Introduction: How to Set Up a Coax (MoCA) Network

Like many existing homes, my parents' home has a limited wired Ethernet network and a wireless (Wi-Fi) network covering the rest. My mom, who has rented Netflix DVDs for a while, wanted to start streaming her favorite shows in the family room and bedroom rather than waiting for disks. Prior to me coming home for Labor Day, they set up an Apple TV on the wireless network. I recommended that they switch to a wired network connection for a faster and more reliable solution.

My parents' Ethernet network is limited to the home office and a small bedroom directly above it. With the family room and bedroom on the opposite side of the house, expanding the wired Ethernet network conventionally would have been labor intensive. Fortunately, there's a wired networking solution that allows high speed Ethernet to bridge over the existing coax cable (cable TV) network in the home. It's called MoCA.

Before I get into the installation, the next step will cover a quick overview of the coax networking technology. 

Step 1: What Is Coax Networking (MoCA)?

A coax network is an extension of the existing home network onto the coax cable network in the home. Just like Wi-Fi is the ubiquitous standard for wireless home networks, MoCA is the nearly ubiquitous standard for coax networks. MoCA stands for the Multimedia over Coax Alliance. If your cable service provider offers a service called Multi-Room DVR, they are almost certainly using MoCA to enable it.

The current standard for MoCA is 1.1 and the equipment used in this project is standards compliant. 

A MoCA network is broadcasted roughly between 500MHz and 1.5GHz (1500MHz). The technology is designed so that it does not interfere with the broadcasts of traditional cable TV service. However, satellite TV, which runs on different spectrum, is not compatible with the 1.1 MoCA standard. For their respective multi-room DVR services, they use a proprietary coax networking technology. The MoCA 2.0 standard in development is expected to work for all service providers. 

To get the most detailed and updated information about this technology, visit the MoCA website.

Step 2: Bill of Material

For the simplicity of photography, I included one each of the products used in this installation.

At the core of the installation is the coax network (MoCA) adapter, which I purchased from Legrand through Amazon.

I needed three adapters for my installation because I was installing in three rooms. The adapters come with a coax cable (~6.5ft), a twisted pair Ethernet cable (~3ft) and a power supply. You may need additional, or longer cables for your installation, which can be easily picked up online or at a home improvement store.

You may also need coax splitters. I plan on using one in each room. It's important to purchase a standards compliant splitter. One of the most reputable brands is Antronix, who has a partnership with Legrand for cable splitters.

Side story: A few months ago, my parents upgraded to digital cable. Not long after the installation, they were experiencing audio and video issues. When the Time Warner Cable technician came over, he replaced all the cable splitters in the home with Antronix brand splitters and an Antronix amplifier at the center of the system. The technician commented that many of the splitters installed into homes today are substandard. The Antronix brand is one of few that are pre-approved by the cable company to be standards compliant. Sure enough, the issues were resolved with the new splitters and amplifier.

The Legrand splitters are also "optimized" for coax networking, meaning that they have better performance in the 1-1.5GHz band than a standard 1GHz splitter. However, your network should be okay with 1GHz splitters as long as they are standards compliant.

If you are adding any new streaming devices in your installation, you will need HDMI cable. You can also find cable up to 20m long through Legrand too. 

Step 3: Wiring Diagram

I recommend that you draw a wiring diagram prior to purchasing and installing product.

The attached line drawing shows my intentions for a three room installation. The first room to start is where you'd find both an Ethernet and coax drop in the home, which is in the home office for this project. I have starred (*) wherever I am adding equipment or cables that was not there previously.

The following steps will explain the room by room installations.

Generally speaking, I am adding a coax splitter to each room. One outbound port will go to the cable set top box (STB) while the other port will go to the coax adapter. The coax adapter is then connected by an Ethernet cable to the respective connected devices. 

Step 4: Home Office: Converting Ethernet to MoCA

This installation started in the home office. 

The existing equipment was the modem, SonicWall security device, router (4 port), switch (5 port), and power strip. 

The first thing I did was find a power outlet for the coax adepter's power supply. When the adapter is plugged in, a light will come on.

Second, I unscrewed the coax from the modem and attached it to a splitter. I used the coax jumper cable provided and attached it to the "Cable in" port of the adapter. I used a spare coax jumper cable to connect the splitter to the modem.

Third, I used the provided Ethernet jumper cable to connect the router to the adapter. Any one of the four Ethernet ports of the coax adapter can be used. It was also inconsequential whether I used a port off the router or the switch for the connection.  A light should come on the adapter showing Ethernet is plugged into one of its ports.

Step 5: Family Room: Converting MoCA Back to Ethernet

The next room for the installation was the family room, where the home entertainment center is.

The key equipment already installed is the set top box and Apple TV. The Apple TV was installed the week prior on the wireless network. The equipment I'm adding is the coax adapter with its power supply, a coax splitter, two coax jumper cables (the second is not shown), and an Ethernet jumper cable.

The first step here again was finding a power source and plugging in the adapter.

Second, I unplugged the coax from the set top box and attached it to the splitter. I ran one of the coax cables from the splitter back to the set top box. The other coax cable was run from the splitter to the adapter (cable in port).

Last, an Ethernet cable was connected between the adapter and the Apple TV.

With two nodes of the network set up, the system was now able to be tested. Upon turning on the TV to the Apple TV source input, I knew the system was connected properly when the Apple TV showed it had switched from the wireless to the wired connection.

Step 6: Bedroom: Converting MoCA Back to Ethernet

The bedroom had the unique challenge of distance between the power source, the streaming device (Blu-ray player) and set top box. The entertainment furniture also makes access behind it incredibly difficult, and my dad and I were in no mood to move it. 

After a short brainstorm, we settled on putting the coax adapter on the floor next to the power strip. There was already a splitter on the floor of the bedroom, so there was already a long run of coax on the floor between the splitter and the set top box.

I replaced the splitter to add an additional port. I then used that additional port to attach the network adapter. 

Fortunately, there was enough room with this placement for the Ethernet cable to connect between the coax adapter and the Blu-ray player.

Step 7: FAQ

Please leave questions or comments that would help you or others do a coax network installation of their own. 

Here are some key questions that come to mind:

Q: Do you have to add a splitter to each room you add a MoCA network?
A: Not necessarily. For the simplicity of instruction, I did not write that we first tried the installation without the splitters in the bedroom and family room, meaning that the coax network adapter was placed between the incoming signal and the signal receiver (e.g. set top box). We saw that the MoCA network was competing with the multiroom DVR signal, which also uses MoCA. The use of splitters resolved this issue.

Q: How do you prevent a MoCA signal from leaving the home for security purposes?
A: There are inexpensive MoCA signal blockers that can be placed at the point of entry of the coax system in the home. They prevent the MoCA signal from leaving the home premises.

Q: Would a powerline solution have worked in place of MoCA?
A: Powerline is another viable solution to extend a wired network. However, I think a coax network is a more robust solution due to the bandwidth and signal integrity provided by coax.

Q: Where can I learn more?
A: There are many resources online to learn about the respective technologies. Legrand has a piece that explains all the available home networking technologies in one article. 


khurtwilliams made it!(author)2015-02-26

Something about this setup bothers me.

You are splitting your cable signal. One line goes to the cable modem and the other to the MoCA adapter. The network signal then goes into the MoCA adapter which sends your network packets back out through the splitter back to the same wire that's coming in from the public feed.

I'm concerned about security. It seems to me that with your setup you are pushing you network signal back over the public cable segment.

ravin108 made it!(author)2015-02-26

Hi Khurt,

Very good point. For security, you can purchase a MoCA signal blocker and place it at the entry point of the system.

In many instances, a cable amplifier will also filter the MoCA signal.

jcoman made it!(author)2015-05-24

Putting a MoCA filter in place is not an option on a CATV system, it's required. By failing to put one on, you are introducing noise onto the system, causing problems for your cable company. These problems include degraded service to you and your neighbors and the potential to crash the node you are part of. This will cause an outage in your area.

As to what khurtwilliams said, he is correct in pointing out that your network will be insecure. However, your network will only be open to a handful of your neighbors. The reason for this is the frequency MoCA operates at, and the type of coax used in your house. The attenuation is great at the frequency range MoCA is operating at. Also, because CATV amplifiers typically operate between 5 and1,000 MHz (some systems have older equipment that operates even lower in frequency), the MoCA signal is blocked after the amplifier. Basically, only your next door neighbors will be able to see your network if they are also have MoCA adapters.

To add to this discussion, if you experience issues with your television service after adding MoCA - things like freezing and tiling on digital TV channels - add a MoCA filter to the affected televisions but in reverse. MoCA filters are one-way and block between 1-1.5 MHz. Flipping it keeps the MoCA signals out.

awelsh4 made it!(author)2016-08-16

I just saw this. The MoCA filter is not a requirement. The signal produced by MoCA is certified safe and non-interfering will all US cable companies. The MoCA filter is used to prevent neighbors with MoCA from joining your network. Additionally, MoCA has an encryption option to secure your network much like WPA for WiFi.

My cable company (Charter) actually removed my filter, and I had to call and threaten to report them to the FCC before they returned it.

jcoman made it!(author)2016-08-16

As a cable tech, yes, a MoCA filter is a requirement. I'm surprised a Charter tech would remove your filter - it can cause serious problems in their system.

There is the security issue - which I'm not even addressing because it's just best to put a filter in line. And, at least in the company I work for, it's mandatory that any MoCA network have a POE/MoCA filter installed.

I have been on many, many trouble calls where failure to install POE/MoCA have caused issues with downstream SNR/MER on DOCSIS channels. While CATV systems may run at different frequencies than MoCA, it's the second and third order harmonics that cause the problems I have personally seen. I work in a 750mhz system and while MoCA operates between 800-1500mhz - it's those second order harmonics that land square in my system's DOCSIS frequencies causing intermittent internet issues between actives. So basically all your neighbors within 200-300 feet of your device.

MoCA won't pass through active amps/line extenders because the upstream frequencies are much lower than a MoCA's operating frequency, thankfully. Upstream gets knocked out because the amps/LE's only work in a specific frequency range on the return - usually 0-45mhz, 0-75mhz, or something like that depending on the number of upstream carriers.

And the hard part about it all is, if one guy installs a MoCA device without a POE/MoCA filter without the cable company knowing; finding that interfering device is very, very difficult. You literally have to go door-to-door to find the offending device.

You can find a lot of this information on the Arris website. They have great information on MoCA.

awelsh4 made it!(author)2016-08-17

Allow me to clarify. Certainly, there CAN be issues with choosing not to install a PoE filter, and a PoE MoCA filter is always recommended, and the cable companies have every right to require the filter. But it is not a requirement in the spec, unless you are sharing the coax with an antenna, as the antenna would become a broadcast station, which would be in violation of FCC regulation regarding unlicensed broadcasting. Not all cable systems are equal, and each cable provider may have different requirements which the subscriber must adhere to so long as they are not in violation of regulatory controls.

I would expect that the harmonic frequencies should never be an issue, for the same reason it does not interfere within the network where it is installed, and where the signal is the strongest. As the signal leaves the house, the noise introduced into the network becomes less of an issue, as the cable provider's signal is much stronger, and the moca signal must pass through several barrel connectors and splitters (further degrading the signal). I will have to look into this in more details to understand why this wouldn't be the case.

Again, it is ALWAYS a good idea to install one, but it is not always required (at least back 4 years ago when I originally installed mine, and researched it heavily). Most cases of interference with other cable subscribers I have come across are with whole home DVR systems. These systems use MoCA as well, and the they interfere with each other without installing a MoCA adapter. With that said, I have no idea as to the impact of MoCA 2.0 or 2.1 on the network, as I have not kept up to date on those specs. And I do not know how these devices might interfere with switched digital video (tuning adapters), I suspect this may be the biggest area of interference.

I am impressed with your knowledge. I have never met a cable service tech that actually knew anything about how the system works, or the physics involved. In my area, they generally go by a cheat sheet, and have very poor comprehension of the actual technologies involved. Thanks for your feedback. I will research more about the updated specs, requirements, and consumer rights.

jcoman made it!(author)2016-08-17

There are a few reasons that you won't see MoCA interference from a MoCA adapter on a modem in your network.

First, MoCA devices are always installed forward of modems, with short jumper cables. Second and third harmonics will not manifest in that short of a distance. At 800mhz, you'd need a jumper around 14.7" before that harmonic could manifest itself. At 1.5ghz you'd need 8.5" or so. These measurements are roughly the full wave distance at those frequencies. Most MoCA are installed, in CATV applications, with jumpers around 6" long.

Second, there is a band pass filter in the MoCA, so the frequencies MoCA runs at are knocked out before hitting the modem, because that MoCA adapter sits in front of the modem.

The second reason I give is why cable companies separate telephone MTA's (modems) from a MoCA network either by isolating them with MoCA splitters (with built in POE filters) or by using a splitter feeding a separate splitter isolated with a POE filter. A MoCA device will sometimes cause some problems with telephony modems -- not all the time, but some of the time. Telephony modems are more robust because of the way they are provisioned and their upstream/downstream requirements. So its rare that MoCA will cause problems, making it harder for techs to diagnose.

Many CATV boxes are starting to build in MoCA filters. It's been found that MoCA will cause random/Intermittent issues with television adapters/boxes. Pace (Arris), to name one company, is building in filters in the newer equipment - and they work pretty well. Prior to the build in of POE filters, some of us techs found that using a POE filter on the CATV box in reverse would eliminate interference issues that was causing tiling on the TV. Arris recently came out with a white sheet that describes just this method as one of the alternative fixes - if a MoCA splitter or system isolation is not possible. Honestly, there are some great white papers on MoCA on the Arris website.

I'm actually more impressed by your knowledge. Most consumers don't take the time to actually understand the equipment and its limitations. It's the toughest part of the job. I've had thousands more discussions with people about why wifi will not go 500' through four or five concrete walls than I have had intelligent conversations about MoCA.

LarryT5 made it!(author)2015-07-22

2 things:

1st is you are not splitting the cable signal. The MoCA adapter is an In-Line adapter. It has an input (from your cable) and an output ( to your cable modem)

2nd is there is really no need to worry about security. Every cable tech is required to insatll a MoCa filter at the POE (point of entry) to your home...usually the ground block or the input of the first splitter. This keeps your MoCA network contained strictly to your home. Also many MoCA devices such as TIVO have an option to secure you MoCA network with a password.

fred_elkins made it!(author)2015-02-05

Do you actually need cable service for this to work or will it just work with existing coax? I don't have cable but have coax throughout the house

ravin108 made it!(author)2015-02-05

Great question.
No need for active cable service. It will work with an existing coax network. If you have any issues, check the quality of your splitters.

sacarlson made it!(author)2017-03-02

Can you clarify one point. In your wiring diagram, you have three adapters. Are they all identical? Or at least can they be?

I have Fiber to the house, and what I'd like to do is plug one adapter into the Fiber router, and then another adapter in each room. Initially I thought I needed two adapters for each coax run. Your diagram makes it look like, I just one before a MoCA splitter, and then one at each end.

That would be much cheaper.

Also, the Actiontec WCB3000N looks like a great way to add ethernet jacks and extend my Wifi network at the same time.

jc-plano made it!(author)2017-01-26

Our house has dual coax wires throughout the house and have TWC/Spectrum's TV/Internet/phone services over one of the coax wires coming into the house, which splits in to multiple rooms and one has an Arris tg1672 modem (which I don't think is MoCA compliant) connected. From the modem, we have phone and internet services connected. We have our own router (TP-LINK AC1750) connected to the modem (with an ethernet cable) for wifi. We are trying to create another wifi hotspot as well as enable high speed video download capability at the other end of the house (which is too far for any router and repeaters seem to significantly degrade the throughput). Since we have an unused coax network, could I simply connect an MoCA adaptor to the router (using an ethernet cable), then connect the MoCA adaptor to a coax outlet/port of the unused network, then connect an Actiontec WCB3000N01 (which is a combined MoCA adaptor and and wifi extender) at the other end (to another coax outlet/port of the same unused network) to create a wifi hotspot as well as physical ethernet connections without worrying about noise/filtering/security? Any recommendations on a less expensive MoCA adaptor (Actiontec ECB2500C is $67 on Amazon)?

Freund117 made it!(author)2016-12-03

Does anyone know if you can set up a MoCA network with a coax wifi extender that is not from Actiontec? possibly using something cheaper than the ones from Actiontec

DerrikP made it!(author)2016-12-17

MoCA is an industry-wide standard, so in theory as long as it is certified for the same version of the MoCA standard, the devices should all work together.

kiwi_nz made it!(author)2016-09-26

Hi there,

I have just been relocated to Europe and prior to now network cabling has not been a problem, nor has wireless signal in my home. However I am now living in a 120 year old apartment with walls that are so thick they could withstand a an explosion. The one saving grace is many of the rooms have been wired with modern coax.

I have had installed a cable modem (UPC is the provider here). The provider runs fiber to the building and from there it is split in the basement of the building and runs coax to the different apartments. The one problem is I am not sure where which outlet is the first outlet in my apartment.

I was wondering is it possible to take one of the available outlets off the wall add in a coax splitter/combiner and install my cable modem, then add an ethernet to moca adapter from the cable modem back in the the coax splitter/combiner. I have attached a diagram with my thoughts.

If there is a better way to do it with other equipment I am also open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance

sankalot made it!(author)2016-09-02

I have suddenlink cable and my own purchased Tivo Bolt. I'm trying to connect a Tivo Mini and am having a Network (MoCA) Problem, error C33, Tivo box unable to connect to your MoCA network. Tivo support suggested I upgrade the splitter to 3Ghz and install a MoCA "POE" Filter which I've done. Still can't connect. I'm on hold with Tivo support (35+ min). Anyone have suggestions? My MoCA settings are default, I'm unaware of any changes I may need to make at the Bolt. Thanks

Sjons made it!(author)2016-07-02

Twc is telling me they need to activate my MoCA modem and then another data charge per month is that true?

BrianL159 made it!(author)2016-08-09


NO - but I find that cable techs and reps get especially confused when people refer to "MoCA modems" so I avoid this by calling them "adapters." Cable provider employees seem to be trained to believe that any modem on their network is in their domain - I even once had a Comcast tech physically remove my MoCA adapter saying "you can only have one modem per customer." Call it a MoCA adapter and they can wrap their heads around it better.

Sjons made it!(author)2016-08-17

good to know, I appreciate the input! Thx

thomasd161 made it!(author)2016-08-10

i just got the new X1 boxes from comcast, one is medium size primary hd dvr and it is working ok, the smaller box is the X1 Xid-P.. it is not working.. Q: Can or will the small box work if it is like 500 ++ feet away from the primary box???

BrianL159 made it!(author)2016-08-10

I have no experience with the X1 boxes and also don't know how this relates to MoCA at all. Perhaps your comment is better off in the comments itself and not as a response to my specialized contribution.

Sjons made it!(author)2016-08-09

Thx so much for the tip and info! Will do!

awelsh4 made it!(author)2016-08-16

I you called it a modem, they don't know what you have, and think you have a cable modem. The MoCA adapter is a device that is transparent to the cable company, it does not use the cable services, it overlays your home network atop of the television and data network provided by the cable company, w/o interfering with it.

Just do the install yourself. Buy the moca adapters, and 1 moca filter. Insert the moca filter between the point of entry and the first splitter. Then install the moca adapter near your cable modem, so that you have an ethernet signal to inject onto the coax. And now, anywhere there is coax in your home, you can connect a moca enabled device and you get 100mbps ethernet connection. 1Gbps equivalent (670Mbps actual, but still as fast as gigabit via 1000baseT UTP connection) if you go with MoCA 2.0.

Sjons made it!(author)2016-08-17

nice, thx for the tip, will do!

Malkaris made it!(author)2015-06-03

These units aren't quite as cheap as wifi-dongles, or even using extra routers as wireless-bridges. If anyone knew of a homebrew/hack way to push signals down coax I'd love to see an instructable on that.

awelsh4 made it!(author)2016-08-16

at an average of $45/adapter, they are not substantially more than WiFi dongles, and they provide wire speeds. Wifi only achieve on average 35% theoretical performance. So Wireless n, which should get 300mbps, in the real world typically gets less than 100mbps. It is half duplex, so you have to send and receive on the same network, thus you cannot do it at the same time. you have to contend with interference, congestion, protocol overhead, lack of traffic control (resulting in retries and latent packet delivery). With a MoCA 1.1 connection, you have 100Mbps full duplex ethernet and 300 Mpbs backplane (coax), allowing concurrent 100Mpbs send and 100Mbps receive. There is not congestion, or interference to deal with, and because it's a wired connection, traffic control exists to ensure minimal latency on packet delivery.

WiFi is, but wired is always better. And with MoCA 2.0, you can do even better. I use MoCA as a bridge between two routers (both wireless a/c). Each router is configured as an AP for the same SSID, so no matter where I am in the house, my devices float between the routers, and the WiFi congestion does not factor into internet performance. Had I configured my second router as a repeater, all my Wifi congestion would have doubled, as the 2nd router would have to repeat everything it receives to send it to the main router, and the same in reverse for the response packets.

Dtnel78 made it!(author)2015-07-24

I have the wcb3000n myself to extend the wireless range upstairs. Bought it based on the great feedback I'd seen online and to help keep the drop you get with standard range extenders down.

My problem is when I have it installed properly per mfr instructions using the splitter with one going to the quad tivo box and the other the range extender the wi fi signal drops after a period of time of the network being up.

I've also found that it keeps the TiVo boxes both which are quad tuner TiVos from updating the guide for upcoming shows so I have to unplug the actiontec range extender then I can update the program guides on the tivo. Downstairs where the Poe is for the cable into the house in the utility closet there's a splitter with one going to a booster then one going for cable TV per the install techs a few yrs ago with signal issues which were resolved.

The other cable feeds the modem to the router. A cable comes off the router then feeds into a actiontec 2500 then injects the network signal into the cable network. With it being injected using the traditional moca to Ethernet adapter means I need to concert the signal from cable (moca) back to internet standard which is where the wcb3000n comes in as it's designed for this. The only thing I added to the network was the 3000n as the 2500 was already in place to feed the 2 quad tuner TiVo boxes and the mini which existed.

Has anyone had this issue and resolved it or is there somewhere on the TiVo forums anyone is aware of I need to look. I've thought about calling actiontec but I figure my fellow geeks out here will get me further before I try them support as we all have the school of hard knocks (experience) behind us instead of some industry standard troubleshooting chart some guy halfway around the world will follow and waste more of my time. Any help, suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

awelsh4 made it!(author)2016-08-16

Did you ever get this resolved? It sounds to me like you have over complicated the design. The TiVo receivers likely have MoCA built-in (most do, but not all). If that is the case, you need one MoCA adapter where your cable modem is, and nothing more. The ActionTech MoCA adapter should go where your cable modem is. You insert it between the coax feed, and the coax input on the cable modem. Then you plug the ethernet cable from the MoCA adapter into your router (post cable modem).

There is nothing else needed. The TiVo receivers talk only moca. The moca adapter converts the moca into ethernet, and deliver that data onto the LAN (not the internet). The Router picks up the LAN data, and routes it to the internet, and via the cable modem.

It sounds to me like you may have injected a data loop (feedback) by adding that extra device.

Browner67 made it!(author)2015-12-10

Hello, so quick question, you need atleast two adapters, one at the source of the modem and router, and one where you want to hard line the cat5. ie the garage where i want to set up another laptop. The garage is currently set up with coax(cable tv)

ravin108 made it!(author)2015-12-11

Correct, Browner

Alex5888 made it!(author)2016-01-08

I'm not sure what to do.... I have the wireless router Netgear AC1900 C63OOBD. In the crawl space I have the cable coming into a spliter and the spliter going into each room of the house. The wireless router is plugged into the wall using a cable line. The front rooms of my house have a hard time getting a good wireless signal (older home) and I want to be able to have internet in the front of the house. Each room has a cable outlet. Would I be able to hook up a coax to Ethernet adapter? Do I need 1 or 2 adapters? How would I go about hooking everything up?

awelsh4 made it!(author)2016-08-16

you just plug the MoCA adapter into the cable modem at the front of the house. now the entire cable network is MoCA enabled. Next step is to plug in a MoCA enabled device (adapters, TiVo, etc) to provide an ethernet port in that room. the MoCA adapter has a built-in splitter, so you do not need extra splitters, you can just pass the coax from the wall, into the moca adapter, then from the 2nd port in the moca adapter to the receiver (or cable modem). For security, I would suggest locating the point of entry where the cable inters the home, and insert a moca filter between the point of entry, and the initial splitter. Though not required, the moca filter will prevent other cable subscribers from seeing your data.

JerryB87 made it!(author)2016-05-28

My MOCA adapters got flaky after I got Xfinity X1 installed. However they are on separate 'coax networks' so X1 may not be the issue. My problem is the adapters don't connect anymore and the coax light does not come on. A few months ago after I got X1 installed, I unplugged my adapters. Plugged them back up and no coax light. After a lot of testing, plugging and unplugging, they connected again. They've been working great until now. I went on vacation and accidentally cut the power to one. Now they won't connect. I tested with a short length of coax and they are not defective. Could the signal be dirty or weak, could X1 be interferring? Would some type of amplifier be worth looking into?

awelsh4 made it!(author)2016-08-16

do not use amplifiers with MoCA. Amplifiers are for strengthening a weak signal, but MoCA will not be weak, since it is sourced, and serviced in the same home. Instead, power both off. Allow a few minutes for them to fully discharge. Power on only the one at your internet source and wait a few minutes. Then power on the remote one. The issue with moca is there is no host/client relationship. They are what is known as a bridge. They listen to the signal on both the coax and ethernet side, and forward those signal to the other side. Generally, this should work flawlessly. However, because they devices have to pair up with each other, occasionally, they get caught in a loop where they both think they are the first device on the network, and don't talk to each other, thinking the other is a different network that they should not be participating in. Configuring your moca network with encryption will have protect it, but that same process will also help to ensure they know what network they are members of, so this may be worth enabling, even if you are on a private coax run.

Viridios made it!(author)2016-06-14

Hey Ravin! Great article!

A little background before my questions.

I used to have cable and recently canceled it and I'm looking to expand
my home network to help an old bluray player with non 5gz wireless
adapter and to add a plex media htpc. From what I remember, only some of my coax connections in my rooms worked. Like my bedroom had two connections, but the tech couldn't use one of them for the modem.

Two questions -

1 - Is it possible to test my coax connections to make sure this works beforehand? Should i just stick to using the coax connections that I know were able to pull cable and or/internet?

2 - Silly question. For the coax splitters, for example and 1 to 2, they're always labeled as 1 in and 2 out(or whatever number of connections it has). But I noticed you fed you MoCA connection from your router into an out connection. Are the labels superfoluous?

awelsh4 made it!(author)2016-08-16

yes. HomeDepot sells Coax testers. The Coaxial cable must be RG6 for optimum speed, and must pass all test for RG6 cabling. But really, if you have access to the cable lines, I would remove all lines that are not RG6, replace the ends on them with high quality compression crimped fittings (if you don't know what you are doing, ask for help, or use what the cable company provided you only). Then ensure you only splitters are rated for digital cable use. MoCA is very tolerant, but to get the best results, you want to make sure all the cables are within spec.

JeMiHamilton made it!(author)2016-08-06

ravin108, how is this better than using the electrical outlets as a hard-wired option?

awelsh4 made it!(author)2016-08-16

Ethernet over Power cannot jump the transformer. Most homes are fed two 110vac as a single 220vac supply, and the breaker box distributes the two throughout the house as 2 bus feeds of 110vac. The power line solution can only communicate with other devices plugged into that same side of the power buss. To wire the whole home with power line ethernet, you would require two devices to link to your router to service both feeds, which means you need more hardware. Additionally, power line ethernet is susceptible to power surges, and drops, and does not pass through surge protectors very effectively, so you run a higher risk of damaged devices as a result of power fluctuations. In practice, it really comes down to what is most convenient to you. If you have coax everywhere you need it, then MoCA may be the better solution. If not, then power line ethernet is a good solution.

ravin108 made it!(author)2016-08-10


The coax cable is a much more robust physical infrastructure to carry data signals. It has a ton of bandwidth and thick shielding to protect signals.

Powerline networking is sometimes a shot in the dark. While it can be plug-and-play to set up, there are aspects like signal noise and surge protection that seriously deteriorate or entirely filter out the powerline signal.

alwill13 made it!(author)2016-08-12

New Setup?

My home has a coax splitter for 3 rooms from the lead-in from Comcast and an Arris TM822G/NA-8 modem and an Asus RT-N56U router. The splitter is painted so no identification. I have no experience with Moca and would appreciate feed-back on what recommended equipment is needed, hopefully with model #'s, starting with the Moca filter before the splitter? I will not need anything for STB's as I'm cutting cable. Will be using something like Amazon Fire TV or stick! Love your site!

awelsh4 made it!(author)2016-08-16

MoCA is designed to work on the same RG6 coax that the cable company uses. It can tolerate splitters without any problems. But you do not want unterminated lines. So if you have any cables that aren't plugged into a device, then you need to plug them into a device, or terminate them. Just as with digital cable, the fewer the number of splitters and barrel connectors the better the signal quality. The optimum configuration is just 1 main splitter, and at the cable modem (if you have one) another splitter. you may use the pass-through of the MoCA adapters, but the quality is not as high as the high end splitters, and this often leads to slightly degraded internet performance through the cable modem if you have 60mbps+ cable modem service (the higher the bandwidth the more frequency channels you need, and the less likely you are locate enough clean channels to operate at optimum speed).

Today's MoCA is capable of gigabit speeds, so if you are looking to do this now, get a MoCA 2.0 adapter (which is fully backward compatible).

JohnN209 made it!(author)2016-08-12

I have Brighthouse and my DVR has MOCA Server LAN can I hook up my Smart Blu Ray player to it so I can see NETFLIX?

thomasd161 made it!(author)2016-08-10


thomasd161 made it!(author)2016-08-10


ceclair1 made it!(author)2016-03-18

Another question. Using my Arris surfboard SBG6782-AC wireless cable modem gateway with MoCA am I able to eliminate the first MoCA adapter in your diagram? I cannot find "MoCA for Dummies" which is what I need. Thanks. Brian

MichaelR126 made it!(author)2016-03-20


Since the Arris product is MoCA 1.1, it should be compatible with another MoCA 2.0 or 1.1 device. However, it can't be guaranteed.

VersusA made it!(author)2016-03-13

Sorry for the simple question here, but why do you need to connect the MoCA device to your router?

We recently "cut the cord," and I am trying to get some hard-wired spots without paying for additional services. So, in my simple thinking, I grab a MoCA device for say my TV on the other end of the house, pop the coax in, and put the ethernet to my Roku - no splitter needed here obviously. I am clearly missing a step.

ravin108 made it!(author)2016-03-14

Versus, a MoCA network is a bridge for an Ethernet network to travel over coax. A MoCA network needs to begin with a wired network source, like a router or switch, and end with an Ethernet connection to an end device like your Roku box.

ceclair1 made it!(author)2016-02-22

I have an elderly but very serviceable desktop PC in my office at one end of my house with a tired old cable modem and an old bottom of the line wireless router. The PC has no wireless tech in it. I have a new Arris surfboard SBG6782-AC wireless cable modem gateway that I want to place in a more central location so we can use our various wireless devices at the far end from my office. My question is; can I connect my PC to the modem (i.e. Internet) via MoCA? Thank you. Brian

ravin108 made it!(author)2016-02-22


Thanks for the message. This sounds like a perfect application for MoCA.

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