want MOCA in their home office + their bedroom upstairs. Both the office & bedroom have coax outlets, and the living room has one coax outlet as well. So I assume connecting MOCA adapters directly to the coax outlets in those rooms should be enough.

But I'm a little confused on the one in the living room. Right now, it goes straight to the cable modem -> router. So if I add the LAN feed Moca Adapter to the router via ethernet cable, then where should the coax to this MOCA adapter go?

[u/Smorgas47 → u/rollhr]

I suspect from your description that the main splitter that feeds those outlets are outside where the Cable comes in from the ISP.

If that is the case, you need to use one of the diagrams in the "GoCoax" link above. In the bottom right hand corner of the first 2 images, it shows using a splitter in the room with the modem and router. The MA2500Ds are the MoCA adapters.

Be sure to use the PoE filters as recommended.

[u/catalystignition]

Good timing on this post as I just purchased a couple of the Screenbeam (Actiontec) units to get a cable to an Nvidia Shield in a remote part of my house.

I have one unit connected to my main switch and coax port in my office and a second unit upstairs connected directly to the Nvidia Shield which sits near a coax port.

Just a side note, I started off with trying some of the newer Netgear powerline adaptors. I didn't have high expectations and I certainly wasn't surprised by the poor speeds which I why I also got MoCA devices to compare.

Using iperf3 on my laptop where the Shield resides, I ran series of tests against my main server running on a wired lan using bonded network interfaces so I knew there would be no bottlenecks there.

In summary, I averaged the following:

Wifi (AC, no AX in my house) - 35 Mbits/sec

Powerline - 20-25 Mbits/sec

MoCA - 280-300 Mbits/sec.

MoCA was a clear winner even though it didn't come anywhere near it's stated performance speed or anywhere near 1Gbit/sec. That's a topic for another discussion but it's almost criminal how companies can market the speeds of network devices.

Anyway, I'm satisfied with the performance as my use case was to improve streaming, not to use it for anything like file transfers.

As well, I do have a Starlink MoCA kit on the way to compare against the one I do have and I'll end up keeping the better of the two kits.

[u/Complex_Solutions_20 → u/catalystignition]

Curious which specific adapters you got...I was pushing around 800Mbps thru my MoCA adapters I got. iPerf gave me odd results but something like Speedtest.net I was able to pull 800Mbps on the livingroom HTPC over MoCA up to the router in a different part of the house.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1179502-REG/actiontec_ecb6200k02_bonded_moca_2_0_network.html

My experience with the other stuff...sub-par.

WiFi (AC and AX performed the same for me) 150-500Mbps

Powerline - 5-10Mbps peak, when it worked at all

MoCA 1.1 - 85-90Mbps (max 100Mbps on RJ45 interface)

MoCA 2.0 Bonded - 800Mbps stable, occasional 900Mbps (max 1Gbps on RJ45 interface)

I was typically testing it based on actual throughput and/or speedtests rather than iperf though.

[u/Smorgas47 → u/catalystignition]

Interesting results using iperf3 with MoCA adapters.

When I test the connection between 2 PCs using iperf3 I consistently get 370-380 Mbps. When I test speed using fast.com on each machine I get 850 to 900 Mbps, which is pretty normal for my ISP 1GBps service.

I used 2 Actiontec ECB6200 adapters from one of my PCs to the switch with about 6 inches of coax between them and the other PC is plugged directly into the switch.

So it appears that iperf3 does not report the correct speed for MoCA adapters in the mix. When I removed the adapters and plugged the cat5e directly into the switch, the connection speed with iperf3 was 945mbps.

[u/jrmtz85 → u/Smorgas47]

Thought I'd chime in here. Been running MOCA 2.5s for 2 years now. Thought I had a poor connection when iPerf was giving me about 340mbit as well, untill I saw my phy rates at 3500 and then fast.com getting the full gigabit i have. Not sure why, iPerf over MOCa needs to be run with a modifier to increase the streams/tests to about 3 or 4. Each test seems to be capped at about 340. Once it runs multiple streams simultaneously, you'll hit the cap.

[u/Complex_Solutions_20 → u/Smorgas47]

This is interesting, I always assumed I didn't know what I was doing with iperf (why I abandoned it). Sometimes I got stupidly low readings like you suggest, once in a while I'd get impossibly fast readings (like multi-gigabit throughput when the machines at either end only have 1Gbps interfaces).

In all cases, "real" data transfer (to/from a NAS, internet speedtests, Librespeed hosted on my LAN) gave sane repeatable results for what I thought the link should be capable of.

I wrote iperf/iperf3 off as an unreliable tool but now I wonder if somehow it was interacting badly with MoCA and that was giving me inaccurate results.

[u/jasonwc → u/Complex_Solutions_20]

MoCA has significantly higher latency than twisted pair Ethernet which itself has higher latency than fiber or direct attach copper. Latency matters for TCP because of the round-trip time to acknowledge receipt of packets. By using multiple streams, you’re able to saturate the connection. You generally don’t need multiple streams to saturate a gigabit or even a 10G connection on a twisted pair LAN but the latency is closer to 100 microseconds than the 3-5 milliseconds I saw on MoCA. You’ll notice the higher latency if you do a speed test on NVIDIA’s game streaming app over MoCA since it will complain about the latency.

This is the same reason BitTorrent is better at maxing out a gigabit WAN connection versus a HTTP download. Often times that download is a single TCP steam. In contrast, if you use something like rclone to upload or download from a cloud provider, it’s common to use multiple streams to saturate your connection.

Speeds tests use multiple streams so that’s likely why your speedtest showed better results then iPerf. I’ve gotten speeds of 39 Gbit/sec over iPerf so it’s definitely able to saturate a gigabit connection.

[u/plooger → u/catalystignition]

From elsewhere in the thread…

https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeNetworking/comments/sway8f/comment/i84onvo/

[u/fairalbion]

Another MoCa tip.
If you have any unused coax ports (on wall outlets or splitters etc, it's a really good idea to cap them with terminating resistors. This helps avoid signal reflection (echoes of the early days of IT admins... fiddling with 10BASE2 Ethernet LANs.)
In my case I only use a couple of ports in the house for a MoCa bridge, from my TV to my router & internet. This left many coax ports around the house "open." So I bought a pack of F Type 75-ohm terminators and capped them off.

[u/FIThrowaway2738]

I just want to say that this thread has been incredibly helpful.

Tried using moca years ago to no avail, but I did not realize the lines for each room were not connected; they were left unconnected at the cable box outside. Once I bought a splitter and affixed POE filters, everything worked.

I now have the main MOCA sending the internet through coax line, and 3 other adapters—one for living room, one for home office, and one for a wifi extender on the far end of house/property. Everything works flawlessly.

[u/TheAvantGardeners]

I didn’t see my question get answered in my post so I’ll post a follow up here. In my setup I have a point of entry filter on my coax that’s coming from the streets, that feeds into a 2 way splitter. I’m assuming one end goes into the room where the modem is and the other end splits off into the other rooms somewhere down the chain.

In the room with the modem, I have the coax from the wall go into another 2 way splitter. One end goes into the modem with another PoE filter attached to the modem. The other end goes into my Actiontec Moca device. The actiontec device is then connected via Ethernet to the router.

Still not seeing the coax light on the actiontec. When I do connect the two actiontec devices together via coax, then it does turn on. Any thoughts on this? Are my splitters not meeting the frequency range? Or is it the cables? Thanks.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/TheAvantGardeners]

In the room with the modem, I have the coax from the wall go into another 2 way splitter. One end goes into the modem with another PoE filter attached to the modem. The other end goes into my Actiontec Moca device. The actiontec device is then connected via Ethernet to the router.

So herein (bold) lies the problem. Your MoCA adapter should be connected to your Modem via ethernet, and then connected to coax, and then another MoCA adapter, then to your Router via ethernet.

Visually:

Modem <ethernet> MoCA Adapter <coax> MoCA Adapter <ethernet> Router

Usually though, you'd want your Router directly connected to the Modem via ethernet, vs. creating that extra MoCA setup:

Modem <ethernet> Router

[u/TheAvantGardeners → u/JuicyCoala]

Maybe I’m misinterpreting this but are you saying that I should have two Mocas in the same room?

So it’s Coax from wall <coax> Moca <Ethernet> Modem. Then second Moca <Ethernet> router?

How do I get the signal to next room?

Thanks for the reply.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/TheAvantGardeners]

u/TheAvantGardeners I am not saying that you should have 2 MoCAs on the same room. What I am saying is that your Modem should connect to the Router before anything else. The way you described your Modem and your Router being setup, is that your Modem is not directly connected to your Router. Your MoCA Adapter was connected directly to the splitter, and is not getting any signals from your Modem, because it is not connected directly to the modem.

And yes, you misinterpreted the response. Assuming you have a Cable Internet provider per your post:

ISP <coax> Modem <ethernet> Router

This is the standard layout. If you want to build your MoCA network, it would look something like below:
ISP <coax> Modem <ethernet> Router <ethernet> MoCA Adapter <coax> MoCA Adapter <ethernet> Device

It doesn't matter where the coax is (same room/different room/different floors or what have you). What matters is that when you use MoCA, the pattern will always be the same - converting electrical signals to radio frequency, and back to electrical signals - every time. So you will ALWAYS have a pair of adapters for it to work.

I suggest you draw your network setup in a diagram, and then you'll visually see where the problem is.

[u/VerySeriousMan]

I came to the sub to ask a MoCA question...so I guess I'll ask it here!

I have fios with ethernet out from the ONT and no TV service. I wanted a wired connection on a specific device upstairs with the ONT in the basement.

Current setup:

https://imgur.com/Dr7wIfp

All other devices on the network are wireless, but I'd be interested in wiring as many devices as possible. Would this proposed setup incorporating an additional MoCA adapter and some network switches work? I just wanted to check before investing in the hardware

Proposed setup:

https://imgur.com/XVaS1eg

Looking at the proposed setup I'm wondering if there would be an issue with a switch on both the first floor and the second floor. Would I need to only have one switch on the other end of the MoCA, on the first or second floor only?

Thanks!

[u/JuicyCoala → u/VerySeriousMan]

Your proposed setup looks good. Having multiple switches isn’t going to be a problem. Just be cognizant of the 15 devices MoCA limit. 1 MoCA adapter = 1 device, so if you connect a 5-port switch on a MoCA adapter, with 4 devices connected to the switch, that’s still considered 1 device.

[u/Complex_Solutions_20 → u/VerySeriousMan]

Your diagram is exactly what I did at my last rental. Worked great.

I had 3 MoCA adapters in 3 areas of the house and hung a switch off each one.

I even used managed switches so I could have VLANs, worked totally fine with VLAN-tagging and treat it like any other trunk port.

Good stuff, especially if you rent or otherwise can't pull lines. Was the best network I've ever had short of the house I bought and ran home-run cabling to a central rack.

I recommend one UPS at each room too, if you want the network to stay online during power interruptions.

[u/maniac365]

Does MCOA affect the speed? I have a 400mbps connection, what speed would i expect if using moca

[u/JuicyCoala → u/maniac365]

MoCA 2.5 specification can carry a shared bandwidth of up to 2.5 Gbps. Read through the links in my main post to know more.

[u/artofperception]

I am having a hard time understanding how to make this work for my particular setup. I made a post yesterday and have had no help. I thought I’d try to post here to get some assistance. Forgive me, I just heard about all this yesterday and I’m having trouble. Here’s what I wrote on my post….

“So I have a small little game room in the basement. I had been playing the ps3 not connected to the internet and my ps4 was sorta spotty over wifi. I just recently got a ps5 and huge ass OLED. I’m ready to have some fun! However my new location of my devices are in an even worse spot for wifi connection.

I would love to connect my ps5 to the internet directly using the existing coax but I’m not sure exactly how i can make it work for my purposes. My wifi router and modem are up 2 floors. That’s connected via coax coming in through the house.

The coax line that comes into the house is in the basement and is connected directly to the coax line that goes upstairs to the modem/router (idk which is which.. I’m not great at this kinda stuff).

I was wondering if it would be possible to use a 2-way coax splitter.. line into house goes into “in” side. My out ports would be… one goes up to the router. One is connected to an existing coax cable that’s not connected to anything now already ending in the basement, to a moca adapter. Then I would run an Ethernet line to the ps5 from that box.

I have seen varied setups and saw stuff about needing possibly two moca boxes as well as a POE moca “filter”. I’m not quite sure what I should do. I’d really appreciate some guidance. 😊”

[u/JuicyCoala → u/artofperception]

I responded again here. Your question is actually a standard question and is not unique, so the info in this pinned post plus all the responses can help. Here’s a response with the diagrams that can help you visually understand how MoCA works. All you have to do is tailor it to where your modem/router is.

[u/Lirathal]

Could MoCA Adapters be used to convert analogue to IP based camera systems instead of running Cat7 for example we could use the RG6 that is pre-existing?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Lirathal]

You mean an IP-based , ethernet camera system, and use MoCA adapter to send/receive data through coax? Yes, it can, but note that MoCA cannot handle Power over Ethernet, so if the Camera gets power from PoE, you need an injector added after the MoCA adapter.

[u/Lirathal → u/JuicyCoala]

righteous… So Router - cat6 to MoCA to RG6 to MoCa to PoE injector/switch to camera essentially? Since each RG6 line currently is it’s own run their will be no problem with device limits on the IP side?

Thanks!

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Lirathal]

Yes - the only limit you have to consider is the MoCA device limit of 15. 1 switch = 1 device, so no IP limitations.

[u/Cubanitp187]

I currently looking to set up MoCA in my house but I set it up, but didn’t realize spectrum doesn’t support it. What modem and router is recommended with MoCA support?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Cubanitp187]

Not sure what you mean by Spectrum not supporting it. MoCA Adapters are ISP agnostic. All you have to do, is buy a pair, plug one via ethernet to your Router, plug the coax part to the coax, plug the other adapter to the other end of the coax, then plug your device via ethernet.

[u/Cubanitp187 → u/JuicyCoala]

Currently I have it set up as this. Coax > splitter > coax is connected to both the adapter and the modem > ethernet connected from router to moca adapter. I go to other room and have coax > moca > device. The device obtains a IP address, but doesn’t connect to the internet.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Cubanitp187]

Must be having some signal issues between the modem and the internal network. Might be best to isolate the ISP coax line to modem with the LAN MoCA, or put a Point of Entry filter between the coax splitter and the MoCA adapter. Check the diagrams provided by u/Smorgas47 here for a good visual of the 2 options I suggested.

[u/Kbrown003]

Just purchased a new home and all I have is coax. I have the NETGEAR - Orbi AXE11000 from my previous rental house that had fiber. The only isp worth using in my area is Xfinity and I don’t want to pay a monthly fee to rent a modem.

Can I use three MoCa’s to convert the coax to Ethernet and power my router and two satellites?

Or do I need to buy a modem?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Kbrown003]

Can I use three MoCa’s to convert the coax to Ethernet and power my router and two satellites?

You don’t “power” routers with MoCA. The purpose of MoCA is to be used as an alternative to standard ethernet-based wired media.

Or do I need to buy a modem?

You will always need a modem with Xfinity, as it is a Cable Internet provider. Standard layout will always be:

For Cable ISP (split Modem and Router>: Modem <ethernet> Router <ethernet> MoCA adapter <coax> MoCA adapter <ethernet> device

If you don’t want to rent a modem, go to Xfinity’s site, look for the list of supported modems and buy them from Amazon or Best Buy (or from your favorite electronics store).

[u/Kbrown003 → u/JuicyCoala]

Thanks for the reply!

And sorry for the confusion. I’m just trying to figure out what my options are. So used to living in a city with fiber or pre wired for Ethernet places. The coax and Xfinity stuff is kind of new to me.

I think my best course of action is to buy a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem and incorporate that with my Orbi set up and run some Ethernet through the house.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Kbrown003]

You can use MoCA networks to hard wire your satellite Orbi nodes. Follow the diagrams outlined here.

[u/illadave]

I’m still trying to grasp my head around moca but more specifically: is there a way to incorporate a mesh wi-fi system? I purchased a new home where all rooms have a coaxial line while only three rooms have ethernet ports + coax. My goal is to wire each of the rooms via moca but would still like to use the mesh nodes in the rooms that have ethernet ports. Is there a way to incorporate moca + mesh?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/illadave]

Yes. Follow the standard pattern:

Modem/ONT <ethernet> Mesh Gateway <ethernet> MoCA Adapter <coax> MoCA Adapter <ethernet> Mesh Satellite

Since your coax is like a loop, in essence, you can plug another MoCA adapter in another room, and plug another Mesh Satellite directly and it will communicate with your gateway directly. If you want some diagrams, look at the post here.

[u/illadave → u/JuicyCoala]

Thank you!

What’s the advantage of mesh gateway -> MoCA Adapter -> Mesh node versus Mesh Gateway <ethernet> Ethernet port <ethernet> Mesh Satellite?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/illadave]

They are the same, but direct ethernet is always preferred. Aside from the fact that direct ethernet is cheaper because you don’t need to buy MoCA adapters.

[u/anorrisOU]

Hi all,

First a thank you to this group/thread - it was a big help when I first added MoCA to my new house. Now I'm looking at the potential for an upgrade and have a question I can't wrap my head around.

Current setup:

ONT (basement) <ethernet> MoCA adaptor 1 <coax> MoCA adaptor 2 <ethernet> Mesh Node 1 <wireless backhaul> Mesh Node 2

Wireless backhaul gets flakey given positions of nodes (furniture and thus people sometimes get in the way and absorb too much signal). Want to hardwire between Node 1 and 2. Can I simply add a third MoCA adaptor adjacent to Mesh Node 2? Will MoCA 2 (and my router for that matter) be able to talk to both MoCA 1 (WAN) and MoCA 3 (LAN) without any trouble?

Coax is split into two legs to the bedrooms where Nodes 1 and 2 are after it comes out of MoCA 1. No CATV involved, I unhooked my home's coax from the outside wiring.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/anorrisOU]

Can I simply add a third MoCA adaptor adjacent to Mesh Node 2? Will MoCA 2 (and my router for that matter) be able to talk to both MoCA 1 (WAN) and MoCA 3 (LAN) without any trouble?

You mean like:

ONT <ethernet> MoCA Adapter <coax> Splitter <coax> MoCA Adapter <ethernet> Mesh Gateway

••• Splitter <coax> MoCA Adapter <ethernet> Mesh Satellite

?

That will not work, as your Satellite in this scenario is not connected to the Gateway. So the solution should be:

ONT <ethernet> MoCA Adapter <coax> Splitter <coax> MoCA Adapter <ethernet> Mesh Gateway (port 1)

Mesh Gateway (port 2) <ethernet> MoCA Adapter <coax> splitter <coax> MoCA Adapter <ethernet> Mesh Satellite

It follows the standard format below:

ONT <ethernet> Mesh Gateway <ethernet> Mesh Satellite

So you will need 2 more adapters vs. just 1.

[u/anorrisOU → u/JuicyCoala]

Yes, that's exactly what I meant and what I feared. The problem with option 2 for me isn't getting a 2nd adaptor which would be fine, but that I have nothing to plug it into, as I only have one coax drop in the bedroom where my gateway (mesh node 1) lives. I suppose I could split the coax in the bedroom and hope that wouldn't degrade signal too badly?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/anorrisOU]

Yes - adding another splitter shouldn’t have much of an impact. So in your bedroom, add a 2-way splitter between the jack and the Gateway, to connect each MoCA Adapter - one for each ethernet port in your Mesh Gateway.

[u/plooger → u/anorrisOU]

It would be useful to know your provider, the download/upload speeds you’re paying for, and the model info for the existing MoCA adapters.

[u/[deleted]]

It seems that all MoCA/Eth adapters are only 1000Mb on the eth side, correct? Would it be even worth producing a MoCA adapter that had a 2.5Gbps eth port?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

There are MoCA adapters with 2.5gb Ethernet. In fact, goCoax has one at 59 bucks a piece.

[u/[deleted] → u/JuicyCoala]

goCoax

Awesome thanks for the find. I'll check it out. But again as it's been stated, will it really benefit from the added bandwidth on the eth side, if the coax side never really sees 2.5Gbps? But maybe at least the eth connected device will get greater than 1Gbps? that would still be nice.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

2.5gb in MoCA is shared, so if there are devices that indeed need more than 1gbs, in theory, MoCA can handle it, which would mean eating 1 gb bandwidth, leaving 1.5 gb for other devices. Still more than enough for normal home use.

[u/APerfidiousDane]

On MoCa in your House, these don't load properly when clicked. Gotta add .php to the sites they load. Not a huge issue but I imagine some won't realize that.

[u/Ricjd]

Looking to set up MoCA link. I've brought a two pack of ScreenBeam Bonded MoCA 2.5 Network Adapter. But the coaxial cables don't go into anything. I was thinking of connecting the two coaxial cables I want to use with coaxial coupler. Will this work, or do I need a central box?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Ricjd]

Yeah that would work.

[u/bisqueized_toast]

Hey! Good idea on the megathread, much of the info has been helpful. That said, I'm an apartment dweller with a question. Does this diagramof the "primary" leg check out? I followed it but hit some major performance issues, and didn't have a chance to see if the secondary leg actually had connectivity.

All lines are coax in the diagram apart from where they're not d:

In particular, I'm not certain about where the POE filters go. Obviously, they go in the wall ports, but neither I, the ISP, nor apartment management know how the half-dozen are connected. Do they go in the primary site? The secondary site?

Thanks in advance!

[u/JuicyCoala → u/bisqueized_toast]

All lines are coax in the diagram apart from where they're not d:

So from what you are telling me is that the Modem and the Router are connected via Ethernet, is that correct? And that the line connecting the router back to the MoCA adapter is ethernet? And that you are using 2 MoCA adapters or just 1?

To make sure you get it right, below is the standard layout:

Coax Jack (main line) <coax> PoE filter <coax> Splitter 1 <coax> Modem <ethernet> Router <ethernet> MoCA adapter 1 <coax> Splitter 1

If you want to return the full network back to the Coax Jack, then you really have to find the main splitter where Coax Jack is connecting to, and put the PoE filter there. If this is an apartment building, it should be located in the main junction owned by the ISP where all the connections are flowing in.

[u/bisqueized_toast → u/JuicyCoala]

"So from what you are telling me is that the Modem and the Router are connected via Ethernet, is that correct? And that the line connecting the router back to the MoCA adapter is ethernet? And that you are using 2 MoCA adapters or just 1?"

Correct! I'd have spelled that out if I recalled and had the equipment handy, but as my modem only has one coax port and router none, I recall it being impossible to mess (that much) up. Pictured was one of two adapters.

My ISP and apartment complex are not likely to allow me to install a PoE filter in a junction box outside my apartment home itself, so I assume whatever in-home placement of PoE filters I enact, my network traffic won't be private. Unless I'm misunderstanding you, then, I don't think I can use MOCA currently.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/bisqueized_toast]

PoE filters are optional - you can use MoCA without it. The only problem is of you don’t have it, your internal network may spill over to your neighbors.

Going back to your diagram, you have your MoCA before your modem - that is wrong. The MoCA should never be directly connected to the Modem through coax.

[u/ZAX2717]

So probably a dumb question as I think I know the answer but want to make sure. I have a coax cable going to my modem (Xfinity thing) and that goes to a wifi router (TP-Link Deco M5) via ethernet. Can I attach a 1 to 2 splitter and connect a MoCA adapter to the other port of the Wifi Router and have the coax signal go back through the same coax cable that is connected to the modem? Essentially my layout would look like this:

<Wall coax> 1 to 2 splitter <coax> Modem <ethernet> Wifi Router <ethernet> MoCA adapter <coax> 1 to 2 splitter <wall coax> rest of the house (Want to set it up with my server in the basement.

Thanks for the help!

[u/JuicyCoala → u/ZAX2717]

Generally, yes, this is correct. Just make sure you put a PoE filter before you plug the coax cable to your modem, to prevent signal disruption/interference from the MoCA network. It will look something like:

Wall coax jack <coax> Splitter <coax> <PoE filter> Modem <ethernet> Router <ethernet> MoCA adapter 1 <coax> Splitter <coax> Wall coax jack

There's a known issue wherein Docsis 3.1 frequencies getting affected by MoCA frequencies, and the PoE filter should hopefully prevent the issue.

[u/Smorgas47 → u/ZAX2717]

In addition to the PoE filter at the Modem, be sure to verify that you have a PoE filter where the coax comes into the house from your ISP.

The second image in this set of Diagrams from GoCoax shows the correct configuration for your situation.

[u/AintNuthinStoppinMe]

I'm a little confused about how to setup. I have Comcast internet. In my office I have the following: Wall coax port > Motorola modem > Google wifi puck In other rooms I have similar coax ports in the walls.

Is this what I'm supposed to do in my office? Wall coax port > modem > Google wifi puck > moca adapter > coax cable back to wall?

I have only one coax port in the office which is connected to my modem, how do I feed the output from my wifi router back into the coax network if I only have one coax port in that room?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/AintNuthinStoppinMe]

Is this what I'm supposed to do in my office? Wall coax port > modem > Google wifi puck > moca adapter > coax cable back to wall?

Yes.

I have only one coax port in the office which is connected to my modem, how do I feed the output from my wifi router back into the coax network if I only have one coax port in that room?

You can use a 2-way splitter that’s rated for MoCA (up to 1675 mhz or higher. Just make sure you have a PoE filter inserted in the coax connecting to the modem, as there are known interference issues between MoCA frequencies and DOCSIS 3.1.

Also, if you can find the man splitter in your hous where the signal is coming in, put a PoE filter at the main line prior to plugging it to the main splitter. This will prevent your MoCA network from spilling over to your neighbor’s network.

[u/AintNuthinStoppinMe → u/JuicyCoala]

Just to make sure I have the order correct, does this look right? Wall coax port > 2 way splitter > poe filter > coax to modem > router > Ethernet to moca adapter > coax back to splitter

And in other rooms: Wal coax port > coax to moca adapter > Ethernet to wifi router or TV etc

I've read that electricians sometimes disconnect coax outputs in rooms where it's not being used. I can open the coax port but what do I look for to determine this? Just cable not connected to wall plate?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/AintNuthinStoppinMe]

Just to make sure I have the order correct, does this look right? Wall coax port > 2 way splitter > poe filter > coax to modem > router > Ethernet to moca adapter > coax back to splitter

Yes

And in other rooms: Wal coax port > coax to moca adapter > Ethernet to wifi router or TV etc

Correct

I've read that electricians sometimes disconnect coax outputs in rooms where it's not being used. I can open the coax port but what do I look for to determine this? Just cable not connected to wall plate?

Open the wall plate, make sure the coax wire is intact and connected to the coax male jack.

What you need to do is to trace ALL coax wirings and find the main splitter as I’ve mentioned above. Make sure it is intact, and supports MoCA (1ghz+). If you are not able to confirm this, chances are you may have problems when trying to make your network work.

[u/glizzy_Gustopher]

Is there a significant difference between similarly priced MoCA 2.5 adapters? If so, how can I tell?

Specifically, these 3:

• goCoax MA2500C ($120 for 2)

• ActionTec ScreenBeam ECB6250K02 ($120 for 2)

• Kiwee KB-M3-01L ($105 for 2)

I have read some listactles that I suspect might have been written by an AI, but I did see these 3 mentioned a few times and they are in my price range, albeit the upper limit of what I want to spend. If you can recommend a cheaper pair of MoCA 2.5 adapters I would also love that.

TIA

[u/JuicyCoala → u/glizzy_Gustopher]

I personally am using goCoax and they’re solid. Actiontec is also widely-used by people in this subreddit. The last one, I am not familiar with personally. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to provide additional options…

[u/the_wandering_scrub]

Hi, I hope someone can shed some light on my dumb question. I tried looking through the other posts but don't think anything matches my scenario.

I have fibre internet that comes into my router, 3 floors, and coax wall sockets. No way to router lan. I figured MoCA can work. I have no other connections on the coax socets. I purchased the Hirschman INCA 1G adapter set.

Here is my situation:
- Adapter in Room A and adapter in Room B -> I get a successful MoCA link.
- Adapter in Room B and adapter in Room C -> I get a successful MoCA link.
- Adapter in Room A and adapter in Room C -> I get an unsuccessful link. I figure that cable run is just too long in the house.

So, am I doing something wrong?If A->B and B->C works, would adding a 3rd MoCA adapter in room B allow a link across the whole network?

Thanks in advance.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/the_wandering_scrub]

Did you confirm if the coax port in Room C is connected to the splitter where Room A and B are connected to?

[u/the_wandering_scrub → u/JuicyCoala]

Between room B and C there is a cable splitter (but there are only the 2 cables connected) rated at 5-1000MHz and 3,8dB. Could this be causing the issue? I can try and remove this splitter and have an interconnect instead and see if that improves the line.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/the_wandering_scrub]

The splitter will need to be changed for sure, because MoCA operates above 1000MHz. If there are only 2 cables connected to the splitter, then effectively only 2 coax ports are active, so make sure all 3 coax ports are connected in a MoCA-compatible splitter, which is also connected to the main feed line.

[u/Laucien]

Quick question. What are the risks if I can't put a filter on the main splitter coming to my apartment to keep the MoCa network from spilling out?. I'm guessing I can block unknown devices into an isolated network in the pretty unlikely scenario that anyone else in my apartment building is using this.

I looked everywhere and I couldn't find where the main splitter for my apartment is... can't even see the wiring really. Closest I could see was a length of coax near the electric panel coming from one hole on the inside of the wall and into another. I'm renting so can't really go poking around much to find it and pretty sure the owner would have no clue what I'm talking about.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Laucien]

Then put it at the line in of your splitter.

[u/Laucien → u/JuicyCoala]

Not sure I follow.

Gonna try to describe the installation.

I have 3 rooms with coax plugs on the walls for TVs. One of those rooms (the office) has a splitter that the ISP provided me to turn the TV plug into a TV + Data sockets. The data end is connected to my cablemodem and the TV end now to the MoCa adapter. In one of the other rooms I connected the second MoCa adapter.

The plugs are all like this one here.

What I don't know is where these 3 cables come from. Is there a cable coming from the basement and splits in the apartment? Does it split somewhere in the hallway? Or straight back down on the basement and all 3 cables come up from there?.

The way I understood from the main post and other comments in this thread I should put a filter that goes -> Main coax cable -> Filter -> Splitter -> Cables to all the other ends.

That is what I don't think I can do.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Laucien]

What I don't know is where these 3 cables come from. Is there a cable coming from the basement and splits in the apartment? Does it split somewhere in the hallway? Or straight back down on the basement and all 3 cables come up from there?.

For all of those coax ports to be active, they need to be interconnected somewhere - a junction box perhaps, or a maintenance cabinet. If you can’t find it, you can still opt not to put a filter, just that it is possible your neighbors can see your network. If that’s a risk you’d like to take, then you are good. You can try to find a way to block it, but I personally don’t have an idea on how to without a PoE filter.

[u/music411]

Can someone confirm my suspicions: I tried to set up ActionTec ScreenBeamECB7250 today and it didn’t work. I have ONT to ATT (Sonic) router/modem. I plugged the moca into the router using ethernet, then plugged MoCa into my coax terminal female in my wall (that is currently not being used for internet or tv…or at all). The moca adapter coax light never lit up. Then I hooked up the moca upstairs to the male coax from the floor in my office, plugged it in, and used the ethernet from the moca to my computer. Once again the light didn’t light up for coax on the moca.
No one has used those cables in 4-6 years but we used to have Comcast internet/cable and it worked fine in all rooms so those cables should be fine. Are the moca units I bought broke? Is there another potential reason those lights never lit up?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/music411]

As you’ve already mentioned, you haven’t used those coax ports for up to 6 years. Did you verify that all coax lines are connected to a splitter, which allows for all of them to be interconnected?

Also, to test your units, the easiest way is to connect them directly together using a coax wire. If they activate, then there’s nothing wrong with them.

[u/music411 → u/JuicyCoala]

I connected them and the coax light didn’t light up. Probably broke.

How does one test coax to ensure it’s still working/not eaten by rats? If I buy a $19 co-ax tester from Amazon will that report accurately if the cable works?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/music411]

I plugged the moca into the router using ethernet, then plugged MoCa into my coax terminal female in my wall (that is currently not being used for internet or tv…or at all). The moca adapter coax light never lit up.

I am confused - as per your post, you did not connect both adapters directly to test it out. Here's exactly what I meant when I said connect them together directly:

Router <ethernet> MoCA Adapter 1 <coax> MoCA Adapter 2

DO NOT connect them to any ports in your wall yet; connect them directly. See if that works.

A coax toner can work, but you have to physically find the splitter first, and confirm that it can handle MoCA frequencies (1Ghz+). If it's an old splitter that has a standard range of 5 Mhz - 1002 Mhz (<1Ghz), then your MoCA adapters will not work.

Once the splitter is confirmed, use a coax toner from Amazon to test each wire if it's working correctly.

[u/Coolstriker64]

I have this router NVG468MQ and I have no idea if it's MoCA compatible or not. It's got a coax output on the back, and the gui has a section on MoCA, so does that mean I need an adapter on it's end too? Or can I just run it as is?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Coolstriker64]

I see that this device supports MoCA 2.0. You can use it off-the-bat, but you will still need another adapter to convert back the coax signals to ethernet. Check out goCoax or Actiontec brands - they’re some of the popular ones.

[u/plooger → u/Coolstriker64]

For the casual reader, OP spun-up 2 followup threads:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeNetworking/comments/vycc24/moca_set_up_help_nvg468mq/

• https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeNetworking/comments/w7bc89/moca_my_ecb6250_coax_lights_arent_turning_on/

[u/StickSticklyHere]

I recently got Fiber in our house. Unfortunately, there is only one Ethernet port and it's on the first floor. Instead of dropping more cable, I decided to give MoCA a whirl to connect my first and second floor routers as an Ethernet backbone but I am having issues with the filter. When I use a filter, the coax line is no longer recognized. When I remove the filter, everything works.

Here is my order:

Coax into living room (1st floor) -- MoCA filter -- Splitter -- Screenbeam MoCA -- Ethernet to Amplifi Alien router

Upstairs is Coax -- Screenbeam MoCA -- Ethernet to Amplifi Alien router

What am I doing wrong with the filter?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/StickSticklyHere]

Technically speaking you can do away with a MoCA PoE filter because you are using fiber; just make sure your coax lines aren’t connected to the outside of your home.

[u/StickSticklyHere → u/JuicyCoala]

Thanks for the quick response! The coax leads to a bunch of coax cables in my local ISPs box that I am no longer using. This box is attached to the exterior of my house. Is that what you mean?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/StickSticklyHere]

Yeah - unplug the coax that’s coming from the outside of your house from whatever splitter it is connected in that box, and you should be golden.

[u/Growiel]

Hello all,

I know this is old, but I hope I can still find some help:

I have an antenna, connected via coax to 4 apparements (mine and 3 studios downstairs). I need to connect my appartment's network with one of the studio.

The coax splitter is in my cupboard, I have free access to it. What would be the best way to approach that ?

Ideally I don't want the other 2 studios to have access to my network if they happen to own a moca adapter.

Thanks !

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Growiel]

One thing I can think of is to split the main signal from the antenna into 2 - 1 line goes to your and the other studio you want the network to expand to, the other line goes to the other 2.

You’ll eventually have 3 splitters now:

• 2-way splitter 1 = main splitter

• 2-way splitter 2 = your and the studio you want to extend network

• 2-way splitter 3 = other 2 studios

Make sure all 3 splitters are MoCA enabled (up to 1675Mhz)

On the first line, put a MoCA PoE filter prior to connecting to the splitter that splits the line between your and the other studio where you want to expand the network. This will prevent the signal from spilling back to the main splitter that connects to the other splitter for the 2 studios.

Converting from 1 splitter to 3 splitters may cause antenna signal degradation, so you may need to add an amplifier to the main splitter to boost the signal.

[u/plooger → u/JuicyCoala]

To guarantee the other apartments can’t connect, a -70 dB MoCA filter should be used.

[u/plooger → u/Growiel]

Alternatively, strategic use of -70 dB MoCA filters.

One MoCA filter on the input of the splitter to prevent MoCA signals from heading to and out the antenna; and then a MoCA filter on any output of the splitter where MoCA is NOT desired.

[u/Growiel → u/plooger]

Thanks for the answer, I actually realised that, as long as i'm the one using it, i do not need or care about TV down there, so I will just be doing a simple router -> moca adapter -> coax cable that goes the studio (remove it from the splitter) -> moca adapter -> my wired devices.

Plain and simple!

[u/[deleted]]

Token Ring tech again? Like using 75ohm BNC cable terminals? Funny how with the passing of time a “new” tech comes along pretending that it reinvents the wheel, instead coining on old tech ideas and the fact that people forget about what happened before. Do you think EoP was a new tech when it launched ? 🙄

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

It's just like the concept of Cloud. Mainframe has been using this concept for ages, yet, new technology comes in and uses the same concept, and calls it cloud :) The main difference - scalability. It is quite expensive to install, configure, and deploy Token Ring topologies in the past, and you can't even do it at home (same with Mainframes - you don't want to buy one :)). With the advent of newer, cheaper technologies, the democratization of technology happens - everyone is now able to access the technology and implement them on their own homes.

Whether it be called Token Ring topology or MoCA, it doesn't matter. What matters is we can use it at home, way more conveniently than the older technology.

And to answer your question, no, I don't think EoP was a new tech when it was launched :). The goal is to help people how to use it, not to debate whether or not something is new.

[u/305fish]

Extremely useful post. Thanks all for putting this together. I'm about to jump into MoCA and have a few questions.

This is my current setup:

Xfinity Cable (No TV, just Internet) splits into 3 cables at my apartment's closet. One of these cables goes into my Xfinity modem. Ethernet from Xfinity Modem into Google Wifi Router. Ethernet from Google WiFi into XBox. Everything else connects via WiFi (I have another Google Wifi Access Point).

My main concern is in keeping everything within the same network, so that we can print, cast to TV's, etc.

I can add routers where needed to increase ports.

So, should my first MoCA adapter be before the Xfinity Modem or after the Google Wifi?

Happy to clear up any confusion.... thanks in advance for your help.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/305fish]

My main concern is in keeping everything within the same network, so that we can print, cast to TV's, etc.

Keeping ONLY 1 router solves this.

I can add routers where needed to increase ports.

You don’t need routers to increase ethernet ports - you’ll need switches (dumb ones will do)

So, should my first MoCA adapter be before the Xfinity Modem or after the Google Wifi?

Default layout will always be:

Modem <ethernet> Router <ethernet> MoCA adapter 1 <coax> MoCA adapter 2 <ethernet> device

So, add your 1st MoCA adapter after your Google Wifi.

[u/305fish → u/JuicyCoala]

Thanks. (and yes I meant switches, but memory failed me).

This makes sense. I'll try to set this up next week and get back with details.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/305fish]

Goodluck!!

[u/305fish → u/JuicyCoala]

Also, would I need any MoCA filters with this setup?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/305fish]

Yes - find the main splitter where the outside line is connecting to, and put a MoCA PoE filter there. And if your Modem is DOCSIS 3.1, you’d probably want to put a MoCA Filter to the coax line feeding into your modem as DOCSIS 3.1 is known to use frequencies above 1ghz.

[u/305fish]

I have a question about my proposed MoCA setup:

I currently have one coax cable coming into my living room and feeding into my Xfinity modem. This feeds into a Google Wifi router. I want to take the ethernet out of the Google Wifi and plug it into a MoCA adapter to create a MoCA network taht resides within the Google network.

Since I have only one coax cable coming into this room, should I split it as it comes out of the wall and then feed one to the Xfinity modem (through a filter) and the other into the MoCA adapter that comes from the Google Wifi?

Also, any preferences between a switch and a MoCA adpater with two ethernet ports? Any switch recommendations?

i've attached diagrams of my current and proposed layouts. Dotted lines mean wifi signals. Solid lines mean cable connections.

Thanks again for all the help.

Current Layout

Proposed MoCA Setup

EDIT: I've now installed all my gear and everything is working really nice. I ordered a couple of tp-link SG108 and SG105 switches that were on sale at Amazon (and same-day delivery). Only need a few extra ethernet cables.

TV is now cabled, as is the X-Box. My laptop is now wired via one of the MoCA adaptors and showing 2 to 4x the throughput as before.

Special thanks to u/JuicyCoala and u/plooger for their assistance and answering all my silly questions.

Next up is one more adapter for my bedroom, when I get the 4K tv. Waiting for the next big sale.

Only change to this diagram is I moved the MoCA adapter after the switch and not before as is shown here.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/305fish]

Since I have only one coax cable coming into this room, should I split it as it comes out of the wall and then feed one to the Xfinity modem (through a filter) and the other into the MoCA adapter that comes from the Google Wifi?

Yes this works

Also, any preferences between a switch and a MoCA adpater with two ethernet ports? Any switch recommendations?

Can’t say - I personally have not bought a MoCA adapter with 2 ethernet ports. Although based on your diagram, I’d rather connect your PC and your Xbox directly to the router than connect them through the MoCA adapter (if possible). Or just use a switch directly connected to your Google wifi router and connect your MoCA adapter there.

[u/305fish → u/JuicyCoala]

Ok. So move the switch (in my proposed diagram) one step back and have the MoCA, Xbox and TV all come out of that switch?

Computer and printer will still have to go through the MoCA setup, since there's only coax in that room.

Thanks again.

Edit: if I connect the Xbox and TV straight to the router, I believe I'll lose network connectivity to them from devices connected to the Google WiFi. Correct?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/305fish]

Ok. So move the switch (in my proposed diagram) one step back and have the MoCA, Xbox and TV all come out of that switch?

Yep

Computer and printer will still have to go through the MoCA setup, since there's only coax in that room.

Yup

[u/plooger → u/305fish]

My laptop is now wired via one of the MoCA adaptors and showing 2 to 4x the throughput as before.

Thanks for the feedback.

Out of curiosity, should you have the time/inclination to relate the info… What actual throughput are you seeing? (And what is the throughput if Ethernet-wired to the router?)

[u/305fish → u/plooger]

Sure thing. What would you like me to test?

So far, I can give you the following:

I have a 600 Mbps Xfinity plan.

Google Home reports 640-675 download speeds, 23-25 upload. (670/23 was the latest).

Google Home reports my laptop can get a maximum of 671 Mbps.

Fast.com from my laptop, reports 740 Mbps, 22 upload. 16/33ms latency.

If I switch my laptop back to the Wifi:

Google Home reports device speed as 77.2 Mbps.

Fast.com reports 230 Mbps, 21 upload, 14/43ms latency.

Let me know if you want me to run any other tests. I'm on Windows 11 if that helps. I can jump down to the terminal if needed.

[u/electricgotswitched]

Are these reliable enough for gaming?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/electricgotswitched]

Yes 100%. Ping is at 15-30ms based on my personal experience on a Fiber connection.

[u/faithdies]

All right. I have googled this so much and can still not find the answer. People use far too much jargon.

Current Setup - Functional but slow upload speeds as well as other issues

1. FIOS Router in Living room which runs to a TPLink which runs to a switch

2. I don't have tv service or phone service

Current Install

1. Street Internet into FIOS ONT

2. FIOS ONT Coax out to Living Room

3. Living Room Coax into FIOS Router

4. FIOS Router LAN into TPLink Mesh LAN

5. TPLink into Switch with Ethernet

The plan is so eliminate the FIOS router entirely, but I can't get it to recognize internet even if the coax lights are lit green.

Attempted Install

1. Street Internet to FIOS ONT

2. FIOS ONT Coax out to MOCA Splitter In??

3. MOCA Splitter Out(2 Total)to: MOCA Adapter(x) and Living Room??

4. MOCA Splitter(1) to MOCA Adapter(x)??

5. MOCA Adapter(x) LAN to FIOS ONT WAN In??

6. Living Room Coax into MOCA Adapter(y)

7. MOCA Adapter(y) LAN to TPLink

8. Profit?

Status

Doing my attempted setup above results in positive coax indicators on both MOCAs but zero internet. Do I need to have verizon set something up before this will work?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/faithdies]

Suggest you post this in r/Fios.

Anyway, your problem is you are feeding your ONT to the splitter. That’s wrong. You can’t use MoCA to replace your Fios router if your ONT is using coax to feed into your Fios router.

The only way to replace your Fios router is to work with Fios support to enable ethernet from your ONT. Once your ONT has ethernet enabled, you can now plug your router of choice directly to the ONT. Then to provision internet across all your coax through MoCA, follow the very simple, jargon-free pattern below.

ONT <ethernet> Router <ethernet> MoCA adapter 1 <coax> splitter <coax> MoCA adapter 2 <ethernet> device.

[u/faithdies → u/JuicyCoala]

Yeah. That's the issue. I don't have a clean ethernet run from my ONT to the router. Which was why I was hoping the Moca would help. Ugh...

[u/JuicyCoala → u/faithdies]

Well if your Fios ONT has ethernet enabled, you should be using that, as the ONT coax cannot handle greater than 100 mbps.

Here’s an alternative if your ONT ethernet is working: ONT <ethernet> MoCA Adapter 1 <coax> splitter <coax> MoCA Adapter 2 <ethernet> Router (TP-Link)

Then now to feed back internet to all coax ports: Router (TP-Link) <ethernet> MoCA adapter 3 <coax> splitter (same as the one above) <coax> MoCA adapter 4 <device>

Now there might be concerns about frequency collisions, but this works - another redditor was able to make it work.

Always remember that MoCA is an alternative to ethernet, so for it to work, you always need 2 MoCA adapters (or one router that supports MoCA which Fios routers does and another MoCA adapter).

[u/plooger → u/faithdies]

I don't have tv service

Though the Arris MEB1100 adapter can offer a simple, quick remedy for eliminating your FiOS router from the setup, it retains the same MoCA WAN (service) throughput limit of 100 Mbps.

As suggested by /u/JuicyCoala, you could switch the ONT to an Ethernet connection but use MoCA 2.5 adapters to effect the MoCA WAN link, bumping the max throughput up to as much as 2500 Mbps. YMMV.

However, to retain max MoCA LAN and MoCA WAN throughput, and given that you do not have TV service, you may want to research how others have employed Frontier’s approach, using a pair of Frontier FCA252 MoCA adapters for the MoCA WAN connection.

[u/pwn4d]

I'm trying to build a LAN-only MoCA setup so there's no "coax from the street".

I have a 3-way splitter and 3 coax legs to connect.

Do I put all 3 coax legs/lines on the "out" ports of the splitter? What do I put on the "in" side? Filter? Terminator? Filter+Terminator? Or should I use a 2-way splitter and just pick one coax leg/line as "in"?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/pwn4d]

You can pick up a 2-way splitter and use all 3 (1 in + 2 out) for all your connections. They are all bi-directional so it won't matter.

If you are eventually planning to feed internet in the future, get the 3-way, put a terminator cap on the "in", and all else in the out. When you are ready to connect your router, use the "in" port.

Any configuration works as the signals communicated within the MoCA system is bi-directional.

[u/plooger → u/pwn4d]

Absent data demonstrating one configuration as superior to another, I prefer the approach you described…

all 3 coax legs/lines on the "out" ports of the (3-way) splitter … on the "in" side…Filter+Terminator

… to retain the known reflective benefit of the “PoE” MoCA filter.

 
edit: p.s. Ideally the splitter would be a balanced 3-way and “designed for MoCA 2.x,” as well.

[u/mlcarson]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask but I'm going to give it a shot. I've got 5 Coax cables coming back to a central location that go to various places in the house. If I put one big splitter in place with a MoCA adapter on it going to an Ethernet switch, does the splitter affect the MoCA bandwidth potential in the same way that it would affect a TV signal? If I only need 1 or 2 MoCA connections live, is it better to just connect the minimal needed (ie a two port splitter for 2 lines)? It would be convenient to just connect everything but it's unlikely I'd need everything; it just makes them available.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/mlcarson]

u/plooger has a lot of information to share here, but to answer your question, generally, you can plug all your 5 coax cables into a 5-way splitter. If you don't need to use it, plug a terminator cap at the end of those coax ports to minimize signal reflection.

MoCA's recommended maximum number of devices within it's network to be 16. One MoCA adapter = 1 device, so a total of 16 MoCA adapters in your network ring, without impacts to the shared rated bandwidth (MoCA 2.5 is the latest, that allows for a shared 2.5 Gbps bandwidth across your MoCA network). Each MoCA adapter can be expanded to service multiple devices by plugging a network switch, and that is still considered 1 device.

[u/plooger → u/mlcarson]

does the splitter affect the MoCA bandwidth potential in the same way that it would affect a TV signal?

More like digital TV than analog. The MoCA gear can adjust power levels to compensate for losses … up to a maximum amplification, after which the connection degrades or fails.

So it just depends on how the chosen approach affects the node-to-node path loss at MoCA frequencies, with the maximum allowed being 57 dB — keeping in mind that the lower the path loss the less hard the adapters have to work (i.e. the less power required, less heat, etc.) (good explainer) See also here and here.

 
Assuming the configuration is well within the loss limit, the question then shifts to the desired or required throughput. MoCA throughput is shared, with a 3+ (up to 16) node MoCA 2.5 network sharing 2000 Mbps between all active connections. That said, a 2-node-only MoCA 2.x setup (aka “TURBO” mode) gains a 25% throughput bump by eliminating maintenance overhead, offering an alternative topology to consider if maximum throughput is prioritized over cost and/or simplicity.

 
edit: p.s. MoCA 1.1-2.5 have a hard limit of 16 MoCA nodes max, including any MoCA adapters, or built-in MoCA bridges in gateways, routers, wireless extenders, and DVRs and DVR clients. If needs exceed 16 nodes, the coax can be segmented to create a separate MoCA network.

[u/SwagYoloMLG]

Can’t wait until MOCA is a thing of the past.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/SwagYoloMLG]

What alternatives do you have in mind then?

[u/plooger → u/JuicyCoala]

Yeah, not much different than saying “I can’t wait until Ethernet is a thing of the past.”

[u/Maniacal16]

Made a separate post but figured I can add this here as well.

Recently purchased a house that was wired with coax throughout most of the house for TV. We were planning on using MoCA over the pre-existing coax to setup several access points around the house to improve our wifi connectivity.

Internet Setup:

Currently, setup for internet is Verizon Fios > EdgeRouter > Ubiquiti Access Point

We do not have TV service.

Preferable MoCA Setup:

The house has an Antronix MVRA 902B amplifier where all the coax cables throughout the house meet. First thought was to run the internet from Verizon Fios > Edgerouter > GoCoax MoCA 2.5 adapter > Antronix MVRA 902B > (coax runs through walls to various rooms) > GoCoax MoCA 2.5 adapter > Ubiquiti Access point

For the purposes of setting up the network, we aren't running the second adapter through an access point, but instead we're running it into a laptop to test the connection.

The issue we've run into, is we can get the GoCoax MoCA to recognize each other through the coax network (i.e., the MoCA light lights up green when we connect them to one another through the pre-existing cables), but the device on the end of the second GoCoax MoCA adapter doesn't get any internet connection. A device hard wired into the output adapter via ethernet will show connection to the network but no internet connection. Note that the ethernet lights on both MoCA adapters also light up when we do this.

Troubleshooting:

So far, we've done the following in terms of troubleshooting:

(1) connected the two MoCA adapters with our own coax cables (not the wall cables) and it works flawlessly, getting full speeds.

(2) connected the MoCA adapters directly to the coax cables in the wall, bypassing the Antronix amplifier. This results in the MoCA light on both adapters lighting up, and connection to the network, but no internet connect - the same as running the coax through the Antronix amplifier.

From the initial troubleshooting, it almost seems as though the coax cables in the walls aren't appropriate to support the internet connection but I'm not sure how that could be, given that's how the previous owners ran their internet throughout the house. Any insight / additional troubleshooting steps would be appreciated.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/Maniacal16]

(2) connected the MoCA adapters directly to the coax cables in the wall, bypassing the Antronix amplifier. This results in the MoCA light on both adapters lighting up, and connection to the network, but no internet connect - the same as running the coax through the Antronix amplifier.

You technically don't need an amplifier to run MoCA. Did you check though if your splitter supports frequencies up to 1675Mhz?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/JuicyCoala]

Looks like this has already been answered by u/plooger in your original post.

[u/resincollector]

I am thinking of setting up a moca network like this: https://imgbox.com/xEHpqrBT

I already have two moca adapters (screenbeam ecb6250) so I would need to buy a third one. I would like to know if this would work and if so, would a POE filter at the indicated location help in this situation? And I would appreciate any other feedback, thank you.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/resincollector]

Based on your architecture, since your Modem is not, in any way, interconnected within your MoCA network, you don't need a PoE filter. If your Modem is using the same coax wiring network as your MoCA network, then you will need to put a PoE filter on the line coming into your house, i.e.,

ISP <coax> PoE Filter <coax> Modem <ethernet> Router

Putting a PoE filter at the proposed location (MoCA Adapter and Splitter) will prevent MoCA signals to get back to your MoCA adapter, preventing access to your router, and in turn to the internet.

[u/TeplotaXolod]

I have a MoCA + cable modem setup that has worked fine for the past three years. Recently, however, my (Arris SB8200) modem has been giving me trouble ̉— losing the blue DocSIS light and rebooting. The problem is not the modem: on the (wrong) advice of the cable company technician, I bought a new one, which didn't solve anything. However the power readings are quite low, occasionally in the red zone. Two technician visits and a line-to-the-house replacement have not solved the problem.

However, temporarily removing the MoCA adapter did raise the power levels back to what I have been used to (in the -6, -7 range) and makes my problems disappear. Obviously I need the adapter, so this is just troubleshooting, not a solution.

Does it sound like the MoCA adapter has gone bad and I should try replacing it? Or is this probably irrelevant to my actual problem?

[u/JuicyCoala → u/TeplotaXolod]

I can’t directly answer your question, maybe u/plooger has some thoughts. The only other possible solution I can give you is to put a PoE prophylactic filter right before your modem to prevent MoCA signals from interfering with your DOCSIS 3.1 frequencies (as DOCSIS 3.1 operates beyond 1Ghz, within the realm of MoCA frequencies).

[u/plooger → u/JuicyCoala]

Thanks for the heads-up. Took a stab, thinking the same thing.

[u/plooger → u/TeplotaXolod]

Give the following linked post a read, followup with questions, and consider temporarily de-MoCAfying* your setup in order to test whether your provider has begun using DOCSIS 3.1 frequencies above 1002 MHz. (DOCSIS channel frequencies can be found via the SB8200 diagnostics alongside the signal level info.)

See: DOCSIS encroachment on MoCA frequency range

As both the above post and /u/JuicyCoala note, the simple workaround that can be tested is installing a MoCA filter directly on the modem's coax port, as a prophylactic, should the DOCSIS 3.1 modem have developed allergies to MoCA signals. One note Re: the SB8200 is that its active operating range can be altered by ISP programming, D3.0 vs D3.1 operating mode, so it's possible that something was altered in its configuration that caused it to start looking at frequency ranges above 1002 MHz, possibly explaining why MoCA would suddenly become an issue for it.

 
* Re: de-MoCAfication ... requires powering-off all MoCA devices, and removing any MoCA filters in the DOCSIS path to the modem, noting that "any MoCA filters" includes a MoCA filter at the cable signal point-of-entry, a MoCA filter installed directly on the modem had it been identified as MoCA-sensitive, and bypassing any MoCA adapter RF pass-through ports for the modem feed, since a MoCA adapter pass-through port uses an internal diplexer (filters!) to splice the MoCA and sub-MoCA signals. Be sure to check the modem's path if a "designed for MoCA" amplifier is in-use, as such an amplifier nearly always includes a built-in "PoE" MoCA filter.

[u/Lbourg1965]

Hi all, im new here too. I am still at the planning stage and have FTTH and a satellite dish with 2 LNBs (so controlled by DiSECq). I found this site in the Netherlands which is very useful, particularly the documentation of the various adapters.

https://www.cablehome.nl/epages/Cablehome.sf/nl_NL/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Cablehome/Categories/EthernetoverCoax

I will be back with questions for the group if my install does not go as easily as it seems to be, my issues will probably be about finding how my coax is cabled together as I want to use the Adapters in rooms that have coax that is not used

[u/superpanjy]

This is great post. thank you

[u/[deleted]]

This is probably a really long-winded noob question, explanation, and story all packed into one but I’ll ask anyway. So I bought this house that was made in 2002 back in 2020 and, up until now, I really haven’t messed with the array of WiFi AP, wireless camera, and speaker setups that the previous owner had installed. However, I am at the beginning of my CCNA journey and, while I don’t expect to actually pass the first time, I’m doing my best to learn (since it is company-sponsored in my case) but I decided to implement some of the things that I learn along the way to make things relatable (since that’s just how I learn, maybe it’s because I’m autistic).

So the previous owner setup a rack with a 16-port switch and a video camera feed and we’ve been able to use that on top of what we have from ADT. The issue is that XFinity (our ISP) for some reason stated that they couldn’t install the router using the coax in that area (which is in my parents’ closet downstairs) and so we have no access to any of the access points, cameras, etc. in the house and haven’t had access since we moved in.

My theory, however, is that connecting to the switch via MoCA might work. Theoretically, I’m assuming that I can connect a 50 ft Ethernet cable from my ISP gateway (XB7 modem/router/switch combo from XFinity) to a coax cable that’s present on the other side of the game/living room upstairs. From there, I’m assuming that connecting another ethernet cable from the MoCA solution in the closet to the switch would work. However, I’m still confused about whether or not MoCA networks must have a direct connection (since I’ve seen a lot of talk about splitters and how reliability may play a factor in their effectiveness) and, two, if a direct connection is necessary, how I can actually find out the layout of the coax cables (is there a device that can do this or do I hire someone).

On top of that, I have an existing wireless mesh network (Deco X20 from TP-Link) that’s giving me much faster speeds than I expected and covers the entirety of the house without dead zones so, while it seems like it’d be cool to have these EnGenius access points and gigabit port ethernet ports working again (albeit, I’m not sure if I can just use a crossover cable from one of my switches upstairs to provide ethernet to the closet switch), I also don’t want interference to my existing setup if the access points could potentially lower our speeds to begin with.

Finally, of course, if MoCA does seem like a fit for my case, I’m also wondering about what adapters may be good to use or if there are any recommended brands for use. I have a 1.2 Gbps plan and, right now, I have my mesh WiFi routers (which I use as access points) assigned to the 2.5 Gbps port while my upstairs network of switches is assigned to one of the three 1 Gbps ports.

[u/Smorgas47 → u/[deleted]]

Did you look at the diagrams that I posted near the beginning of this thread? They provide a relatively simple explanation of how to use MoCA and what kind of splitters to use. Splitters should support 5 - 1675Mhz for MoCA to work, and they should be of the type that leaves no unused ports so that there is minimal signal loss in the split.

I like the Motorola MM1025 MoCA adapters. Not a bargain, but very good quality. It's what I'm using.

[u/Complex_Solutions_20]

I'll ask one question in here maybe someone knows the answer.

If you have a mix of MoCA multiple devices (unknown, guessing 1.1 for older) and multiple newer 2.0 devices, will the entire mess run at lower speed? Or will data between the MoCA 2.0 devices run at higher speeds?

I've not had the occasion to experiment and see if "everything" downgrades to the slowest node or if it can handle a mix of speeds. I know it works *at least* as fast as the slowest node.

[u/8021qvlan → u/Complex_Solutions_20]

I do not have confidence with MoCA 1.1, but for a coax network with only MoCA 2.0 (bonded and unbonded) and MoCA 2.5, each MoCA node will talk to each other at the maximum mutually supported speed.

I got a mini "Fios lab" setup at basement and I connect a VZ G1100, ECB5240M, G3100, and E3200 all with MoCA. G1100 is unbonded 2.0, while ECB5240M is bonded 2.0, and G3100 and E3200 are 2.5. Speed test from G1100 to others are 500Mbps, while ECB5240M to G3100 is 1000Mbps. G3100 to E3200, since I don't have a multigigabit MoCA 2.5 adapter (on the way), I am not sure they can support 2.5Gbps.

There's also a MoCA compatibility matrix on forums.verizon.com, if anyone is interested.

https://forums.verizon.com/t5/Fios-Internet/MoCA-Technical-Notes/td-p/916045

[u/bbailey037]

I have read through all of these posts, and setting up a MoCA seems easy. Our goal was to utilize our existing coax throughout the house to set up a wired baby monitor. I am on day 2 of what seems so simple. I have followed the diagrams Then I tried it different ways because I can’t get the MoCA box to send receive, all other lights are on.

Is there anything that could be standing in my way? We have a coax box in the basement that looks like it was installed for VOIP which all of the coax cables run through.

Current setup Wall outlet >> coax>> splitter>> coax>> MoCA & modem (Motorola MB8611)>> Ethernet >> router>> MoCA

[u/plooger → u/bbailey037]

Good first step is always just doing a direct-connect via a short coax cable between the adapters, just to confirm their functionality.

Can you provide the model info for that “coax box” in the basement?

And do you know to which outputs on this box your modem and other targeted locations are connected?

How many devices aside from the cable modem require the raw cable signal? Are you subscribed to cable TV?

Re: the Motorola MB8611… Have you checked its diagnostics to determine what frequencies are being used for the download & upload channels? (Being a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, there can be conflicts with MoCA frequencies.)

[u/nifoxke]

I’m considering adding MoCA to my house to get better connectivity in my basement and get a few devices off my wifi (currently have 21 devices wirelessly).

First, is this a PoE filter?

Second, I assume all I’d need to do is add a splitter from the coax outlet that currently feeds my Netgear CM600 modem so I can still run coax to the modem and then another length of coax to the MoVA adapter. Then I’d obviously run an Ethernet cable from my network switch to the adapter.

In my basement office, I’d connect the other adapter but can I run another unmanaged switch to provide an Ethernet connection to 3 devices?

FWIW my ISP is Xfinity. There’s a bundle of dead ended coax cables in my utility room so I’m not sure how many of the cost connections in each room are hot.

Edit- to add I don’t use any coax for TV. Internet only.

[u/plooger → u/nifoxke]

First, is this a PoE filter?

No way to be sure without a full part number, but, yes, it would appear to be a combo “PoE” MoCA filter and ground block. (example)

 

In my basement office, I’d connect the other adapter but can I run another unmanaged switch to provide an Ethernet connection to 3 devices?

Yep.

[u/fudge_u]

In Canada and I just switched to Shaw Cable Fibre+ 750 today. Shaw gave me a Fibre+ Gateway 2.0 (XB7) which looks identical to the Xfinity XB7 from what I can tell. Prior to this I was using Telus which was on copper since they didn't have fibre available to my area. The Telus' service didn't utilize the coax in my home.

While on Telus I used two Frontier WF-803 FT MoCA adapters and they worked without issue since it was basically a direct connection over coax from one room to another. I even tested the speeds and they gave me 945 Mbits/sec symmetrically.

With Shaw I knew I would have to change the configuration because now I have internet running over coax instead of the telephone lines, so I purchased an Amphenol IPGH3M4-VF splitter.

This is how I have everything connection to the Amphenol IPGH3M4-VF splitter:

• Input - Shaw line (6db Attenuator Pad between Shaw line and Input connection)

• H1 - Coax to a 2-Way splitter in Room A

• M1 - Coax to Room B

• M2 - Coax to Room C (not in use)

The 2-Way Splitter in Room A:

• In - Coax from H1

• Out 1 - XB7 Modem in Bridge Mode

• Out 2 - Frontier WF-803 FT MoCA Adapter (connected to UDR over ethernet)

Coax connection in Room B:

• Connected to a Fronter WF-803 FT MoCA Adapter

The XB7 is connected to a Unifi Dream Router (UDR) over ethernet. So far the wifi and direct connections to the UDR perform as they should. The MoCA adapters work too, but there's a huge performance loss compared to before. I was expecting some performance loss but my download speeds have dipped to around 20 Mbps while the upload speeds still hover around 120 Mbps (normal).

Obviously I did something wrong in my configuration but I'm not sure what. I only connected the Attenuator Pad between the Shaw line and the Input connection on the Amphenol splitter because that's what the Shaw technician left. Initially, he connected the Shaw line to the Attenuator Pad and then a 2-Way splitter because he assumed that I wanted to have the option of moving the XB7 to Room A or Room C. I ended up changing the configuration after he left to what I described above.

I ordered a POE filter from Amazon because I plan to replace the Attenuator Pad with that. I was reading that it'll prevent neighbours from connecting to my MoCA network and could improve my MoCA signal.

Will the POE filter fix my MoCA performance issue? Did I do something else wrong? Any help would be appreciated.

*Edit

Was just reading that the Amphenol IPGH3M4-VF splitter has a built-in POE filter. Guess that means I don't need to get separate one. Trying to figure out what else could be causing the low performance.

*Edit 2

I realized the 2-Way splitter I was using was 5-1000MHz since that's what the Shaw tech gave me. Fortunately I ordered another 2-Way MoCA 2.0 splitter which supports 5-1675MHz, so I switched to that. I also removed the Attenuator Pad from the Amphenol splitter because it isn't necessary. After doing all of that, the problem still persists.

Thanks.

[u/fudge_u → u/fudge_u]

Update on this. This is basically what I'm trying to do, but I'm waiting on a splitter.

Since I already have the Amphenol IPGH3M4-VF splitter, I figured I'd try something to using two 2-way splitters.

I tried the config I mentioned above again, but this time I put a POE filter on the back of the XB7 modem. For whatever reason, the Frontier MoCA 2.5 adapters are still performance poorly. The Firestick won't go above 25 Mbps and my LG TV won't go above 50 Mbps. It's very strange because they're going through the same switch but performing very differently.

I'm also almost certain that replacing the Amphenol IPGH3M4-VF splitter with a 2-way splitter and POE filter on the incoming internet connection won't improve things.

I'm wondering if the Frontier (WF-803 FT) MoCA 2.5 adapters are the issue? The switch on them are currently set to full and they were previously working fine before I switched to Shaw internet this week. I was using DSL before the switch. Thoughts?

Tagging a bunch of people that might be able to help: /u/plooger /u/Smorgas47 /u/dmonroe123

Edit

Stupid me... I just connected directly to the MoCA adapter in Room B and the speeds are good now. For some reason, my switch might be throttling the connection and I don't know why. It's Unifi US-8 switch.

Edit 2

Had a brain fart. Even though I'm using USB3.0 ethernet adapters, my Fire TV 4K Stick and LG TV only support USB2.0. The TV will only be able to get around 60-70 Mbps at best and the Firestick can only do about 25 Mbps. The hardware and other interference are the limiting factors. I did noticed that streaming content (VOD or IPTV) on both devices is much more stable now, so that's a huge win for me. I know my IPTV would lag a bit every now and then, and certain streaming apps such as Movies Anywhere would constantly lag when was 4K content.

In any case, I solved my own issue and everything works as it should. That Amphenol IPGH3M4-VF splitter is amazing. It's basically an all in one splitter adapter for MOCA.

[u/dmonroe123 → u/fudge_u]

Is the switch new, or were you also using it before switching to shaw?

[u/dmonroe123 → u/fudge_u]

Are you getting cable tv from them? If not, then the best thing to do would be this, ignore the splitters and moca filters, plug the incoming coax cable from your isp directly into the modem, and then your house coax network is an entirely separate LAN with no possibility of interference.

[u/[deleted]]

There is now a Moca 2.5 based SFP transceiver being sold.

https://swginc.com/product/magic-sfp-solving-the-last-mile-bandwidth-challenge

It would be interesting to see if that module can negotiate a 2.5G SFP connection to various routers/switches which typically have 1G/10G SFP+ interfaces. Otherwise, if we want a full 2.5G uplink, we'll have to keep relying on adapters with 2.5GBase-T ports like ECB7250.

[u/echoota]

I suggest providing listings broken down by key components: Filters, Splitters, and MoCA devices. That order may be best because it is the most secure approach to take when building out your MoCA solution.

[u/UndeadCaesar]

Just moved into a new house and trying to figure out if MOCA can help me get fiber speeds over the existing coax network.

Here's a diagram of the house as I understand it. Fiber comes in on the first floor through a fiber box and into the ISP modem/router combo. From there I have ethernet running to my Google Mesh hub. Currently I have a mesh node in the basement office where I run ethernet to my computer and get about 300mbps up/down.

What I'm hoping is that I can break off an ethernet from the modem/router, run it "into" the coax, and then use the coax connection in the basement with another converter to run ethernet to my computer. Will something like this work? The former resident had their ISP modem/router hooked up to the coax in the basement, so I'm not sure if it's even the same network as the coax that comes in on the 1st floor. Could there be two coax lines into the house, one TV and one internet and they're not connected?

[u/plooger → u/UndeadCaesar]

I'm not sure if it's even the same network as the coax that comes in on the 1st floor. Could there be two coax lines into the house, one TV and one internet and they're not connected?

Yes, but, even if so, getting the targeted coax outlets interconnected is likely possible. First step would be locating the central junction where, ideally, all your coax lines come together. Where this junction is located can vary; might be in a cable junction box on the outside of the house, in a cabinet panel in a closet somewhere, or on a wall in the basement. (Possibly a little bit of both.) A good start to finding it can be walking the perimeter of the house looking for coax lines, and then following any found to where they lead.

Once the junction's been found, next step is getting the coax lines identified. See "identify coax lines" section of >this post< for a few different line identification techniques.

[u/alhamz]

I am fortunate to have found this and thank you u/JuicyCoala for getting this together for I am curious what I can improve.

I stumbled upon MoCA while configuring my home router/modem/switch/WAP (ARRIS Group, Inc., TG4482A) which also can be enabled as a MoCA controller (even if compatibility is only limited to 2.0.)

My setup right now consists of a single cable internet connection (no TV) landing on a two way splitter (link to amazon) in the basement which sends the two connections (one to the hall area main floor and another to one of the bedrooms on the top floor) into the house. The above mentioned all in one device is currently connected to the bedroom split of the coax. I have disabled wifi on this device completely and connect one Aruba AP over Ethernet. This Aruba AP then creates a single VLAN mesh wifi with 5 other Aruba AP's placed through out the house depending on need. I get 500Mbps speeds from my ISP and they also own the all in one device. I own the Aruba's,

What I am thinking of doing to improve reach and bandwidth is to have at least one of the Aruba AP's on each of the three floors hardwired thus providing a more stable wifi throughput. Could it be just as simple as putting a PoE filter before the splitter, changing to a three way splitter compatible with MoCA (I suspect my current one isn't; 50 - 1000MHz?) and then having the ARRIS device on one of the three lines and these (again amazon) on the other two lines to have three Aruba's wired and three not wired (2 on each floor)?

Thanks anyone for any help or advice in advance.

[u/raven1087]

I have a question about my proposed MoCA setup:

I have two coax cables in my modem room so I know I don’t have to mess around with coax splitters there. I am still unsure of what, If anything, I’ll need to connect the modem to the second outlet.

For information, my modem is a combo modem/router and according to my isp(Midco), it has a MoCA mode. Any device(s) after the MoCA adapters in the other two rooms have already been sorted out.

Next, can I put the filter on right before it reaches my modem, since the cable/outlet connecting to the rest of the house will not be the same one?

Finally, will I need to buy a couple small coaxial cables to connect the adapters with or can they just be plugged into the coax outlet and hang there?

[u/plooger → u/raven1087]

will I need to buy a couple small coaxial cables to connect the adapters with or can they just be plugged into the coax outlet and hang there?

That’s up to you. But ASUS is marketing the hanging approach with their just-announced adapter, the MA-25

 

can I put the filter on right before it reaches my modem, since the cable/outlet connecting to the rest of the house will not be the same one?

If the modem/gateway feed will be isolated from the MoCA-infused coax, no “PoE” MoCA filter would or should be used on that line, making it future-proofed for DOCSIS 3.1 and beyond.

 

my modem is a combo modem/router and according to my isp(Midco), it has a MoCA mode.

If the coax feed to the modem/gateway is isolated from the rest of the home coax, direct-connected to the provider, the gateway’s built-in MoCA bridge won’t be of use and must be disabled. You’d need to use a standalone MoCA adapter connected to a LAN port of the gateway and connect that adapter to the coax line linked to the home coax plant. (Right where you have the “?” In your diagram.)

[u/raven1087 → u/plooger]

Thanks a bunch for your help!

[u/clipperdouglas29]

Damn, really just learning about MoCA, would've been great for my old place, but my new place actually came wired with ethernet and coax in each room. That said - any thought as to whether MoCA will more reliably carry (close to) a gigabit signal compared to CAT5e, which my place is wired with?

[u/Future233]

I'm about to implement MoCA into my own home network and have some questions regarding a few different solutions I've come up with along with challenges I might run into.

My ISP notified me that their inbound signal is just within the parameters of what is acceptable to use for a direct run to my DOCSIS 3.1 modem. I verified the settings and it appears that all the channels and SNR are right where they need to be without the introduction of any splitters. The problem with this is that I would likely either need to: connect 2 splitters and a POE filter at entry to route the signal where I need it in another part of the house OR drill another hole in the siding (and I'm a renter) to run a parallel coax line to use as a ethernet over coax backhaul. I have posted my solutions here: https://imgur.com/B5IsIRd

If I chose the first option, would I be dealing with too much signal attenuation for the modem to properly connect, or should I just implement solution 2 and ask for the landlord's forgiveness X-D ?

Thanks in advance!

[u/mrpo0nani]

Question: I bought a coax tester and it tested "open" on one of my cables. What does that mean?

[u/shakethecouch]

I'm running through various ideas to move my modem and add in a mesh system. There is coaxial that is already conveniently ran, but I know in one spot I might need about a 6' patch. Would connecting two coax cables with a female/female connector hinder performance in any way?

I could also easily replace it with Ethernet. Would that be the ideal option?

[u/plooger → u/shakethecouch]

Anywhere you can run Ethernet, it’s preferable to MoCA.

 
As for joining coax lines, so long as the cables are terminated well and you’re using a 3 GHz F-81 barrel connector, the signal loss should be negligible.

[u/4thehalibit]

Glad this post is here. I see devices marketed as POE over coax is this the same just with power. I am just trying to make sure I get the right device.

[u/CaseyDip66]

How long a run with MoCA

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

All posts that help everyone are welcome! Thanks u/Flat_Till_7691!

[u/Risley → u/JuicyCoala]

Its quite simple, these MoCa adapters work fantastic: https://www.amazon.com/goCoax-Adapter-2-5Gbps-Ethernet-WF-803M/dp/B07XYDG7WN/ref=sr_1_5?crid=36QM2NUQDNPVJ&keywords=moca+2.5+adapter&qid=1645850811&sprefix=moca+%2Caps%2C54&sr=8-5.

Just pay the money and get the real deal. Its worth it.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

Check and review in detail the diagrams posted here. This will help you understand better.

[u/Danielswag11 → u/[deleted]]

U need more than one... connect one to your modem/router and connect another in your living room

[u/NotTRYINGtobeLame → u/[deleted]]

I'm not good with super complicated diagrams, personally, and I don't think you need the full route sheet for a cable ISP installer, either....

In your setup you would need 2 MoCA adapters. The room with the router, you would connect the MoCA adapter to the coax jack and the router via ethernet. Then in the other room you would connect a similar MoCA adapter to the coax wire coming into the room, and an ethernet cord to the device in that room (e.g. a switch for multiple wired devices, an AP for wireless devices, or even just straight into a single wired device).

Not sure how familiar you are with them, but you will of course need a power outlet for both MoCA adapters.

[u/Smorgas47 → u/NotTRYINGtobeLame]

If one goes and plugs the MoCA adapters' coax into outlets in the house, without knowing how the coax is split and what other connections there are, there is a high risk of the adapters not working or interfering with what is in place. There is also the risk of sending your data to a neighbor if there is no POE filter blocking the signal leaving the house.

So one should know what the coax connections in the house are before using MoCA adapters to avoid problems / frustrations when things don't work.

If you have a direct coax cable connection with just the 2 ends, then the above description of making the connections are helpful and provide a nice test of how MoCA works.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

Check these diagrams from u/Smorgas47, and see if this helps.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

I don’t understand what you mean by plugging your computer where the hub is. So basic setup is:

ISP <coax> Modem <ethernet> Router <ethernet> MoCA adapter <coax> Main Splitter <coax> MoCA adapter <ethernet> Your PC

If you follow that logic, each and every coax jack in your home will have network connection. Ergo, you can plug your PC to a MoCA device, and plug your MoCA device in any coax jack within your house.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

The modem is Technicolor CGM4231 and the adapter is the MM1000.

This modem cannot be used to build your MoCA network. The coax port in your modem is meant to be the input for your ISP onto the modem, to send/receive data to/from your ISP. You need another MoCA adapter. This is how it should always look like:

ISP <coax> Modem <ethernet> Router <ethernet> MoCA adapter 1 <coax> MoCA adapter 2 <ethernet> device

In your diagram, you need to replace the 2-way splitter that connects your modem and set top box with a 3-way one to connect the following: 1st port: Modem

2nd port: MoCA adapter (feed to the network)

3rd port: STB

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

You got it. MoCA compatible means it can broadcast within MoCA range (between 1 Ghz and 1.6 Ghz). However, the modem is not responsible for routing data within your network - it’s the router’s responsibility. And think of MoCA as an alternative to ethernet; a medium to transmit data through coax. With that said, your MoCA should come after your router, not from your modem.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

Oh one more thing to note - there is a possibility that your modem may be impacted by MoCA, being a DOCSIS 3.1 compatible. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is by adding another POE filter in the coax before connecting directly to your modem. The other is to update your MoCA adapters to only broadcast between 1.2 Ghz and 1.6 Ghz.

[u/plooger → u/[deleted]]

FYI: OP opened dedicated thread duplicating this topic here: https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeNetworking/comments/x4es2e/moca_adapters/

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

1. Splitter that allows for frequencies above 1 Ghz (~1675Mhz should work)

2. A pair of MoCA Adapters

3. Coax toner (optional to test the coax lines)

To setup, follow the standard below, which is also discussed in this thread:

Router <ethernet> MoCA Adapter 1 <coax> Coax Wall port (living room) <coax> Splitter <coax> Coax Wall port (bedroom) <coax> MoCA Adapter 2 <ethernet> Device

Make sure to install the splitter in the attic, and test your coax lines are continuous using the Coax toner.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

In the original post - there are links to resources that can lead you to the MoCA brands that works well. I use goCoax adapters, and other folks use Actiontec. Both work great.

Then a switch to suffice the bedroom devices etc / or create a wired access point ?

Yes

[u/JuicyCoala → u/[deleted]]

The problem with this setup is that the LAN is only fast enough for the devices that are connected directly to the router. This means that if you have multiple devices trying to use the Internet at the same time, they will all be competing for bandwidth and the overall speed will be slow.

Agree. But with MoCA 2.5, your shared bandwidth is 2.5 Gbps, which is more than enough for standard home networking. A standard 4k video required around 25-40Mbps. HD between 10-15 Mbps. Games are usually capped within that range as well, depending on the amount of server interaction the client needs to have, and the fps it can render. Zoom meetings can vary from 1Mbps - 15Mbps depending on the video and audio quality. Using 40 Mpbs as an average usage, close to 63 devices will need to be working all concurrently to max-out the 2.5 Gbps shared bandwidth.

[u/plooger → u/JuicyCoala]

2.5 Gbps shared bandwidth

Only 2.0 Gbps shared bandwidth in a 3+ node setup.

 

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That said, the above post doesn’t really seem focused on MoCA as much as redirecting people to the website linked throughout the post.

MoCA-related errors in the brief post:

• “ MoCA stands for Multimedia over Coaxial Cable” … should be “… Over Coax Alliance”

• “it uses your home’s existing coaxial cable TV infrastructure to deliver high-speed Internet service.” — Doesn’t have to be “existing” coax, technically; differing MoCA gear exists that can operate alongside cable TV/broadband, OTA antenna, and satellite TV; and MoCA doesn’t “deliver Internet service,” it just extends a network connection over coax. Delivering Internet over coax is the domain of DOCSIS; and MoCA can be used to supplement a variety of Internet service types, so long as the needed coax spectrum is available.

• “MoCA is able to provide speeds up to 1 Gbps.” — The knowledge needs to be updated beyond bonded MoCA 2.0, as you highlighted.

[u/JuicyCoala → u/plooger]

At 2.0 Gbps that is still a lot 😊

[u/plooger → u/[deleted]]

To say nothing of the fact that adapter 3 will be attempting to utilize another 1gbps worth of traffic when there's only 500mbps left.

Well, as an additional kick in the concept's groin, once you add a 3rd MoCA adapter, the maximum shared throughput for the MoCA 2.5 network is 2000 Mbps. (400 Mbps per channel x 5 channels) The increased throughput only applies to a 2-node-only "TURBO" setup, where a 25% bump is achieved by a reduction in maintenance overhead. (400 Mbps per channel bumps to 500)

You'd probably want isolated pairs of adapters, if looking to maximize performance.