How Do I Convert Coax to Ethernet?

To convert coax to Ethernet, you’ll need a pair of MoCA adapters. These devices use your existing coaxial wiring to create a high-speed, reliable Ethernet connection—no drilling, rewiring, or new cabling needed.

What Does “Coax to Ethernet” Mean?

“Coax to Ethernet” refers to converting your home’s coaxial cable wiring into a working Ethernet connection. Instead of running new Ethernet cables through your walls, you can use MoCA adapters to send data over your coax lines—giving you a wired network without the hassle of renovation.

This is especially useful for households with poor WiFi coverage or thick walls, and for anyone who wants faster, more stable connections for streaming, gaming, or remote work.

Can You Really Use Coax for Ethernet?

“Yes—your existing coax cables can carry Ethernet signals when used with the right technology. MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) is an industry standard that makes this possible. It allows you to leverage the coaxial cable already running through your home to create a high-performance wired backbone.

You cannot simply plug Ethernet into coax jacks without MoCA adapters. But with the right setup, the conversion is fast, easy, and incredibly effective.

What Are MoCA Adapters and How Do They Work?

MoCA adapters are plug-and-play devices that transmit Ethernet signals over coaxial cable. They come in pairs:

• One adapter connects to your router and a coax outlet.
• The second connects to another coax outlet elsewhere in your home and to your Ethernet device (like a smart TV, gaming console, or WiFi access point).

The result? You’ve now converted coax to Ethernet—and gained Gigabit speeds and low-latency performance without rewiring your home.

Find Out More: Hitron’s HTEM5 MoCA Adapter Kit

What Do You Need to Convert Coax to Ethernet?

• Two MoCA adapters (or one if your modem/router has MoCA built-in)
• Two Ethernet cables
• Two coax cables
• Access to coax outlets in at least two rooms

Optional but recommended:

• MoCA 2.0 or higher-rated coax splitters if your home has multiple coax branches

How Fast Is Ethernet Over Coax?

With MoCA 2.5 technology, you can achieve speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. Real-world performance will depend on:

• The design and quality of your MoCA adapters
• The type of Ethernet port (Gigabit or 2.5 Gig)
• The condition and length of your coax cables

This makes MoCA a strong choice for bandwidth-heavy tasks like:

• 4K and 8K streaming
• Online gaming
• Video conferencing
• NAS and file sharing

Is Coax to Ethernet Better Than WiFi or Powerline?

Yes—in most homes, coax to Ethernet is:

• Faster and more stable than mesh WiFi
• Less prone to interference than Powerline adapters
• Lower in latency, making it ideal for gaming and streaming

WiFi may struggle with dead zones, and Powerline depends on the quality of your electrical wiring. MoCA uses a dedicated pathway: your coax network.

Can You Use MoCA Adapters with Mesh WiFi?

Absolutely. Many homeowners use MoCA adapters to create a wired backbone for their mesh WiFi systems. This eliminates lag between mesh nodes and ensures better signal distribution across your home.

Will MoCA Adapters Work with Your Existing Coax?

Yes — most homes with existing coaxial wiring are MoCA-compatible, but to get the best performance, there are a few important things to check:

✔ Coaxial Cables (Use RG6)

• RG6 is recommended for MoCA due to better shielding and higher frequency support.
• RG59 (common in older homes) may work but can reduce speed and reliability.
• Check printed markings on the cable to identify the type.

✔ Splitters (Must Be MoCA-Compatible)

• Use only splitters rated 5–1675 MHz or higher (MoCA 2.0+).
• Avoid old splitters rated under 1000 MHz — they block MoCA signals.
• Upgrade splitters if needed to maintain signal quality.

✔ Modem/Router (Check for MoCA Support)

• Some routers and gateways have built-in MoCA—you’ll only need one adapter.
• If not, you’ll need two MoCA adapters (one at each coax outlet).

✔ TV Services (Cable = OK, Satellite = Not Compatible)

• MoCA works with cable TV and Internet on the same coax.
• Satellite systems are not MoCA-compatible unless isolated with special filters.
• Antenna setups may also interfere—check before installing.

✔ Use Included Power and Cables

• Always use the power adapters, coax, and Ethernet cables that come with your MoCA kit.
• Substituting with third-party or older cords can cause sync or speed issues.
• Replace only with cables that meet the recommended specs in your setup guide.

FAQs

Q: Can I convert coax to Ethernet without MoCA adapters?
A: No. Coax and Ethernet use different signaling. MoCA adapters are required to translate those signals.

Q: Will this affect my cable TV or Internet service?
A: MoCA and TV signals can coexist on the same coax network, but satellite systems are not compatible. Always use MoCA-rated splitters to prevent interference.

Q: Can I use just one MoCA adapter?
A: Only if your modem or router has built-in MoCA support. Otherwise, you need a pair.

Q: What if I only have one coax outlet?
A: You’ll need at least two coax outlets—one near the router and one near the device you want to connect.

Turn Your Coax Wiring into a High-Speed Network

Using Hitron’s HTEM5 MoCA Adapters, you can create a fast, stable Ethernet network using the coax cables you already have. No drilling. No lag. Just faster, better connections—anywhere in your home.