MoCA technology allows you to receive Internet access from your Internet service provider (ISP) via your existing coaxial cable TV wiring. You use MoCA adapters to create the Ethernet over coax network. However, some modern routers have built-in MoCA capabilities you can enable that allow you to only use one adapter with your router instead of a pair.
There is another part of MoCA to know about. And that is MoCA technology’s tendency to “seek” out other MoCA connections and interfere with other MoCA devices nearby. This is preventable with a MoCA filter.
What is a MoCA filter?
MoCA filters, sometimes called MoCA immunity filters, MoCA PoE (Point of Entry) filters, are used at the “point of entry” ahead of the MoCA device. They are small devices that often screw onto the coax cable. The purpose is to secure and filter any signal from neighboring DOCSIS connections nearby. For example, within an apartment building or another home close by.
Some cable modems have a MoCA filter already built in. This is convenient to help prevent your MoCA network from crossing into your neighbor’s MoCA network. If your cable modem was professionally installed by your Cable Internet provider, you should have a MoCA filter on your line or built-in to your cable modem. However, if you bought your own cable modem, you probably need to get a MoCA filter.
Why you need a filter
You need a MoCA filter to protect you and your neighbors from interfering signals. Having a MoCA filter installed:
- Enhances the MoCA network performance
- Prevents any mix-up when another person has a MoCA network close to your home
- Prevents unwanted MoCA signals from your neighbors by isolating the signals from them.
Knowing how and where to set up and use your MoCA filter is simpler than you might think.
When, How & Why to use MoCA Filters
MoCA filters are placed in a few places to prevent unwanted signals:
- Placed at the point-of-entry (PoE) of the cable coming into your
home/apartment - Placed at the MoCA PoE to your cable modem/router
MoCA PoE filter installation must be close to the coax cable before it connects to any devices. When installing a MoCA filter follow these steps:
Step 1: Make sure that you are not using your Internet or TV when setting up the filter because of interruption.
Step 2: Disconnect the coax cable close to the point it enters your home. The coax cable may connect to something else or goes into a splitter.
Step 3: Connect the same coax cable to the extreme point of the MoCA PoE filter by screwing them together.
Step 4: Connect the coax connector with the other end of the MoCA PoE filter at the coax cable termination point.
For more information on MoCA technology, MoCA adapters, and related topics, check out Hitron’s Learn Page and blog.
