Troubleshooting MoCA Interference: Do I Need a PoE (Point of Entry) Filter to use with my HTEM4(s)?
If you’re experiencing slow MoCA speeds, unstable connections, or drop-offs when using the Hitron HTEM4 MoCA Adapter Kit, your home’s coax wiring may be affected by the type of cable modem you are using. This guide will help you determine whether installing a POE (Point of Entry) Filter will improve your MoCA network performance.
1. Understanding How MoCA and Cable Modems Share the Coax
MoCA uses the 1125–1675 MHz frequency range.
Most cable modems (low-split or mid-split DOCSIS 3.0/3.1) operate below 1002 MHz, which does not overlap with MoCA. In these cases, MoCA and DOCSIS work together normally on the same coax lines.
However, high-split cable modems can operate up to 1218 MHz, which can overlap the MoCA band and cause interference.
2. Signs You May Need a POE Filter
You may benefit from installing a POE filter if you notice:
- MoCA speeds dropping or fluctuating
- MoCA adapters disconnecting intermittently
- MoCA performance decreases when the cable modem is active
- The coax network has multiple splitters or long cable runs
- You recently upgraded to a high-split (mid–high upload speed) cable modem
A POE filter isolates MoCA traffic inside your home and blocks interference from the cable modem’s upstream frequencies.
3. How a POE Filter Fixes MoCA Interference
Installing a POE filter at your home’s main coax entry point:
- Prevents MoCA signals from escaping outside your home
- Prevents high-split DOCSIS signals from interfering with MoCA
- Improves MoCA stability and speeds
- Ensures strong signal between MoCA adapters across all coax outlets
The filter is inexpensive and installs in minutes.
4. Where to Install the POE Filter
Place the POE filter at the main splitter where the coax from your cable provider first enters your home. This ensures all internal coax lines remain isolated for MoCA use.
If you have multiple splitters, place the filter at the first one closest to the entry point.
5. Need Help or Not Sure If You Have a High-Split Modem?
High-split modems are increasingly common as ISPs upgrade upload speeds. If you’re unsure what type of modem you have:
- Check your modem’s spec sheet for upstream frequency ranges
- Contact your ISP
- Or reach out to Hitron Support for guidance
Our tech support team can help confirm whether a POE filter will solve your MoCA issue.
Need More Help?
If you need additional assistance, our Technical Support Team is available 7 days a week, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM PT. Visit https://us.hitrontech.com/contact-support/ to chat live with a support agent and get immediate help with your Hitron device.
Related Articles
How to Set Up the HTEM4 MoCA Adapter with a MoCA “POE” (Point-of-Entry) Filter
If your home uses both DOCSIS cable Internet and a MoCA network, installing a MoCA Point-of-Entry (POE) filter is essential—especially in high-split DOCSIS environments (85–204 MHz, 204–684 MHz, etc.). The POE filter prevents the DOCSIS downstream ...How to Set Up the HTEM5 MoCA Adapter with a MoCA “POE” (Point-of-Entry) Filter
If your home uses both DOCSIS cable Internet and a MoCA network, installing a MoCA Point-of-Entry (POE) filter is essential—especially in high-split DOCSIS environments (85–204 MHz, 204–684 MHz, etc.). The POE filter prevents the DOCSIS downstream ...When do I need a MoCA Filter and how do I use one in my HTEM5 MoCA network?
MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) networks have emerged as a reliable solution for high-speed internet connectivity. MoCA networks use the existing coaxial cabling in your home, to create a seamless distribution of Ethernet signals throughout a ...How do I know if my splitter is MoCA 2.5 compatible?
If you are having difficulty getting your Coax to Ethernet MoCA Adapters to work, the below information may be useful in your troubleshooting. Splitter Compatibility with MoCA Technology All splitters need to perform in the frequency range of 1000 ...Can I use HTEM5 MoCA adapters if I have cable TV service?
Yes, you can use HTEM5 MoCA adapters with your cable TV service. MoCA signals operate on different frequencies than cable TV signals, allowing them to coexist without interference. Ensure that you install a MoCA filter at the point where the coaxial ...