Splitter question

I have Fios service (internet, tv, phone) using a G1100 Quantum Gateway router and whatever ONT goes with that, etc. My system uses a generic (Antronix?) Verizon supplied 6-way splitter. Can I install a ‘Commscope CSMAPDU9 VPI cable amplifier 9 port HomeConnect passive VoIP Amplifier’ in place of that without blowing anything up?

1. Will it help?

2. Installation advice? Just switcheroo and plug it in or do i need to shut down stuff and reboot, etc?

Previous homeowner used it with his Comcast service and left it here.

Thanks so much!

Accepted answers

gs0b

MoCA can be thought of as Ethernet over coax (although that's a vast simplification.) In Verizon systems, it's used to communicate between the router, set-top-boxe(s), and some models of the Verizon extenders. It works very well through many layers of splitters. If your set-tops are working and any coax connected extenders are providing good speed, there is no need to change anything.

MoCA capable amplified splitters don't touch the MoCA signal. The only amplify the TV signals. The TV signal out of the ONT is very strong, so amplifiers are not needed except for very large homes with an extraordinary number of TVs. They are meant for cable customers who might be getting a weaker signal due to distance from the head-end. If your set-tops are working fine, you don't need to change anything.

If you do hook it up, you won't fry anything. But I doubt you'll notice any positive differences.

In short, I don't see any reason for you to install the amplified splitter.

If you want to explore potential improvements to your network performance, I'd start by reviewing the router and extenders you're using. Upgrading those could give you faster WiFi. If you'd like to do that, post the model numbers of your current network equipment. And let us know what speed tier you've subscribed to.

All comments

gs0b

If everything is working fine, I recommend leaving it as is.

Depending on the model, Verizon set-top-boxes use MoCA (coax) to communicate with each other and the router. Amplified splitters that are not designed for MoCA will cause problems.

If you are trying to solve a problem, describe what it is and some of the friendly folk here should be able to give you specific advice.

Dave1y

Hi, and thanks for your kind response. If it works, leave it alone is excellent advice!

This is just my annual end-of-year attempt at improving my home life. Gotta call service providers and cry about one thing or another to make sure my set-up and costs are reasonable. This year Verizon came through with 'upgraded' set top boxes and a couple of rate discounts, so thats good.

But, we keep adding TV's, another new laptop, were up to 4 cell phones now, etc, so Ijust thought to look at my internet service and improve any bottlenecks. Ijust bought a second Wi-fi extender, for instance.

In any event, I keep looking at the splitter I’m using and wondering what its doing to my signal. The fancy powered splitter I'm not using is MoCA and marked as 0 db loss and at this point I'm at the limit of knowing what im talking about.

I'm going to read some articles on how it all works and try to learn but otherwise I'm trying not to just hook it up on a whim and end up frying my equipment to oblivion. I think its safe to use it and it might improve my speeds but what do i know...

Thanks again!

Dave

gs0b

If you do hook it up, you won't fry anything. But I doubt you'll notice any positive differences.

In short, I don't see any reason for you to install the amplified splitter.