MoCA vs Powerline

4321Rocket · May 20, 2016

Problem:

So I have my router upstairs and my internet connection is poor on my main floor. I have tried a Dlink Powerline (DHP-541) Kit and that gives me good signal in the basement but not in the first floor.

Question:

I heard about MoCA devices, which use coxial lines to send the internet. Can someone give me their opinion on MoCA devices? Also is it worth to go for one of these or should I try another powerline kit?

I will be super excited if one of LTT members makes an overview+review video on MoCA devices and compare it to existing solutions!

Thank You,
4321Rocket

swordsman247 · May 20, 2016

I don't have any experience with moca but if the powerline is doing the job I would stick with that. If you'd have to run lines for the other anyway why not just put in some ethernet?

Donut417 · May 20, 2016

From what I read Moca 2.0 can do up to 800 Mbps, Moca like wireless is half duplex, which means you get more like 400 Mbps. Its supose to be a great standard but only 1 company makes Moca 2.0 adapters, which is Actiontech. Moca adapters in a pair are about $160 USD. You also have to make sure you have compatible splitters on your Coax network. If you are also using Coax for TV and Internet then you will need to add a filter on your main line, so your network does not bleed on to the cable companies network. Moca is a solid standard, which is why your cable company uses it, I know for a fact that Comcast uses this for their X1 platform. Moca has never took off in the consumer market. Truthfully if your power line adapters are working I would not change them. Dont fix whats not broke. However if you have issues with your power line adapters you can look at Moca.

4321Rocket · May 21, 2016

11 hours ago, swordsman247 said:

I don't have any experience with moca but if the powerline is doing the job I would stick with that. If you'd have to run lines for the other anyway why not just put in some ethernet?

Currently my place has a bunch of coxial lines installed and no ethernet lines, so that's why I was thinking of it in the first place.

As you both said, powerline kinda does the job, like it will work but most of the times its really slow and nothing near to the speed I'm receiving on my 5ghz band. That's why I was thinking of using MoCA to solve this issue, but due to cost and installation of filters, then I'll probably re-invest in another powerline adapter.

Donut417 · May 21, 2016

1 minute ago, 4321Rocket said:

Currently my place has a bunch of coxial lines installed and no ethernet lines, so that's why I was thinking of it in the first place.

As you both said, powerline kinda does the job, like it will work but most of the times its really slow and nothing near to the speed I'm receiving on my 5ghz band. That's why I was thinking of using MoCA to solve this issue, but due to cost and installation of filters, then I'll probably re-invest in another powerline adapter.

Well the filters and splitters are cheap. As least in the US. The Adapters are a little on the pricey side. It really comes down to the quality of the coax and spiltters on the network. Ill be honest, I considered Moca at one time myself. However things changed when the router and modem moved to my room. The biggest issue with Moca is it will NOT coexist with satellite TV service. So once you go Moca satellite tv service is out of the question. Unless you get the special Moca adapters from the provider.