For coax to Ethernet in a home, the usual answer is Ethernet over Coax, commonly called MoCA. Powered adapters carry network traffic across suitable existing in-home coaxial wiring and provide an RJ-45 Ethernet port at the remote end.
A room with a usable coax outlet can gain a wired network connection without installing new Ethernet in the walls. ScreenBeam describes using the arrangement for a TV or media player, or as the wired connection for a Wi-Fi extender nearer an area with poor coverage.
How the setup works
MoCA adapters are generally used in pairs. One adapter connects to the router and the home coax network. A second adapter connects to a coax outlet in the target room, where its Ethernet port connects the nearby device.
- At the router: Connect a router Ethernet port to a MoCA adapter.
- Join the coax network: Connect that adapter to the in-wall coaxial wiring.
- At the remote room: Connect a second MoCA adapter to the coax outlet.
- Connect the device: Run Ethernet from the remote adapter to the TV, media player, computer, or Wi-Fi extender.
ScreenBeam says a router that already supports Ethernet over Coax may remove the need for a separate adapter at the router end.
What to check before buying
- Coax where you need it: You need a coax outlet near the router and another near the device or extender.
- A usable in-home coax path: The outlets need to be connected through the home’s coax wiring.
- Service compatibility: Check the documentation for the exact adapter and the services using the coax. TRENDnet says its TMO-312C is not compatible with DirecTV, Dish Network, AT&T U-verse, satellite TV, or other non-MoCA-compliant subscription services. That warning applies to this product, not automatically to every MoCA adapter.
- Existing MoCA support: Check whether the router already supports Ethernet over Coax, since that can change how many adapters are required.
Read the speed number on the box carefully
“MoCA 2.5” describes the coax-network technology. It does not mean every Ethernet port on an adapter runs at 2.5 Gbps. Look separately at the advertised MoCA throughput and the Ethernet port on each adapter.
TRENDnet’s TMO-312C shows the distinction. TRENDnet advertises up to 2.5 Gbps net throughput for bonded MoCA 2.5 channels, while the adapter has one Gigabit Ethernet LAN port. A device attached to that port uses a Gigabit Ethernet interface. The larger MoCA figure is therefore not a per-device Ethernet guarantee.
TRENDnet also says the TMO-312C is backward-compatible with MoCA 2.0, 1.1, and 1.0. Its specifications list up to 16 MoCA 1.1 or 2.0/2.5 devices on one network. Those are model-specific specifications, not universal MoCA rules.
A concrete setup
Suppose the router is in a living room with a coax outlet, and a TV is in a bedroom with another outlet. Connect the router’s Ethernet port to adapter A, then connect adapter A to the living-room coax outlet. In the bedroom, connect adapter B to the coax outlet and run Ethernet from adapter B to the TV.
The in-wall coax carries the network link between the adapters; the TV connects through the Ethernet port on adapter B. Verify the coax path and the adapter maker’s compatibility notes before buying gear.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a MoCA adapter at both ends of the coax connection?
Usually. ScreenBeam describes MoCA adapters as generally being used in pairs, with one connected to the modem or router and another at the remote coax outlet. A router that already supports Ethernet over Coax may replace the separate adapter at the router end.
Can a MoCA network work with TV, satellite, or internet service?
It depends on the adapter and service. TRENDnet says its TMO-312C is not compatible with DirecTV, Dish Network, AT&T U-verse, satellite TV, or other non-MoCA-compliant subscription services. Check the documentation for the specific adapter and service.
Why does a MoCA 2.5 adapter have a Gigabit Ethernet port?
The MoCA figure describes the coax-side network capability, while the Ethernet port has its own specification. TRENDnet’s TMO-312C advertises up to 2.5 Gbps net MoCA throughput but has one Gigabit LAN port.
Can Ethernet over coax help connect a TV or extend Wi-Fi coverage?
ScreenBeam describes using a remote MoCA adapter to connect a TV or media player, and using a MoCA network extender closer to an area with poor Wi-Fi coverage.
Sources
- What is Ethernet over Coax and how does it make my WiFi better? — www.screenbeam.com
- Ethernet over Coax 2.5Gbps Adapter | TRENDnet - TRENDnet TMO-312C — www.trendnet.com