We have had broadband internet in our home office for about 5 years and a TV just for the children to play video game, recently as they are older they have decided they want to watch cable TV in there, my question is can I use a splitter and have my modem and TV running from the same wall outlet, if so do I have to use specific cables?
Any help is appreciated.
Chris.
Maybe.
Maybe.
It depends on your signal strength and SNR currently. You may get away with a regular splitter. If it doesn't work or causes an increase in packet loss, a directional coupler (DC) is better. DC's have a low-loss output, and a higher loss output while a traditional splitter loses 3dB on both outputs. See also:
To minimize headache, use quality cable and professional terminations with as short runs as possible. RG-6 is what's recommended. RG-11 would be overkill. RG-59 is to be avoided. And be careful with connector selection if you choose to make your own. See also:
Best Regards,
Thank you for your help, just a few questions if you have time, how do I find my signal strength and where would I get a DC from? I'm about to check out the links you gave me, if any of my Qs are answered there feel free to ignore me.
Yours, Chris.
Any decent modem will have a web page you can access that has that info. I think Motorola is at: http://192.168.100.1/signal.html, not sure if passwd access restricted. My Terayon: http://192.168.100.1/diagnostics_page.htmlPasswd: icu4at! Than to: http://192.168.100.1/modemRfPage for numbers
You should be able to get a coupler online or at a local electronics store. google: CATV cable directional coupler
Todd & Bill's posts are spot on. I'll just supplement with Scientific Atlanta's WebSTAR line (DPC/EPC2100), sometimes rebadged "Comcast":
Access Level: 2 Password: W2402
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