Advice setting up my MoCA Network

[Yardley]

Hi all, I'm looking to make some additions to my MoCA network and have some things I am unsure about. I just switched over to Comcast and the tech that came out had trouble getting the X1 Set Top Box to work, the length of this run is pretty long but I had no issues with the Verizon box that was previously connected to it although as I understand it, the X1 Box seems to require a stronger signal to function since it pulls more data for apps and other features that the Verizon box did not have. The picture below reflects the original layout I had with Verizon, the Comcast tech attempted this layout with the 4-way splitter at 7db and the X1 Box wouldn't work, he then tested the lines strength and told me it was not good, I think the result was something like -20db.

So he switched out the 4-way splitter for a 3-way splitter which has (2) 7db outs and (1) 3.5db out which he connected the long run to and this did the trick. He connected a 2-way splitter to one of the 7db out to compensate for the missing fourth out of the 3-way splitter and ended up with this which is what I currently have:

This is what I am planning on doing:

Ok, so here come the questions. What I want to understand is why did switching out the 7db out to a 3.5db out for the long cable run make such a difference? (I believe the test went from -20 to -3) Also, the TiVo Mini is currently connected through MoCA and works fine but should I switch out all of these splitters as they are only 5-1002MHz? Shouldn't they be higher for MoCA? I'm a believer of if it ain't broke don't fix it but since I am getting the MoCA Wi-Fi extender and the Coax Adapter to hard wire some PC's I want to make sure I'm getting the optimal speed. What should I do? Lastly, should I stick with the 3-way splitter or find a 4-way splitter that has a 3.5db out so that the longer cable run works and I am able to eliminate one 2-way splitter from the mix? The whole 7db, 3.5db thing confuses me can someone explain? My head is spinning

 

[Yardley]

Anyone?

 

[Samir]

As far as the db gain, I think each db is on a log scale, not linear, so a small difference can end up being big.

I wouldn't mess with the existing connections.

I think the first thing I would try would be the splitter you propose on the top and reconnect the device that's already there. If it still works, I think you'll have no problems adding the second device.

To test speeds, I'd use iperf across the network and see what happens.

 

[thoma]

Ok, so here come the questions. What I want to understand is why did switching out the 7db out to a 3.5db out for the long cable run make such a difference? (I believe the test went from -20 to -3) Also, the TiVo Mini is currently connected through MoCA and works fine but should I switch out all of these splitters as they are only 5-1002MHz? Shouldn't they be higher for MoCA? I'm a believer of if it ain't broke don't fix it but since I am getting the MoCA Wi-Fi extender and the Coax Adapter to hard wire some PC's I want to make sure I'm getting the optimal speed. What should I do? Lastly, should I stick with the 3-way splitter or find a 4-way splitter that has a 3.5db out so that the longer cable run works and I am able to eliminate one 2-way splitter from the mix? The whole 7db, 3.5db thing confuses me can someone explain? My head is spinning

When your tech swapped out the four-way spitter for a three-way, and changed the connection from a 7 dB loss to a 3.5 dB loss, that only got you an extra 3.5 dB. You should've gone from 20 dB loss to 16.5 dB loss.

Since you went from 20 dB to 3 dB, that means that there was some other problem. The splitter may have been defective. Your setup might still have worked after swapping out the four-way splitter for another four-way splitter.

MoCA can operate below 1 GHz. If you are on an 860 MHz cable system, then you do not need to replace the splitters, because MoCA can simply operate between 860 MHz and 1 GHz. If you are on a 1 GHz cable system, though, then you may run into trouble.

 

[Yardley]

Good news! I received all of my equipment today and configured it exactly like my diagram and everything works perfectly! Speedtest.net tests are averaging 125Mbps down through hard wired connections at all three points (router, ECB3500 and WCB3000). Wireless performance is also great also about 125Mpbs throughout all rooms on floors 1 and 2 of my home (wirelessly connecting to the Xfinity router) and about 75Mbps in the basement/ground floor/backyard connecting to the WCB3000 access point. (could be more I have to double check tomorrow).

I did a test and switched the cable going to the Tivo/Xfinity router from the 7db out and put it on the 3.5db out and the speed did not change, however putting the long run that goes to the X1 set top box/WCB3000 on the 7db out did impact the speed of those devices so I put it back to the 3.5db out. What's funny is that the wired speed test on the long run is actually the best in the house at about 130Mbps.

Someone advised I install a MoCA PoE filter at the main cable drop where it comes into the house to avoid the possibility of giving the rest of my neighborhood access to my network and PC's. I remember the Comcast tech mention something about installing a filter when he was up on the pole, could this be a PoE filter? Could he have indeed installed it up on the pole at the beginning of my drop?

 

[paranoised]

I don't have anything insightful to add (sorry) but I just wanted to say that I really love those diagrams.

 

[djgizmo]

I agree. What did you use to create those nice diagrams?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stevech]

Dear OP

With all those splitters, I'd buy a good CATV amplifier with a return amplifer capability (amplified down and up signals). I use one. Cable Co. provided it free after I griped a lot about weak signals from their demarcation down 100 ft. of 25 yr. old RG59 than can't be replaced.
Or buy one - about $50 or less, but not from a retail store - china cheapie.

 

[Yardley]

Thanks, I used good old Photoshop for the diagrams.