If your Internet connection is insufficient, whether via Wi-Fi or CPL, there is a solution that has so far been relatively unknown: coaxial sockets, historically known for connecting an antenna and a TV receiver. We tell you everything.
Typically, you have one or more TV outlets at home. Know that you have, in your hands, a devilishly effective alternative to obtain a much more reliable Internet connection and a higher speed compared to using Wi-Fi or even CPL (power line). We explain to you how to transform what we call a coaxial socket into a high-performance Ethernet network using MoCA adapters, focusing on the main advantages and disadvantages of this alternative.
Coaxial jacks offer several advantages over other connectivity technologies:
- Reliability : Coaxial jacks are less susceptible to interference than Wi-Fi or Powerline because they offer a wired connection.
- Performance : they can reach high transfer speeds, up to 2.5 Gbit/s, exceeding the capabilities of PLC.
- Cost : MoCA sockets are an affordable solution.
If Wi-Fi and CPL don’t suit you…
To benefit from a high-speed Internet connection in every room of your house, a wired Ethernet network is generally the ideal solution. But the latter is not always feasible. Wi-Fi can have stability and throughput issues, particularly in isolated areas, or if your walls are too thick.
There is the popular option of CPL adapters, which plug into available wall outlets, to connect your devices to the Internet, without using Wi-Fi. But CPL adapters are firstly not compatible with all electrical installations, and they can seriously slip in speed and latency.
This is why there is a final solution, which we are focusing on today: MoCA (Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance) adapters and coaxial sockets.
What are the differences between coaxial jacks and MoCA adapters?
A coaxial socket :
- is an input/output point into which you can plug a coaxial cable,
- is a passive component that simply allows you to connect a coaxial cable to a device, such as a television,
- does not create an Ethernet network. It serves as a connection point for existing wiring.
A MoCA adapter :
- is an active device that uses existing coaxial cables to establish an Ethernet network in your home,
- converts Ethernet signals to signals compatible with coaxial cables and vice versa, enabling a stable and fast Internet connection.
In other words, a coaxial jack is a physical connection point for coaxial cables, while a MoCA adapter is an electronic device that helps transform coaxial cables into a working Ethernet network.
…coaxial sockets are becoming a faster, more stable and less expensive alternative
These MoCA adapters use TV jacks to create an Ethernet network. They take advantage of inexpensive coaxial cables already present in many apartments and houses – and which are sometimes unused – to extend the Internet connection. These adapters offer better stability, with a network that will ignore interference, and high throughput.
If you plan to connect game consoles, devices or any other device requiring a fast, latency-free wired connection, you should find what you’re looking for. But be careful, you must first ensure the compatibility of your existing installation with the adapter in question.
Because unfortunately, not all homes are equipped to support MoCA adapters. A direct coaxial connection is essential between the areas you want to connect. Before purchasing any equipment, carefully examine your installation. The creation of an Ethernet network can be prevented or disrupted by signal splitters or amplifiers.
Choose a MoCA adapter that meets your needs
Be careful, as not all MoCA adapters are created equal. If you don’t stream, or you’re not a keen gamer, a standard 1 Gbps adapter will be more than enough. On the other hand, if you have greater needs, choose a 2.5 Gbit/s network adapter, such as Translite MoCA, which is very practical in that it allows you to have two connections simultaneously. The ScreenBeam model is also very interesting, but only connects one device, up to 2 Gbit/s.
Be careful though! To connect a single device or room, a MoCA adapter is sufficient. To extend the connection to multiple rooms, use two adapters: a transmitter and a receiver. The number will depend on your specific needs.
3 examples of using MoCA sockets:
- To extend the range of an Ethernet network : MoCA sockets can be used to connect devices located outside the range of the Wi-Fi router or Ethernet switch.
- To connect non-Wi-Fi devices : They can be used to connect devices that do not have Wi-Fi connectivity, such as video game consoles, set-top boxes or televisions.
- To create a smart home network : MoCA sockets can be used to connect smart devices, such as thermostats, security cameras or smart light bulbs.
With a coaxial jack, a new option is available to you to extend your Ethernet network without additional effort. Before investing, we again advise you to carefully evaluate your existing installation and choose the MoCA adapter that best suits your needs. This is a real practical solution for maintaining fast and stable Internet access throughout your home, using the coaxial cables you may have neglected until now. It’s time to get started!
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