Having a MoCA-enabled or MoCA-ready cable modem or router means that your device can utilize MoCA technology to create an Ethernet over coax network connection, also referred to as a MoCA network. MoCA technology lets you convert your coaxial cable wiring in your home into an Ethernet connection, giving you faster speeds up to 1 Gbps, and the reliability of a wired Internet backbone for your WiFi network and all of your connected devices.
Not all modems and routers are MoCA-ready, however.
How to Tell if Your Modem or Router is MoCA-Enabled
There are a few ways to tell if your router has built-in MoCA capabilities:
- You can ask your Internet service provider (ISP)
- You can intentionally buy a router with MoCA on your own
- You can look at your existing device and look for a symbol or the words “MoCA Certified.”
If your modem or router has MoCA built-in, you will require at least one additional MoCA-enabled device, such as a MoCA adapter, to create an MoCA network connection for faster speeds and better WiFi.
Enabling a MoCA Network Connection
A MoCA network connection requires a point-to-point connection of at least two MoCA-enabled devices connected over coax wiring. In this case, if your modem or router is MoCA-enabled, then you will need to add another MoCA-enabled device, such as a MoCA adapter, to complete the network connection. When your modem or router has the MoCA technology built-in, your modem or router plays the part of the second MoCA device in the connection. All you have to do is connect the one MoCA adapter to a coax jack and to your device via an Ethernet cable. Make sure it pairs with your MoCA-enabled router. Usually, there is a green indicator light when successfully paired.
However, if your modem or router is not MoCA-capable, you can still create a MoCA network using two MoCA adapters, such as the HT-EM4 MoCA adapters.
If Your Modem or Router is NOT MoCA-Enabled
MoCA does not depend on a MoCA-enabled modem or router. If your modem or router doesn’t have MoCA built-in, all you need to do to setup your MoCA connection is use at least two MoCA adapters. To set up your MoCA network, connect one MoCA adapter to a coax jack and into your router, then connect a second MoCA adapter with an Ethernet cable into the device you use to connect to the Internet. You can add up to 16 MoCA devices onto a MoCA network. For every device that you want to connect to your MoCA network, simply connect it to a MoCA adapter.
One set up is not better than the other necessarily, but using two MoCA adapters will guarantee that you can successfully set up a MoCA network in your home whether you have the MoCA-enabled modem/router or not.
Hitron MoCA adapters are available from Amazon. If you need more information on MoCA technology and how it can enhance your home WiFi, check out Hitron’s Learn page or blog for more resources.
