Coax Networking Guide
Short answer: MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) is a standard for sending network traffic over the coaxial TV cable already installed in most homes. Plug a MoCA adapter into a coax outlet and you get a wired Ethernet connection in that room, up to 2.5 Gbps with MoCA 2.5, with no new cables to run.
Key takeaways
- MoCA turns the coax in your walls into wired Ethernet, sharing the cable with TV and cable internet.
- You need at least two adapters: one at the router, one in each room you want to connect (up to 16).
- MoCA 2.5 reaches up to 2.5 Gbps with low, steady latency.
How MoCA works
MoCA uses frequencies on the coax that TV and cable internet don’t occupy, so all three share the same cable. You need at least two adapters: one connected to your router, and one in each room where you want a wired connection. Up to 16 MoCA devices can join the same network.
- At the router: connect one adapter to a coax outlet and to your router with an Ethernet cable.
- In each room: connect another adapter to that room’s coax outlet.
- Plug in your devices: a PC, console, TV or Wi-Fi access point gets a full-speed wired link.
Why use MoCA?
Speed
Up to 2.5 Gbps
MoCA 2.5 is fast enough for multi-gig internet plans.
Stability
Low, steady latency
Shielded coax isn’t affected by walls, neighbors’ Wi-Fi or a busy house: ideal for gaming and video calls.
Wi-Fi
Better coverage
Give a mesh node or access point a wired backhaul and the whole room’s Wi-Fi improves.
Install
No rewiring
It uses the cable that’s already in your walls. No drilling, no electrician.
Choosing an adapter
| Your home | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Cable internet or antenna TV | D-band MoCA 2.5: KB-M3-02 (2× 2.5GbE) |
| Satellite TV | Extended E-band KB-M3-02E, or G.hn KB-G3-01 |
| Power an access point or camera | KB-M3-03 (PoE+) or KB-M3-04 (2× PoE++) |
Frequently asked questions
Does MoCA interfere with my TV or cable internet?
No. MoCA D-band runs above the frequencies used by cable TV and cable internet, so all of them share the same coax. Homes with satellite TV need E-band MoCA or G.hn instead.
Is MoCA faster than Wi-Fi?
In most homes, yes, and it is far more consistent. MoCA 2.5 delivers up to 2.5 Gbps over coax, unaffected by walls, distance or neighbors’ networks.
How many MoCA adapters do I need?
At least two: one at the router and one in each room you want to connect. A MoCA network supports up to 16 devices.
Ready to wire your home with coax?
Compare the Kiwee MoCA 2.5 range and find the right model for your home.
