Yes, coax to Ethernet adapters work by transforming your existing coaxial wiring into a high-speed Ethernet network. This solution is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get a reliable wired internet connection without running new cables.
What Is a Coax to Ethernet Adapter?
A coax to Ethernet adapter—also called a MoCA adapter—is a device that converts your home’s existing coaxial cable wiring into a wired Ethernet connection. This lets you bring high-speed Internet to places in your home where WiFi is weak or unreliable.
These adapters don’t “create” Internet, but instead bridge the gap between your modem/router and devices like streaming boxes, gaming consoles, and smart TVs using your home’s coax wiring.
How Coax to Ethernet Adapters Work
A coax to Ethernet adapter, often called a MoCA adapter, uses your home’s existing coaxial cables to carry Ethernet signals. Instead of drilling holes and running Ethernet wiring, you can create a fast, wired network over the coax already installed for cable TV or Internet.
Here’s how:
- Plug one adapter into your modem/router and a coaxial outlet.
- Plug a second adapter into another coax outlet near your device (like a computer, smart TV, or game console).
- Connect both adapters to their respective devices using Ethernet cables.
These two adapters communicate through the coaxial wiring in your home, delivering wired Ethernet performance without adding new cables.
- Example: If your router is in the basement and your home office is upstairs, you can use MoCA adapters to deliver Ethernet from the router to your office through the coaxial lines.
Related: How do I convert coaxial to Ethernet?
Are coax to Ethernet adapters reliable?
Yes. MoCA 2.5 adapters, like Hitron’s HTEM5, deliver speeds up to 2.5 Gbps with ultra-low latency, making them more reliable than WiFi for activities like:
- 4K video streaming without buffering.
- Competitive online gaming with almost no lag.
- Working from home with stable video calls and fast downloads.
Because coaxial cables are shielded, they avoid much of the interference that WiFi faces from walls, appliances, and neighboring networks.
Related: How fast is Ethernet over coaxial?
What do I need to set up a coax to Ethernet network?
Setting up a coax to Ethernet network is straightforward:
- A modem/router connected to your coax network.
- One or two Hitron HTEM5 MoCA adapters depending on whether your router has MoCA built-in.
- Ethernet cables (usually included with the adapters).
- Active coaxial outlets where you want connections.
If your Internet provider’s equipment supports MoCA (like some Xfinity or Verizon routers), you might only need one adapter. Otherwise, you’ll need two.
Benefits of Using Coax to Ethernet Adapters
- Faster Speeds Than WiFi: MoCA 2.5 adapters can support speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, ideal for 4K streaming and online gaming.
- Stable, Low-Latency Connection: A wired connection offers consistent speed without the dropouts common with WiFi.
- Easy Setup: No drilling or rewiring required—just plug into existing coaxial outlets.
- Reliable Performance for Remote Work: Great for video conferencing or transferring large files over a secure, wired connection.
Why choose Hitron’s HTEM5 Coax to Ethernet Adapter?
The Hitron HTEM5 is built for today’s high-bandwidth needs, providing:
- Gigabit speeds up to 1 Gbps over coax.
- Less than 3ms latency for critical real-time activities like gaming and video conferencing.
- Plug-and-play setup without needing to configure anything.
- Compatibility with most cable Internet providers and home networks.
Whether you’re streaming 4K video, gaming online, or working remotely, the HTEM5 helps you get the best performance out of your network.
Related: Using Ethernet to Coax (MoCA) Adapters to Extend Your Ethernet Network
Quick Recap:
- Coax to Ethernet adapters let you create a high-speed wired network using coaxial wiring.
- Ideal for streaming, gaming, remote work, and boosting weak WiFi zones.
- Hitron’s HTEM5 MoCA adapter offers Gigabit speeds and easy installation.
- Coax-based networks are more reliable and secure than WiFi alone.
FAQs About Coax to Ethernet Adapters
Can I use coax to Ethernet adapters if I have cable TV?
Yes. MoCA adapters use a different frequency than TV signals, so they can coexist without interference.
Do coax to Ethernet adapters work in all homes?
They work in most homes with active coaxial wiring. Homes previously wired for satellite may need extra setup.
How fast is a MoCA 2.5 adapter like Hitron’s HTEM5?
Up to 2.5 Gbps, making it great for bandwidth-heavy activities like gaming and video streaming.
Is it better to use MoCA instead of WiFi extenders?
MoCA is more stable, faster and offers lower latency than typical WiFi – especially in large homes or for bandwidth-heavy tasks.
Do I need two adapters?
You’ll need two unless your router already has built-in MoCA support.
Get a Faster, More Reliable Home Network Today
If you’re struggling with weak WiFi or unreliable Internet in parts of your home, a coax to Ethernet adapter might be the smartest upgrade you can make. Using your existing coaxial wiring and MoCA technology, you can enjoy a fast, wired Ethernet connection without any rewiring or hassle.
Ready for faster Internet without the hassle of running cables?
Choose Hitron’s HTEM5 Coax to Ethernet Adapter for an easy upgrade to Gigabit speeds, low latency, and dependable connectivity.
Want more networking tips? Visit our Hitron Learning Center for expert advice and tutorials.