Understanding basic Internet Hardware/Ports

[StrallTech]

So I'm a relatively basic noob when it comes to internet and the deeper dive of it all. I understand general information such as a Modem needed in order to actually convert the signal into regular ethernet and from reading the topic on the overall common questions asked about networking that there's the dual band versus 2.5ghz and 5ghz, but I'm still relatively lost in regards to how to approach the situation I'm dealing with. So my brother-in-law just asked me for some help with figuring out his internet since I'm the only real tech guy he knows and I know more than him.

 

He moved into a new home that's 3 stories tall and 2 coaxial ports, one on the second floor and then one more on the third floor. Trying to figure out the best way to help them with their internet and making sure they get good internet strength across the entire home for roughly about 10 devices. In their garage, they have about 3 coaxial cables that are plugged in from somewhere else that I'm not entirely sure, but I'm lead to assume that it's just meant to take the internet to the separate coaxial ports across the 2 other floors. I understand if something like this is already asked, and I apologize for that, but I'm really lost and have quite the headache trying to understanding anything said in the commonly asked questions topic on the forum. I appreciate any and all patience with me if I end up asking any questions that seem to have pretty obvious answers; thanks again for all answers and responses ahead of time.

[Uzetaab]

There are 2 components to the internet. The first component is the connection to the service provider, and the second is the home network (Wi-Fi).

 

So, the first step is to get the internet connected. Cable, fibre, satellite, fixed wireless, or DSL etc. Your chosen internet provider for your location can tell you what kind is available. There are also websites that you can put in your address and comparison shop. This will inform you what options you have for your service. This is the main decider on speed, reliability, ping times etc. It is very much location dependant.

 

Once you have chosen your service provider and type then you have to choose a setup for the home. It really comes down to 2 options Something fairly basic, which is just a modem/router type of setup. For many people this is adequate to their needs. It can, and often is, provided by the internet company. They will send out a device for you to plug in or send a technician out to install a device. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy your own so you don't have to pay a rental on the hardware or get a big setup bill.

 

If the Wi-Fi is flaky, then the best upgrade option is a mesh network system, but these get expensive. These devices come as a kit and you install little boxes in multiple locations around the home. They usually need to be plugged into the modem provided by the internet company. So this can come later after seeing how well internet works in the home.

 

BTW, those pre-existing coax cable outlets are probably what the modem plugs into. At least the previous owner/tenant probably had cable internet, but it may not be the best choice. You should comparison shop.

 

 

[Uzetaab]

Here is an example of what a comparison shopping site looks like:

 

https://www.finder.com.au/broadband-plans

[Donut417]

49 minutes ago, StrallTech said:

but I'm lead to assume that it's just meant to take the internet to the separate coaxial ports across the 2 other floors.

Coax can be used to deliver Cable TV, Docsis Internet and Phone. The proper way of doing coax is to have one central splitter that feeds all the outlets in a home. Depending on who installed the coax it may not be done this way. 

 

There is a standard called MOCA that can use Coax to extend your home network. How well it works depends on the type of coax in the walls and the length of cable between the two MOCA adapters. I should also mention if this coax is also being used to deliver internet, you may need to install a MOCA filter on the main coax coming in to the home to ensure your MOCA signal doesn't leave the house. The cable company might already have one in place, as cable providers have used MOCA in certain situations. 

 

The other option could be power line adapters that use the electrical cabling in the walls. They are unpredictable due to the quality of the wiring and how many circuits it may have to go thru between adapters. 

 

The third option is some kinda of Mesh system. These tend to have dedicated radios between the main router unit and the satellites. How well this works will depends on how well WiFi travels thru the home. But it's a good way to extend WiFi coverage. 

 

Fourth, well it comes down to running Ethernet in the walls. This is the hardest to do, well depending on the home. But this will be the most reliable option. 

[Donut417]

10 minutes ago, Uzetaab said:

There are also websites that you can put in your address and comparison shop.

Those sites are not always right. I mean fuck the FCC cant properly determine what areas a service provider covers. Even worse some times the damn ISP doesnt know if they service an address until they come out and actually check. 

[Uzetaab]

5 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

Those sites are not always right. I mean fuck the FCC cant properly determine what areas a service provider covers. Even worse some times the damn ISP doesnt know if they service an address until they come out and actually check. 

I was trying to be more general since they did not state a location. Those comparison sites work fine in Australia. Even if they are not always accurate, they can still be helpful in narrowing down options. For example, knowing that there is a potential fibre company in the area is better than assuming cable is the only option.

[NobleGamer]

35 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

Those sites are not always right. I mean fuck the FCC cant properly determine what areas a service provider covers. Even worse some times the damn ISP doesnt know if they service an address until they come out and actually check. 

Its more like "the FCC relies on ISPs to self report, and leave it to people to manually dispute any incorrect info".

 

31 minutes ago, Uzetaab said:

Those comparison sites work fine in Australia. Even if they are not always accurate, they can still be helpful in narrowing down options.

Agreed.

 

42 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

I should also mention if this coax is also being used to deliver internet, you may need to install a MOCA filter on the main coax coming in to the home to ensure your MOCA signal doesn't leave the house.

A filter is important in this case, unless perhaps you use a MoCA protocol (2.0?) that can encrypt the data in some way. Another thing to keep in mind is that when I skimmed some MoCA guide I thought MoCA had some limit to how much splitting and what the directions of the splitting is. Also, not all splitters may work for MoCA, unless that's a marketing ploy to sell splitters.

[Donut417]

5 minutes ago, NobleGamer said:

A filter is important in this case, unless perhaps you use a MoCA protocol (2.0?) that can encrypt the data in some way.

The filter is not just for data protection. It's to stop the signal from going out on the cable providers network. Also the filter reflects the signal back in causing the signal to be a bit stronger from what I read. 

 

7 minutes ago, NobleGamer said:

Its more like "the FCC relies on ISPs to self report, and leave it to people to manually dispute any incorrect info".

Did you read the part about providers not knowing who they serve? People have bought houses where providers said they "Served" just to find out thats not the case. If the people selling the service dont know, then its a problem. Thats why those sites that show providers in the area all BS. Because where are they getting the info. Well in the US probably from the FCC's internet map. 

[NobleGamer]

2 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

Did you read the part about providers not knowing who they serve?

Yes, I did, and it perpetuates inaccuracy of FCC data, which is sourced from ISPs. Just wanted to make that clear and that the FCC didn't actually compile it entirely or even mostly on their own.

 

The reality is that this and any other website can at least be a vague starting point on what ISPs MIGHT be in the area instead of having ZERO clue and having to contact tons of ISPs individually, some of which may not serve the region or nearby areas at all.