Set up your NAS on Ethernet in the basement.
Set up your NAS on Ethernet in the basement.
I understand you'd rather avoid digging, but have you considered moving it up to the attic? Are the attic walls still open? If so, it's simple to connect the cable from the attic to the router and link into the ceiling power lines for an additional outlet if needed.
The space lacks a floor level, making movement difficult. An image helps clarify the layout. Placing an Ethernet cable to the router seems feasible, though it would run across the opposite side of the stairs, possibly complicating access to the other end on the lower floor. The attic is quite large. Your question about using existing wiring for a plug is puzzling—why would there be a plug wire in the attic if it’s meant for another purpose?
Determining how to split the modem signal relies heavily on the incoming strength. When the signal is strong, connectivity should work fine; however, near the threshold will lead to problems with internet access. Additionally, you need to install a Moca filter on the main line that brings the signal into your home from the cable company. This prevents the Moca signals from leaving your house, as they won’t travel far, but they can still disrupt the cable network. The cable provider would appreciate having such a filter in place.
The main line wouldn't be the wall jacks; it should be placed on the exterior of the house where the line enters. The filter is needed inside the house, not just at the entry point. Adding a splitter means you’ll require this filter to protect your setup. Your cable company mentioned the incoming lines were poor quality and should be replaced—so skip using a splitter if they’re recommending it.
On the outside, what matters inside isn't as important. As long as the filter comes before all the equipment in your house, things should work better. It's tough to judge without checking the signal strength at the modem. If the wiring outside is poor, you're probably dealing with interference that could disrupt your connection.
I’m suggesting you avoid the basement entirely and move the NAS into the attic. Connect an Ethernet cable from the router to the attic. Keep the wall tops clear for simplicity. Use the ceiling light’s electrical outlet as a power source for the NAS. Since the area is typical in Canada, there’s no need for a floor—just walk on the joists or place 4-foot boards for support.
The attic often experiences extreme temperatures—warm during summer and chilly in winter. This can cause hardware to overheat easily.
In Canada, hardware faces much harsher conditions than elsewhere. A neighbor keeps his rental house security camera system in a store. It can drop to -20°C during winter and rise to hot temperatures in summer when the doors stay shut.
A suitable MoCa filter would depend on your specific needs, but a quiet, high-quality option like the MoCa 2 or MoCa 3 would work well. You can check if you already have one by looking for a MoCa filter in your audio setup or checking your device’s settings—if it’s not listed there, it’s likely not installed. The attic is indeed too hot, so the basement might help with noise but not necessarily with heat; consider using a cooling pad or fan if possible.