How to Coax? ?
How to Coax? ?
Another day (or night), yet another awkward networking query. To sum up: Is Coax still useful? If yes, how would you connect a home with Coax? A bit of context: I haven’t used cable since about 16 years ago. Since then, all the telecom services I’ve relied on have been Ethernet/Wi-Fi, which makes me feel confident setting up a wired CAT 6 network. When uncertain, I try to ask the right questions. On the flip side, I’m completely unsure about Coax. Do I need to handle two-way data? Should I use two cables per run? What replaces a switch, modem, router, etc.? Can splitters work for similar connections in the same room? All this feels confusing. The house I’m renovating only had two wall jacks, and both were damaged early on—even though there was a satellite dish and a main cable. So I don’t really have a clear reference point. I remember my childhood home had TVs in every bedroom and living area, so I’m open to the idea. Honestly, I wouldn’t care if it were for me, but since I’ll be renting, I want to make sure it meets modern expectations. Thanks again, Matthew.
Coax is ideal for transmitting audio, video, or any digital signal through your home. It’s mainly used for cable and terrestrial TV signals. You only need coax if you have several cable boxes per room or want consistent OTA TV access. If internet sharing is your focus, a CAT cable works just fine. Indoor aerial setups are optional but not necessary. Most renters won’t mind missing OTA TV in some rooms; they usually prefer WiFi instead.
The distinction between cable and terrestrial TV lies in how the signals are delivered and managed. With cable TV, the signal comes from a central coaxial cable system, often requiring a dedicated box to interpret and select channels. Terrestrial TV, on the other hand, typically uses over-the-air broadcasts, which may not need such a device. Regarding the Cable Box, it usually handles signal splitting and channel selection automatically, but some setups still require a separate connection from the main signal source. The cable technician’s visit can be inconvenient for your schedule, so you’re considering doing it yourself or alongside your existing network. Your concern about costs and logistics is valid, especially since you value efficiency and want to avoid extra expenses.
@Cavalry Canuck I too install coax when given the chance to run new cables (I'm a sparky), even tho todays use of it (at least in Norway) is limited. People usually go for IP-TV when given the choice. IP-TV usually requires fibre service (or a high speed copper connection). It also requires 1 dedicated ethernet line to each TV. IP-TV has the advantage of higher quality and you get a good deal when you order together with your regular internett, as the ISP provides you both services. The cable-tv/satellite-tv providers basically marks up the price because you have no other choice in your area, or are restricted by building rules (not allowed to put up satellite dish etc.) What I do is run pre-pulled 20mm corrugated tubes with 1xRG6+2xCat6 inside. Use 22mm ship auger drill-bit to make holes in the studs. That way you only pull 1 tube to each spot you imagine someone would put a TV. (notice: if you cant get your hands on pre-pulled tubes, go up to 25mm. Pulling 3 cables in a 20mm after you add bends will result in a lot of swearing.) Then we drill a 73mm hole with a hole-saw and insert a orange/red box and connect the tube to the box. Its all terminated in a wallplate with all 3 connectors neatly stacked in a triangel. I'm not sugesting that you go out of your way to obtain these specific norwegian items, you probably have similar gear in your country. I know its common to pull cables in walls without the use of tubes everywhere else in the world, guess we are the strange ones for using it ^^ Btw, there are other styles and colors to the wallplate - i just displayed a basic one. https://issuu.com/teccon/docs/7316_teccon_prisliste/4 http://proff.elko.no/trippeluttak-2xutp-...1-844.html http://proff.elko.no/bokser/category594.html (left side at the bottom, #12 515 66)
The cable co offers a single solution, while another comes from an antenna at your residence or nearby. Cable boxes are essential since most companies use digital cable to encrypt channels. This is why they’re necessary. Splitting adds complexity because of how cable internet operates. Modems need a strong signal, so splitting it isn’t ideal. Typically, a two-way splitter is the initial device on the line—one side connects to the modem, the other to a TV or another splitter. Each splitter causes some loss, so keep the number limited. Coax can also serve as MOCA, acting like Ethernet but not quite matching its performance. It’s slower and requires more setup. Bonded MOCA 2.0 adapters can handle up to roughly 800 Mbps. However, they only support one-way communication at a time. They’re employed when Ethernet isn’t available. Cable companies often use MOCA for entire home DVR systems. MOCA works alongside cable signals and also with over-the-air TV. It utilizes the higher frequency bands on coaxial cables.
I’m considering the same setup I use for Ethernet. I’ll run coax from the jack positions where TVs would fit best, connecting them to a dedicated patch panel on my rack with the right keystones. Then I’ll send the signal from the source box—whether satellite or cable—to the communications closet, handling any splitting or amplification there. A 6-8 way splitter and amplifier should cover it. After that, I’ll connect the splitter to the patch panel at the TV mounting spots. This will also help when adding a cable modem later, even if cable internet isn’t ideal. All TV locations will be grouped near the Ethernet equipment. I plan to use wall plates that combine both functions, just like the Norwegian friend suggested. What do you think?
When working with AMPs, proceed with caution. Amplifying signals to the cable modem isn’t advisable when the signal deviates from specifications. Apart from that… it’s best to consolidate everything in one place. Opt for RG6 coaxial cables instead of cheaper alternatives and choose RG59 if needed. If you fabricate your own coax, ensure you use compression f connectors rather than crimp-on types. Also, install terminators on any unused ports to prevent noise from entering the network. This can lead to problems not only for you but also for neighbors. For Ethernet, stick with Cat 5e or Cat6; either will support up to 1 Gbps over 100 meters.
I possess a blend of coax and Ethernet in my home configuration without any noticeable performance problems on connected devices using the coax adapters. Two of my TVs are linked to a desktop switch that connects to a MOCA adapter, which then brings the coax signal down to my fiber modem in the garage. I've successfully streamed between two PCs without any interruptions. The only recommended upgrade is swapping my switches for managed ones that support IGMP snooping, as I anticipate challenges with handling numerous simultaneous TV streams or recordings. I had to disconnect one of my TV boxes from the Ethernet network because it would potentially damage my switch when attempting to watch a 4K channel, but it remains connected to an unmanaged switch.