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Cable Splitting (-7db vs. -3.5db)

When my cable was originally installed they hooked it up to a 3 way splitter. 2 of the outputs are listed as -7db (1 going to analog tv in bedroom and the other -7db to modem [30mb service at that time]. The

-3.5db to the HDTV in living room. I have my doubts that it was done correctly to begin with.

I have a couple of different questions on the subject. Which is the stronger signal and how would it be best to break it down to 4 outputs? If I split a -3.5db would it make two -7db or would splitting

-7db make two -3.5db? Which is stronger? What is sufficient? I know what a decibel is relating to sound but I have no idea how it relates to data transfer speed. If someone could briefly explain the difference.

I want most of my bandwidth to go to my modem and my HDbox in living room. The other 2 outputs I'm just using 2-99ch analog. As it stands now my internet connection doesn't seem to perform as well as it could and I get some occasional freezing on my HD signal. Everything in my hard wired network checks out fine. I have checked all connections inside and I am using high quality cable. I also had the cable company come out and check the line outside and they even installed a new lock box. I am also concidering an inline booster, or even a powered one if it would make a noticable difference.

If there is anyone with an electronics degree out there that could show me the light I would be most grateful. I basically just want to make sure I'm doing everything from the wall to the devices as efficiently as I can possibly do it. thanks, pm

Reply to
PostMaster
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Since these are negative numbers, (referenced to 0dBmV), if you split a -3.5dB signal in half, each half is approximately -7dB.

TV's are usually pretty forgiving of signal strength and are able to work over a wide range. Some TV's have an on-screen signal strength meter, sometimes available via the Info button on the remote. Those meters aren't calibrated or standardized in any way, but they can give you a rough idea of where your signal levels stand.

Cable modems, on the other hand, are usually specified to work over a range of +15db to -15db, and because signal levels can fluctuate over time due to various external factors, some people like to play it a bit safer and want their cable modem to work within a range of +10dB to -10db.

There is no relationship between signal strength and data transfer speed, assuming the modem is working with an acceptable signal. Many modems have an internal web server that will show you, among other things, your Upstream and Downstream signal levels and your Downstream Signal-to-Noise Ratio. Try browsing to http://192.168.100.1 You might want to draw a map of your entire cable network, showing the incoming cable, each splitter (and its effect on the signal), ending with each TV or modem. For planning purposes, assume the incoming cable has a signal strength of 0dB, then just subtract 3.5dB for each leg of a 2-way splitter or subtract 7dB for each leg of a 4-way splitter. 3-way splitters can either be balanced, (the same amount of loss on each leg), or unbalanced, (-3.5dB on one leg and -7dB on the other two legs). The unbalanced type is more common, and is essentially a 2-way splitter with one output leg feeding into a second

2-way splitter. Likewise, a 4-way splitter can be thought of as a 2-way splitter with each leg feeding an additional 2-way splitter.

Once you've drawn the map and have taken all splitters, amps (if applicable), and your cable modem's signal level into consideration, you're ready to decide if changes need to be made. Changes could be as simple as rearranging your existing splitters, combining multiple splitters into fewer splitters, asking the cable company to adjust the level of your incoming signal, or as a last resort, adding a 'drop amp'.

Reply to
Bill M.

You pretty much gave me all the info I need to achieve my goal. Much Thanks. PM

Reply to
PostMaster

You're welcome. Good luck!

Reply to
Bill M.

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