Number of Splitters on Coaxial Connection and Cable Internet Quality of Service

Number of Splitters on Coaxial Connection and Cable Internet Quality of Service

Does running multiple coaxial splitters on a single coaxial cable line effect quality of service for cable internet connections? Suppose there are 2-4 splitters between the cable line coming into a building before the connection to a cable modem, does this negatively effect the latency, throughput, etc of a cable internet connection by any measurable amount?

Asked by: Guest | Views: 250

Total answers/comments: 2

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Guest [Entry]

"It could... possibly.

You're not likely to have any problems. Many people do it themselves. If you are already receiving a marginal signal, a splitter might add enough signal loss to cause problems. If you have problems, I would suggest having your cable company install it for you. Most will do it for free (or possibly a small fee). They will have the right parts and be able to check the signal. If the signal strength is too low, they can often boost the incoming signal from the outside or provide the correct type of amplified splitter.

There are different types of splitters. Passive and active splitters, amplified splitters, different numbers of ports, and even splitters for different types of applications (TV only, high def, etc).

If you are going to do it yourself, here are a few hints that come to mind:

Test the speed of your un-split connection before you start. This is a good place to test your Internet speed: SpeedTest.net. Then test again after you split the signal.
Check your speed again the next day. I have heard splitters working for a short time after being disconnected and reconnected before problems reappear.
Check the lowest number cable channels. On many cable systems, those are the channels that are most likely to show interference.
Use a splitter with as few connections as possible (two way splitters will typically have the least signal loss).
Try not to daisy chain splitters (splitter attached to a splitter). If you need more ports, a four-way splitter is better than 3 two-way splitters. I've seen splitters with as many as 16 ports.
Use a new splitter with high-quality components. Splitters are being improved all the time. Don't dig something out of the bottom of your drawer and expect it to work as well as a new one.
Use a splitter specifically labeled for digital cable use (or, even better, digital Internet use).
Longer runs of coaxial cable have larger signal loss. If you have problems, try a shorter run.
If you have a loss of signal, try an amplified splitter. That may or may not boost the signal into the range required by your components."

Guest [Entry]

"one too many splits and you will lose modem connectivity frequently

[just went through this with Comcast; they ran a separate line for my cable modem split off the main, problem went away]"