MOCA Network Preparation

[abracadabra11]

I'll be moving into a new house soon and would like to try and incorporate a MOCA network into my existing setup.

I don't know much about the home other than it has existing fiber service and the potential for cable service as well. I assume that I'll likely need a PoE Filter, a couple of MOCA adapters, and at least one MOCA-compatible splitter.

Since I won't know much about the existing wiring in the home, should I purchase a cable tester (such as the Klein Tools VDV512-101) to try and figure out what portions of the existing COAX installation are connected? Any other recommendations or guides for figuring out how the house is currently wired?

*** UPDATE 8/1/21 ***
Network has been up and running for a few weeks and it's been fantastic. Thanks to the forum for all the help - MOCA has been a HUGE win for our home network.

 

[krkaufman]

should I purchase a cable tester (such as the Klein Tools VDV512-101) to try and figure out what portions of the existing COAX installation are connected?

Yes, including allowing you to identify and label the coax lines. (Other techniques can be used, but they're more hassle.)

Any other recommendations or guides for figuring out how the house is currently wired?

Obviously, check for available Cat5e/6 wiring. And contemplate repurposing it to networking if currently terminated for phone usage.

 

[abracadabra11]

Yes, including allowing you to identify and label the coax lines. (Other techniques can be used, but they're more hassle.)

Any specific recommendations on which cable tester to purchase? Ideally looking for something that is intuitive for someone that hasn't previously used the device.

 

[krkaufman]

The Klein Tools model you linked should work.

 

[abracadabra11]

I visited the new rental house to trace some wires and figure out how things are connected. I found the following:
1. COAX connections in Basement, Main Level, and 2nd Level (all terminate outside independently and are not interconnected)

So I'm proposing the attached diagram for my network setup. I have all the equipment listed on the diagram except for the 3-way splitter.

A few questions:
1. Any changes or recommendations to the setup?
2. Is a 3-way splitter the only thing that I need to buy to make this setup work?
3. If so, can you recommend a 3-way splitter that's suitable for use outdoors?
4. Does the single input of the splitter need to be capped? If so, any recommendations for capping that port?
5. PoE filter doesn't appear necessary since all COAX is terminated locally. Is that right?

Thanks for the help.

 

[krkaufman]

My preference is capping the splitter input port with both a MoCA filter and 75-ohm terminator. (e.g.) The 75-ohm terminator is required, to avoid signal interference, but you could try it with and without the MoCA filter and check the MoCA diagnostics to see if PHY rates and power levels differ. (The “PoE” MoCA filter provides a performance/efficiency boost in a typical setup, beyond the security function.)

 

[krkaufman]

Re: splitter, see >here< and >here<.

Something to keep in mind: A splitter can’t be optimized for both satellite and retail MoCA (Band D).

 

[abracadabra11]

My preference is capping the splitter input port with both a MoCA filter and 75-ohm terminator. (e.g.) The 75-ohm terminator is required, to avoid signal interference, but you could try it with and without the MoCA filter and check the MoCA diagnostics to see if PHY rates and power levels differ. (The “PoE” MoCA filter provides a performance/efficiency boost in a typical setup, beyond the security function.)

Thanks.

Any recommendations for a 75-ohm terminator that's suitable outdoors?

 

[abracadabra11]

Re: splitter, see >here< and >here<.

Something to keep in mind: A splitter can’t be optimized for both satellite and retail MoCA (Band D).

Are all of these splitters suitable for outdoors? New house is in the Mid-Atlantic.

 

[krkaufman]

suitable for outdoors?

Sounds like dielectric grease for the threads, plus whatever additional sealing technology you're comfortable with.

Weatherproofing needed for coax splitter outside? | AVS Forum
Amazon.com: 50 Pieces PPC RG6 AquaTight Weather Boot Univeral Drop Compression Connectors Coaxial Fitting
Weatherproof and UV protect your Coax Cable Connector - DX Engineering - YouTube
Weatherproofing Coaxial Connectors - YouTube

 

[krkaufman]

Any recommendations for a 75-ohm terminator that's suitable outdoors?

PPC TRS75WS Coaxial F Type 75 Ohm Terminator with Weather Seal - 50 pcs

Integrated port seal and isolated drop saver keeps moisture out, improving network performance and reducing costly service calls. Features: 75 Ohm terminator, Integrated port seal, isolated drop saver 75 Ohm Resistor 120 dB minimum -30 dB to 3 GHz minimum 50 pc bags

www.agcables.ca

 

[abracadabra11]

Finally got a chance to check out the existing wiring in the home and it's a bit of a mess, but I think I can make it work.

Attached is an updated network diagram to show how I think the network needs to be set up. The longest COAX run is between the first splitter that connects to the upstairs bedroom MOCA adapter and the intermediate splitter that bridges the Main Level splitter with the Main Level MOCA adapter. It is approximately 75'.

All of the splitters I noted on the diagram are existing breaks in the COAX connections that need to be bridged. A few questions:
1. Are MOCA-compatible splitters the best way to bridge the existing breaks in the COAX?
2. Any issue having 3 splitters between the two MOCA connections? If so, do you have any recommendations to improve the setup?
3. Do I need a POE filter and 75-ohm terminator on the single port of each of the splitters?

Thanks again for the help.

 

[CaptainSTX]

Unless you need a splitter to provide multiple coaxial connections I suggest you use couplers instead to join cables. They are readily available and are threaded male on both ends and designed to connect two coaxial cables. Using a coupler will result in less loss than a splitter.

Using 75 ohm terminators on unused but hot coaxial ports is best practices.

 

[abracadabra11]

Unless you need a splitter to provide multiple coaxial connections I suggest you use couplers instead to join cables. They are readily available and are threaded male on both ends and designed to connect two coaxial cables. Using a coupler will result in less loss than a splitter.

Using 75 ohm terminators on unused but hot coaxial ports is best practices.

Any recommendations for a MOCA- compatible coupler that is suitable for outdoor use?

 

[CaptainSTX]

Any recommendations for a MOCA- compatible coupler that is suitable for outdoor use?

I would just buy the standard barrel couplers and protect them using heat shrink tubing.

 

[degrub]

or if you don't want to mess with heat shrink tubing and a hair dryer, just buy external, rain proof, barrels connectors. Should have boots and rubber seals.

 

[abracadabra11]

or if you don't want to mess with heat shrink tubing and a hair dryer, just buy external, rain proof, barrels connectors. Should have boots and rubber seals.

Copy - thanks.

If I installed a third MOCA adapter directly under the upstairs bedroom, then I would need another MOCA-compatible splitter there, correct?

So the connections from the upstairs bedroom would be MOCA splitter, coupler, MOCA splitter, correct?

 

[degrub]

everything in the moca 2 signal path has to be compatible and rated for moca 2.
only use a splitter if you have to have two signal paths. Use a barrel connector if you are extending the cable.

 

[abracadabra11]

Installed MOCA in two locations (downstairs office and downstairs living room) and have the network up and running.

Working through some initial tests and getting some fair variability in the bandwidth using iperf3 for testing. My peak internet speed is ~ 250Mbps, so the lower than 1Gbps transfers aren't a huge concern for that (though I'd like to try and improve the results), but there are some instances where 0 throughput is occurring (as you'll see from 56-60 secs below). This testing was done from desktop->ethernet->MOCA (goCoax 2.5)->MOCA->ethernet->router. The router served as the server for iperf3 testing and I have encryption enabled on the MOCA adapters.

1. How do I go about tracing and troubleshooting the instances of 0 transmission?
2. How do I go about troubleshooting the low throughput?
3. What tools do I need to do this effectively?

Spoiler: iperf Results

[ ID] Interval           Transfer     Bandwidth
[  4]   0.00-1.00   sec  62.5 MBytes   523 Mbits/sec
[  4]   1.00-2.00   sec  77.8 MBytes   654 Mbits/sec
[  4]   2.00-3.00   sec  82.8 MBytes   693 Mbits/sec
[  4]   3.00-4.00   sec  79.8 MBytes   669 Mbits/sec
[  4]   4.00-5.00   sec  65.6 MBytes   551 Mbits/sec
[  4]   5.00-6.00   sec  83.2 MBytes   698 Mbits/sec
[  4]   6.00-7.00   sec  58.2 MBytes   488 Mbits/sec
[  4]   7.00-8.00   sec  84.5 MBytes   710 Mbits/sec
[  4]   8.00-9.00   sec  81.9 MBytes   687 Mbits/sec
[  4]   9.00-10.00  sec  78.0 MBytes   654 Mbits/sec
[  4]  10.00-11.00  sec  53.6 MBytes   449 Mbits/sec
[  4]  11.00-12.00  sec  71.9 MBytes   603 Mbits/sec
[  4]  12.00-13.00  sec  81.5 MBytes   684 Mbits/sec
[  4]  13.00-14.00  sec  77.2 MBytes   648 Mbits/sec
[  4]  14.00-15.00  sec  75.4 MBytes   632 Mbits/sec
[  4]  15.00-16.00  sec  68.6 MBytes   575 Mbits/sec
[  4]  16.00-17.00  sec  75.0 MBytes   628 Mbits/sec
[  4]  17.00-18.00  sec  69.8 MBytes   586 Mbits/sec
[  4]  18.00-19.00  sec  82.6 MBytes   694 Mbits/sec
[  4]  19.00-20.00  sec  83.2 MBytes   698 Mbits/sec
[  4]  20.00-21.00  sec  75.6 MBytes   635 Mbits/sec
[  4]  21.00-22.00  sec  81.5 MBytes   683 Mbits/sec
[  4]  22.00-23.00  sec  63.9 MBytes   535 Mbits/sec
[  4]  23.00-24.00  sec  71.6 MBytes   602 Mbits/sec
[  4]  24.00-25.00  sec  85.5 MBytes   717 Mbits/sec
[  4]  25.00-26.00  sec  76.8 MBytes   644 Mbits/sec
[  4]  26.00-27.00  sec  69.2 MBytes   581 Mbits/sec
[  4]  27.00-28.00  sec  80.0 MBytes   671 Mbits/sec
[  4]  28.00-29.00  sec  76.8 MBytes   644 Mbits/sec
[  4]  29.00-30.00  sec  82.1 MBytes   689 Mbits/sec
[  4]  30.00-31.00  sec  84.0 MBytes   704 Mbits/sec
[  4]  31.00-32.00  sec  56.1 MBytes   471 Mbits/sec
[  4]  32.00-33.00  sec  85.1 MBytes   714 Mbits/sec
[  4]  33.00-34.00  sec  79.5 MBytes   666 Mbits/sec
[  4]  34.00-35.00  sec  82.8 MBytes   695 Mbits/sec
[  4]  35.00-36.00  sec  67.9 MBytes   570 Mbits/sec
[  4]  36.00-37.00  sec  71.1 MBytes   596 Mbits/sec
[  4]  37.00-38.00  sec  71.8 MBytes   602 Mbits/sec
[  4]  38.00-39.00  sec  74.0 MBytes   621 Mbits/sec
[  4]  39.00-40.00  sec  81.6 MBytes   685 Mbits/sec
[  4]  40.00-41.00  sec  82.8 MBytes   694 Mbits/sec
[  4]  41.00-42.00  sec  81.2 MBytes   681 Mbits/sec
[  4]  42.00-43.00  sec  68.4 MBytes   573 Mbits/sec
[  4]  43.00-44.00  sec  76.1 MBytes   639 Mbits/sec
[  4]  44.00-45.00  sec  80.8 MBytes   677 Mbits/sec
[  4]  45.00-46.00  sec  60.4 MBytes   506 Mbits/sec
[  4]  46.00-47.00  sec  81.8 MBytes   685 Mbits/sec
[  4]  47.00-48.00  sec  69.9 MBytes   586 Mbits/sec
[  4]  48.00-49.00  sec  70.6 MBytes   594 Mbits/sec
[  4]  49.00-50.00  sec  79.9 MBytes   670 Mbits/sec
[  4]  50.00-51.00  sec  84.1 MBytes   706 Mbits/sec
[  4]  51.00-52.00  sec  81.5 MBytes   684 Mbits/sec
[  4]  52.00-53.00  sec  77.2 MBytes   647 Mbits/sec
[  4]  53.00-54.00  sec  62.1 MBytes   522 Mbits/sec
[  4]  54.00-55.00  sec  50.1 MBytes   420 Mbits/sec
[  4]  55.00-56.01  sec  3.62 MBytes  30.2 Mbits/sec
[  4]  56.01-57.01  sec  0.00 Bytes  0.00 bits/sec
[  4]  57.01-58.01  sec  0.00 Bytes  0.00 bits/sec
[  4]  58.01-59.01  sec  0.00 Bytes  0.00 bits/sec
[  4]  59.01-60.01  sec  0.00 Bytes  0.00 bits/sec
[  4]  60.01-61.01  sec   640 KBytes  5.25 Mbits/sec
[  4]  61.01-62.00  sec  0.00 Bytes  0.00 bits/sec
[  4]  62.00-63.01  sec  1.50 MBytes  12.5 Mbits/sec
[  4]  63.01-64.00  sec  31.5 MBytes   265 Mbits/sec
[  4]  64.00-65.00  sec  52.5 MBytes   442 Mbits/sec
[  4]  65.00-66.00  sec  74.0 MBytes   621 Mbits/sec
[  4]  66.00-67.00  sec  71.2 MBytes   598 Mbits/sec
[  4]  67.00-68.00  sec  82.9 MBytes   696 Mbits/sec
[  4]  68.00-69.00  sec  83.0 MBytes   696 Mbits/sec
[  4]  69.00-70.00  sec  71.6 MBytes   599 Mbits/sec
[  4]  70.00-71.00  sec  81.5 MBytes   687 Mbits/sec
[  4]  71.00-72.00  sec  83.2 MBytes   698 Mbits/sec
[  4]  72.00-73.00  sec  80.6 MBytes   676 Mbits/sec
[  4]  73.00-74.00  sec  80.6 MBytes   676 Mbits/sec
[  4]  74.00-75.00  sec  54.8 MBytes   459 Mbits/sec
[  4]  75.00-76.00  sec  83.2 MBytes   698 Mbits/sec
[  4]  76.00-77.00  sec  82.5 MBytes   689 Mbits/sec
[  4]  77.00-78.00  sec  83.6 MBytes   705 Mbits/sec
[  4]  78.00-79.00  sec  81.4 MBytes   683 Mbits/sec
[  4]  79.00-80.00  sec  69.1 MBytes   579 Mbits/sec
[  4]  80.00-81.00  sec  77.5 MBytes   651 Mbits/sec
[  4]  81.00-82.00  sec  83.4 MBytes   700 Mbits/sec
[  4]  82.00-83.00  sec  76.9 MBytes   644 Mbits/sec
[  4]  83.00-84.00  sec  82.8 MBytes   694 Mbits/sec
[  4]  84.00-85.00  sec  81.2 MBytes   682 Mbits/sec
[  4]  85.00-86.00  sec  70.6 MBytes   593 Mbits/sec
[  4]  86.00-87.00  sec  82.9 MBytes   695 Mbits/sec
[  4]  87.00-88.00  sec  81.8 MBytes   686 Mbits/sec
[  4]  88.00-89.00  sec  81.6 MBytes   685 Mbits/sec
[  4]  89.00-90.00  sec  79.9 MBytes   671 Mbits/sec
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[ ID] Interval           Transfer     Bandwidth
[  4]   0.00-90.00  sec  6.02 GBytes   575 Mbits/sec                  sender
[  4]   0.00-90.00  sec  6.02 GBytes   575 Mbits/sec                  receiver

 

[degrub]

I would use another pc as the server. That way you should only be using the switch portion of the router. That part should run at line speed.
also, run the reverse direction iperf test.
what cmd line did you execute ?