andrew c
join:2009-09-02
Richmond, VA
| Splitting cable before modem
I have one cable outlet in my computer room, and it is currently hooked up directly to the modem. At the outside box, there is a 4-way splitter with 7db legs, 1 going straight to the modem outlet, 2 going straight to tvs, and 1 going to an unused upstairs outlet that I just found out about now when researching this post (I thought I had a 3-way splitter)!
Here are my current modem levels:
Downstream Receive Power Level : -1.5 dBmV
Downstream SNR : 39.3 dB
Upstream transmit Power Level : 43.5 dBmV
I'm paying for a double play package (tv/hsi). I was thinking about getting a tuner card for my PC (which is 2 feet away from the modem and coax outlet), and obviously, the easiest thing would be to put a splitter on the outlet, and have coax from the splitter going to the modem and the PC tuner card. But from what I have read people do not suggest splitting the line going to the modem.
Now if what I want to do isn't recommended, I guess I can live with that, but I'm trying to get advice about what to do (other than running another cable and cutting another wall box into the wall). Would it help if I got a -9db tap splitter, and have the tap going to the PC tuner and the other leg going to the modem? What if I got a 3-way splitter at the box outside, and got rid of the unused cable outlet/4-way? I could also get a 3-way for outside with 3.5/7/7, and hook the modem cable up to the leg with less loss to make up for the indoor splitter? But I'd rather not mess with the outside wiring if possible.
I guess I could just put a splitter before the modem on my current configuration and see what happens to my levels, but I figure I'd ask for advice before experimenting in case I need to purchase a special splitter, and so I am better informed. Anyway, thanks for any help you can offer! |
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heels_fan
1.20.09 The start of Socialism
Premium
join:2003-02-07
Columbia, TN
| put a 2-way coming out of the outlet. One going to the TV turner card and the other going to the modem, you will be fine.
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everyone is born ignorant. some are born stupid, others achieve stupidity and the rest have stupidity thrust upon them. |
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andrew c
join:2009-09-02
Richmond, VA
| A regular 3.5/3.5 splitter or a DC tap with the bigger drop going on the tuner card side (in order to try to preserve the levels going to the modem)? would, say, a DC-4/1 tap be any better for the set up than the regular 3.5/3.5 splitter? Thanks for your reply! |
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heels_fan
1.20.09 The start of Socialism
Premium
join:2003-02-07
Columbia, TN
| reply to andrew c
i would say a regular 2 way (3.5/3.5)
you have a little bit of cushion in there for your modem signal to change slightly.
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everyone is born ignorant. some are born stupid, others achieve stupidity and the rest have stupidity thrust upon them. |
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murdered
join:2009-08-18
| All though it is not advised I would say change your 4 way to a 3 way putting your modem on the 3.5db leg and just put a splitter inside on the modem line. Your loss will be the same as it is now to your modem. Just make sure whatever you put outside it designed to go outside or you will have problems. |
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andrew c
join:2009-09-02
Richmond, VA
| reply to andrew c
As an update, I've just put a cheap 2 way right before the modem, and ran the 2nd leg to the computer TV tuner card. My modem levels are now -9.7dBmV/35.6/47.0. I'm still within the recommended range, though I don't like how low my Downstream (Rx) Receive Power Level is. I've had no problems with the internet. When watching HD channels on the PC, there are sometimes frequent audio blips, and sometimes video issues. Nothing major, but the audio can be annoying. I'm hoping it is just a poor signal issue (and not a bad video card, or slow processor or something like that).
I went into a Comcast service center and asked for a 2-way splitter. They said that they only had minimal supplies and only techs have that stuff. After a bit of talking, the rep offered to have a tech come out, free of charge. I'll see if I can't get the tech to replace the 4-way with a 3-way as well to see if I can't get better signal levels. Thanks for the advice. |
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andrew c
join:2009-09-02
Richmond, VA
1 edit | I was given wrong information. The dispatch ended up canceling my tech visit right before he arrived. Fine by me. I ended up getting the materials myself. Switched out the 4-way for a 3-way, and right now my levels are -8.6/36.6/45.5. Better than with the 4-way, but not by much. I still think they could do a little better. However, I guess I don't have much to work with. Without the 2-way splitter (i.e. having the modem run straight to the 3.5 leg of the 3-way) gives me -4.8/37.1/42.0. Anyway, I don't seem to be having any problems. What erks me though is that when I first had my connection established, my levels were 0.3/39.8/42 (9/9/09). When I posted above on 9/9/16, my levels were -1.5/39.3/43.5, and they seem to only be getting worse. Hopefully this isn't a trend, or else I will clearly have unacceptable levels in a few days. Anyway, here is wishing me luck.
Thanks for the advice.
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Update 9/25/09
Levels are now at -4/37.1/43. No change in the splitter configurations. Guess there is quite a bit of variation over time. |
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