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Internet Cable Splitter

An Internet cable splitter splits coaxial cable signals so that consumers can direct one cable to computers and the other to televisions, video boxes, or other devices including second computers. Broadband signals carry broad bands of frequencies, which include multiple channels of television programming, data for high-speed Internet connections and telecommunications signals. Usually, cable service providers help families by providing dedicated lines to each device, but splitters can direct the signal for new devices and to make cable connections from different rooms after homeowners finish remodeling projects.

How to Install an Internet Cable Splitter

Consumers can buy splitters from many supply, hardware and electronics stores to split cable signals and satellite-dish connections so that they can watch television in multiple rooms and add computers to their home systems. Unfortunately, not all splitters work the same way. Each splitter has its own efficiency rating, so choose an Internet cable splitter of 900 MHz or higher for splitting cable signals that go to computer modems.

  • Consumers can buy splitters that handle 1.0 GHz up to 2.5 GHz signals.
  • Splitters lose signals as functions of distance and multiple splits, unlike simple wires, so people should make their Internet connections from the first signal splits.
  • High-bandwidth splitters cost more, but they are essential for high-speed Internet connections so that consumers receive the bandwidth that they ordered.
  • The Internet uses data-dense signals for faster uploading and downloading speeds.
  • Older splitters might be unidirectional, which means that they would not allow sending data upstream.

Some splitters come with built-in signal amplifiers to compensate for signal loss. Consumers can also buy independent signal amplifiers to strengthen signals in homes and businesses with multiple electronic connections. Diplexers combine signals, a process which helps people join together television signals from over-the-air television broadcasts from digital antennas and cable signals from service providers.

Television Programming and Splitters

Cheaper splitters might work well enough for carrying television digital signals, but consumers could lose essential signal strength for high-definition broadcasts and special services such as ordering pay-per-view programs. The wider the bandwidth, the faster the speed of data transmission will be. Morse code only requires basic signals, audio signals require more bandwidth, and signals that travel upstream and downstream for high-definition programming require hundreds of kilohertzes per second of transmission speed.

Avoiding Slow Internet Connections

Consumers lose signal strength and Internet speed for many reasons including faulty modems, cables, and routers and trying to run too many applications on their computers. Subscription-service companies often cap bandwidth during peak times or when customers surpass their monthly usage allowances. An Internet cable splitter might also cause bandwidth loss, so choose the right splitter and route all computer connections from the first available split.

  • Consumers can accommodate multiple devices by choosing a splitter with multiple outlet terminals. Each outlet connects a dedicated line to a single computing device.
  • People can amplify cable signals to regain signal strength if necessary.
  • Reputable websites offer speed tests that calculate real-time speeds of downloads and uploads.
  • Consumers can also test their speed at the universal modem IP-address website or choose their modem manufacturer’s website for testing.
  • Digital transport adapters and cable testers provide independent tests of signal strength.

Steps for Installing Splitters

Plan a splitting strategy that minimizes the number of splitters and assigns Internet connections to the first split. Buy the right splitters for bandwidth capacity and the number of outlets or terminals that need to connect to the splitters.

  • Disconnect coaxial cables by unscrewing them from receivers.
  • Screw the live cable into the input port of the splitter. Most connections can be unscrewed by hand, but stubborn connections might require using a pair of pliers.
  • Screw the right length of coaxial cables into the output ports and guide the cables to the devices, modems or converter boxes that require connections. This step might involve supporting and hiding cables for aesthetic and safety reasons.
  • Most Internet services connect to computers through an Ethernet cable modem or a USB cable modem.
  • Be sure to turn off the power supply to the computer before connecting it to the cable.
  • The cable modem must be connected to an AC power source, and it will synchronize after making the cable connection and connecting to a power source.
  • Cable modems usually stay on at all times, but if they have power switches, then consumers need to turn them on after attaching the live cables.
  • Ethernet ports on cable modems connect by plug-and-play connectors to Wide Area Network ports of cable routers or the backs of personal computers.

Connecting Two or More Computers with Ethernet Splitters

People can use Ethernet splitters to reduce cable clutter, but the devices do not split signals that are intended for one computer into connections for two or more devices. These adapters transmit signals that are intended for two computers and carry them to separate computers, but people need adapters at each end of the lines to route the signals to multiple computer modems for home networking or wireless connections.

An Internet cable splitter provides signals to televisions, routers, cable modems and wireless Internet routers to help consumers meet the demands of making cable connections with an increasing number of electronic devices in their homes. Choose the right splitters, amplifying devices, routers and Ethernet adapters to make sure that families get the full bandwidth and video on-demand services that their cable providers promise for their service plans.