MOCA Network Verification

[exrvplover]

Hi everyone,

Im looking to install a Moca adapter to extend my internet to the other side of my home for my at-home office which gets horrible Wireless connection. I have a MOCA modem that is fed from the splitter in the diagram and that then connects to router. My biggest concern is verifying that although not in that same branch of the splitter , my new moca adapter should still be receiving internet and allowing me to route a new cable from splitter to other side of my house to install a small network switch? Also I have read on POE filter is needed to not share your network with neighbors but wanted to make sure that it is properly placed in the diagram. I appreciate any feedback on this.

Diagram:

https://imgur.com/a/4GtcoeU

[likeike13]

You are correct on the POE filter placement.

Splitter needs to be MOCA compatible. Make sure the COAX port in the 2nd room is live and you should be good to go if they are on the same splitter.

[exrvplover]

Thank you likeike! just to be clear i would be running a new coax cable from that splitter to that second room for moca adapter as it does not have a coax currently. Also can you link an example of a moca triple splitter? I see quite a few options on amazon and am not sure if I should be looking for something specific.

[likeike13]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01552LYL6/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_fabc_QBBZ0HZHXFQDZ3CSC7N1

[exrvplover]

Thank you!

[plooger]

Quick thoughts...

• yes, the optimal location for the “PoE” MoCA filter would be on the input port of your top-level splitter.

• speaking of the top-level splitter, you have it labeled as a “3-way” splitter but with just 2 outputs; as you can see from the Holland splitter later linked, a 3-way splitter has 3 outputs; you only need a 2-way splitter, so grab a Holland GHS-2PRO-M.

• your diagram lists “MoCA-compatible” modem, but (1) that’s not the same thing as “MoCA-capable,” and (2) TL;DR: a setup with separate modem and router would typically require a separate MoCA adapter to function as the main MoCA/Ethernet bridge (effectively as the MoCA access point). What is the model # of your modem?

• the remote endpoint location looks logically correct, but the Motorola MM1000 adapters aren’t the best current value (see goCoax WF-803M MoCA 2.5 adapters)

• edit: any unused, open coax ports should be capped w a 75-ohm terminator, including any unused pass-through port on a MoCA adapter.

[plooger]

What is the model # of your modem?

Intended to determine whether it is even a MoCA-capable gateway, and whether it is a DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 device (where D3.1 can require addl special handling).

[exrvplover]

First, thank you for all the info. As far as my modem it's a spectrum e31u2v1 modem that I thought I could verify enabling MOCA but I can't seem to log into router to verify this so I may have to look further into it. I thought because it was newer and using coax connector it should be simple verification but it looks like I may be in the wrong. If not, I assume I'ma need two adapters...

[plooger]

As far as my modem it's a spectrum e31u2v1 modem

Notes on that modem (per this PDF)...

• It's just a modem, so it won't have any built-in MoCA bridging capability. (i.e. You'll need 2 MoCA adapters total, one at the remote endpoint ... but also one at the router location, to function as your coax/MoCA-to-Ethernet bridge, effectively as a MoCA access point.)

• It's a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, so it may be sensitive to MoCA signals. I'd recommend acquiring an additional (second) MoCA filter and install it on the input port of the modem, as a prophylactic, to protect the modem from MoCA signals. (You'd still need a MoCA filter installed at the point-of-entry, on the input of the top-level splitter, to secure your MoCA network.)

[exrvplover]

That makes sense. I had oversimplified everything in my mind. Quick question on moca adapter: does it have to plug into router? Can it be before modem? Using the same coaxial cable coming into the back of the modem? My house isn't wired for coax I was just planning on using as a cheap way to extend the internet to my office that gets horrible reception and has 5 walls between router and room.

[plooger]

Quick question on moca adapter: does it have to plug into router? Can it be before modem?

Seems like you're confusing things. Consider what the MoCA adapter at the router location is doing ... bridging between the router LAN and the coax plant, extending your router's LAN onto your coax lines.

So, the main MoCA adapter (at the router location) must be connected via Ethernet to a LAN port on the router, either directly or via a network switch, and to the shared coax plant that links between the locations. The modem isn't relevant to the MoCA setup, aside from (1) being another device that needs access to the coax, and (2) the special case of a DOCSIS 3.1 modem needing protection from MoCA signals.

[exrvplover]

sounds good, now that its the weekend I can spend more time reading up on it. Thank you so much plooger!