If you’re setting up a MoCA network in your home, a MoCA filter is a small but powerful tool that keeps your signal secure and enhances your network’s performance—especially when using high-speed adapters like Hitron’s HTEM5 MoCA Adapter.
What Is a MoCA Filter?
A MoCA filter (also called a MoCA Point-of-Entry filter or PoE filter) is a small coaxial device that fits onto your existing cable line. Its purpose is to:
- Prevent MoCA signal leakage out of your home
- Enhance internal MoCA signal strength
- Protect your network from interference or unauthorized access
If you’re using MoCA adapters to turn your coax wiring into a high-speed Ethernet backbone—like Hitron’s HTEM5, which supports up to 2.5 Gbps—then a MoCA filter is strongly recommended.
Related: Coaxial Cable to Ethernet Adapter Explained
Why You Might Need a MoCA Filter
To Prevent Signal Leakage
Without a MoCA filter, your MoCA signal can travel outside your home through the cable provider’s network. This creates potential security risks and can degrade your network’s performance.
To Strengthen Internal Signal
MoCA filters reflect your MoCA signal back into your home, boosting speed and connection stability.
To Avoid Network Interference
If you live in an apartment or duplex with shared coaxial infrastructure, a MoCA filter ensures your signal doesn’t overlap with others.
Where Do You Place a MoCA Filter?
The correct placement of a MoCA filter is critical.
Install at the Point of Entry
Place the MoCA filter on the coaxial cable where it enters your home, ideally before any splitters, modems, or MoCA adapters.
This location is typically:
- In your basement or utility area
- Near where your cable modem or router is installed
- Close to the cable service entry point from outside
This keeps your MoCA signal within your home and strengthens overall performance.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Do not install the filter on internal coax lines between rooms.
- Do not place the filter between MoCA adapters.
Doing either of these will block or weaken the signal you’re trying to boost.
When a MoCA Filter Is Recommended
Home Setup
Is a MoCA Filter Needed?
Related: Can I Use a MoCA Adapter with Xfinity or Spectrum Internet?
Does the HTEM5 Require a MoCA Filter?
The HTEM5 does not have a built-in MoCA filter, nor does it require one to operate. However, Hitron strongly recommends using a MoCA filter at the point of entry to:
- Improve signal performance across your coax wiring
- Ensure data privacy within your home network
- Reduce outside interference
Related: What Is MoCA? Everything You Need to Know
FAQs About MoCA Filters
What does a MoCA filter do?
A MoCA filter keeps your MoCA signal inside your home by blocking it from traveling through the cable provider’s infrastructure.
Can I install a MoCA filter myself?
Yes. Simply screw the filter onto the coaxial line at the point where the cable enters your home.
Do I need more than one MoCA filter?
No. One filter at the entry point is typically all you need.
Will a MoCA filter affect my Internet or cable TV service?
No. MoCA filters only block MoCA frequencies (1125–1675 MHz). They don’t interfere with your regular cable or Internet signals.
How much does a MoCA filter cost?
MoCA filters are inexpensive—generally under $10. It’s a small investment for better security and performance.
Looking to upgrade your home network with faster, more reliable Internet across every room?
A MoCA filter is a low-cost, high-impact device that improves the strength, security, and reliability of your home’s MoCA network. If you’re using Hitron’s HTEM5 MoCA Adapters, installing a filter at the point of entry will give you the best possible performance—especially when you want a fast, wired connection without running new Ethernet cables.
Pair Hitron’s HTEM5 MoCA Adapter with a MoCA filter for the strongest connection.
Buy the HTEM5 on Amazon or Shop Direct from Hitron
