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Coaxial (also known as Coax) cables are commonly used for television and cable television signals and high-frequency data transmission in computer networks. Most US homes have Coax cables to operate cable TVs and broadband.
While cable operation requires meager amounts of Coax cables’ strength, its high-frequency data transmission abilities make it perfect to be converted into Ethernet for internet connectivity. This article will discuss everything you need to know about converting Coax cables to Ethernet.
Why should I convert Coax to Ethernet?
According to the latest data, about 90% of US homes have coax cables installed within the household for operating cable televisions. Therefore, the technology is already available for use by most people. Moreover, cable televisions only use a fraction of the transmission capabilities that come with Coax cables. As a result, most of its power gets unused.
It is possible to go for an Ethernet connection from scratch. However, doing so will result in additional wiring that is not needed considering Coax cables are fully capable of acting as an ideal network solution for broadband and WiFi.
How to Convert Coax to Ethernet?
Converting Coax to Ethernet is possible using a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) adapter. These adapters allow you to use your existing coaxial cable wiring in your home to create a high-speed network for the internet and other multimedia content. They are highly economical and easy to use.
You simply attach them to your router and connect the wiring accordingly. Doing so helps save the time, money, and space required to install conventional Ethernet wiring.
Advantages of using MoCA to convert Coax to Ethernet
There are various advantages of using MoCA for converting Coax to Ethernet. Here are some of them:
1. Uses Existing Wiring for Operation
As mentioned above, most US are already equipped with Coax cables to operate cable television. This wiring goes unused as cable TVs don’t require high transmission speeds.
MoCA ensures that this wiring is used directly to provide a high-speed internet connection to its users. As a result, you use unused wiring and avoid going through a weekend-long wiring project to install Ethernet.
2. Covers Large Households Easily
Large homeowners are usually frustrated when it comes to the WiFi range. No matter what you do, there will be dead zones within the periphery of your house where network coverage does not reach. The only solution is to get a second WiFi router or a WiFi repeater.
The former requires additional wiring and increases hassle. Since Coax cables already take care of the internal wiring, you need to add a second MoCA adapter with a WiFi repeater, and you are good to go.
3. Provides High-speed Internet
Speed demands have exponentially increased in recent times regarding internet usage. With fiber networks and Ethernet, you need not worry about it. If you are wondering whether MoCA can provide the same, it does. MoCA 2.0 provides 500Mbps of speed.
With MoCA 2.5 and 3.0, you can get up to 2.5Gbps and 10 Gbps speeds, respectively. We recommend going for at least MoCA for most modern households to secure their future.
4. Both Wired and Wireless
MoCA adapters operate both in wired and wireless atmospheres. You can connect your Coaxial wiring to go online using a wired network. As for wireless, these adapters are compatible with various wireless systems, such as wireless routers, mesh WiFi access points, gaming consoles, streaming devices, etc.
5. Ethernet Wire Compatibility
Though MoCA adapters are widely used to convert Coax wiring to Ethernet, they are also compatible with Ethernet wiring. Using the port provided, you can connect an Ethernet-based device to your MoCA adapter.
Things to keep in mind before using MoCA to convert Coax to Ethernet
Though using MoCA for converting Coax to Ethernet is a pretty straightforward procedure, there are certain things you must keep in mind before you go ahead. Here they are:
1. Security Filter
MoCA networks are secure in their own right. However, they are prone to pair with nearby MoCA signals, which may cause leakage. We recommend installing a MoCA signal filter to ensure your network is secure.
2. Compatibility
MoCA adapters are compatible with various types of Coax systems. However, they are also incompatible with a few. To put things into perspective, if you use a satellite TV or AT&T U-verse-based Coaxial system, MoCA isn’t the solution for you. We recommend getting expert assistance from your provider in this scenario.
3. Network Size
You can have up to 16 MoCA adapters simultaneously. While this is ample for even a superuser, it is worth noting that there is always a limit while using these adapters that shouldn’t go amiss.
How to Install MoCA to Convert Coax to Ethernet?
The exact installation method will vary depending on the adapter you use and the wiring system of your household. However, most users can follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Buy MoCA adapters for each device you want to connect. You will also need Ethernet or RJ45 wires alongside a Coaxial cable splitter.
- Step 2: Connect the Coaxial cable splitter to the Coaxial outlet. You will now have multiple streams to connect your cable into.
- Step 3: Connect a MoCA adapter to the Coaxial outlet and the other adapters to each device you wish to connect to create a network. Use Ethernet cables to connect adapters with devices.
- Step 4: Power on and configure devices. Some devices will be configured automatically, while others require a manual setup.
- Step 5: Test the connection.
Conclusion
Converting Coax to Ethernet makes sense for most households pre-equipped with Coax cables. It saves time, money, and space while also providing high-speed transmission. As for the conversion, it is relatively easy to perform using MoCA adapters.
We covered how to do so in the article above. We recommend following our guidelines and those provided by manufacturers, and if you struggle, contact your network provider for a solution.
