As a network enthusiast, I’m always searching for the best ways to optimize my home network. These filters are a good start. So I’ve compiled all the data I could find surrounding these small devices into this guide.
To understand whether you’ll need a MoCA filter, you’ll want to learn about:
- What a MoCA filter is
- What it does
- Pros of using a MoCA filter
- Whether you need it
- How to install a MoCA filter
Let’s learn about MoCA filters.
What Is a MoCA Filter?
Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) filters have several names. Sometimes it’s a MoCA Point of Entry (PoE) and other times a MoCA immunity filter.
They’re small attachments you can screw onto your coaxial cables, which you’ll then screw onto a MoCA adapter. They serve as a ‘point of entry’ to these adapters. That means they’ll filter and secure any signals from neighboring Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) connections.
That means they’ll help filter out signals from your neighbors’ connections.
What Does a MoCA Filter Do?
MoCA-enabled equipment carries signals throughout your home. Meanwhile, it searches for other MoCA-enabled devices to communicate with. That means these signals will travel outside of your MoCA network.
Sometimes to neighbors or other MoCA networks in your home.
To block this signal from traveling beyond your home or from a neighbor’s home to yours, PoE filters can help. Some of what these devices do include:
- Prevents signal cross-interference
- Ensures neighbors can’t see your MoCA signal
- It prevents your MoCA signal from disconnecting from antennas
These filters don’t cost much. Thus, they’re a worthwhile investment considering the amount of protection they offer.
Advantages of Using a MoCA Filter
Aside from being affordable, MoCA PoE filters come with various benefits, which I’ll cover in this next section.
Easy To Install
MoCA filters don’t take up much space and don’t have complex installation steps. You screw one end to your device or splitter, then connect a coaxial cable.
You don’t have to mess with installing firmware or power cables. Because of the simplicity of MoCA immunity filters, there’s less to consider when troubleshooting.
Security
If hackers can see your MoCA signal, they can intercept passwords to unencrypted websites. From there, they can hijack your accounts and wreak havoc on your finances. MoCA filters prevent your signal from escaping your network and into someone else’s.
Do I Need a MoCA Filter?
If you use devices that run off of MoCA signals (like MoCA adapters), you will need a MoCA filter. Not only are you making your connection safer and faster, but you’re preventing your MoCA signals from interrupting your neighbors’.
When living in an apartment building or around several neighbors, I highly recommend getting a PoE filter. They don’t cost much, and once you find the connection points, they’ll take less than a few minutes to install.
Will MoCA Work Without a Filter?
A MoCA adapter will work without a PoE filter, but you’ll expose yourself to security risks and higher latency. You’re also potentially impacting your neighbor’s MoCA network.
How Do I Install a MoCA Filter?
Keep in mind you’ll only need two MoCA filters.
Before continuing, ensure you’re not watching TV or using the internet. This installation will cause interruptions.
You’ll need to find where the coaxial cables enter your home. You’ll want to find a junction box. Sometimes you’ll find these boxes outside, adjacent to utility boxes, or in a closet.
You’ll need to find a coax splitter—a device with multiple coaxial ports. Scan the splitter and find its supported frequency range. To support your MoCA adapters, you’ll need splitters that support 1,000 MHz or higher.
If it doesn’t, get a new coax splitter before continuing.
Disconnect the cable that’s coming in from the outside.
Grab your PoE filter and screw the male end onto the coax splitter. Ensure it’s snug but not too tight.
Take the disconnected coaxial cable and attach it to the female end of your MoCA filter.
Check your MoCA network to ensure it’s functioning. Ensure the ‘Power’ and ‘Coax/MoCA’ lights are blinking or have a solid glow.
Unscrew the coaxial cable connecting to your cable modem. Attach one end of the filter to the modem, then reattach the cable to the other end of your filter.
Conclusion
MoCA filters act as a guardian for your home’s MoCA network. They prevent signals from getting in and make it so your MoCA signals don’t leave.
If you have a MoCA network, you’ll need a MoCA filter. Though your device will still function without them, they offer many benefits. They’re also affordable, so there’s no good reason to pass them up.
While you’re upgrading your network, I recommend getting a modem. We’ve compiled a list of excellent DOCSIS 3.1 modems. Check them out when you get a chance.
