To install cable services in your home for Internet and/or television, cable providers transmit signals through coaxial cables. Your provider can install multiple outlets for your cable boxes and Internet modem/gateway, but in some cases, you may end up without enough cable outlets to meet your needs.
If you have cable TV and Internet at home, but only one coaxial cable outlet in your bedroom, and you want to send that source signal to both, a cable splitter is the solution. A splitter will bring extra ports into your setup and double the signal by sending it over multiple cables seamlessly.
So if you’re interested in learning more about cable splitters, this article will give you the answers you need. you’re looking for, including a step-by-step guide on how you can split a cable line for TV and Internet using a cable splitter. So let’s get started!
What is a cable splitter?
A cable splitter splits the signal between multiple devices at the same time. Depending on how many devices you need to connect, you can get a 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8-way cable splitter. Of course, a cable splitter is designed to split the signal without compromising signal quality, but the signal is distributed equally between all output ports on the splitter. Therefore, if you only need to connect your cable TV and Internet, we recommend that you use a 2-way splitter for optimal output.
How does a cable splitter work?
One cable The splitter works in much the same way as the dual adapters you probably have in use around your house to connect more than one electronic device to one outlet. On one side, the cable plugged into the single input port goes to the wall outlet for cable connection. While cables connected to the other side of the splitter, through the output ports, split the signal into two or more signal outputs that can be used by multiple devices.
In the case of TV and Internet , one end would therefore connect to the output source, while the cables from the other two ends would connect to your modem/internet gateway and TV box.
You can get a cable splitter for less than $10 at most online stores, electronics chain stores, and home improvement stores. Before buying one, it’s essential to check with your ISP to see what type of cable splitter they recommend. If you buy the wrong type of cable splitter, you could hit a stick with an unbalanced, weak, or lost signal.
Basic types of cable splitter
So, before you Dive headlong into a DIY cable splitting project, you should know these 4 basic types of cable splitters available on the market, so you don’t end up with the wrong one.
Balanced Cable Splitter
This type of splitter comes with an even number of outputs, which is designed to maintain a balance in signal strength between all output ports. As a result, each output port experiences the same amount of attenuation or signal loss, so all ports output a signal of equal strength.
Unbalanced Cable Splitter
Unbalanced splitter, on the other hand, has an odd number of output ports, making signal strength weaker for some ports. It is recommended to use an unbalanced splitter if you are distributing the signal between a modem/gateway and more than one TV. Televisions will not require as much bandwidth.
Resistor Cable Splitter
This type of splitter is comparatively cheaper than the rest, because it can only split half of the signal from your cable between the output ports Unfortunately, the other half is lost right at the base. So it’s always a better option to invest in a different type of cable splitter, even if it costs you a bit more. Because losing 50% of the signal strength definitely ruins the appeal of an affordable price.
Transformer Cable Splitter
The transformer splitter splits the signal equally between all departure ports. These splitters are available at a relatively higher price than others, but the high-quality signal output makes them worth the cost.
What is the correct bandwidth for my splitter?
Well, you’ll need to invest in a high-frequency splitter for your cable TV because your cable system has a lot of content. On average, digital cable signals require a 5-1000 MHz band compared to the 2-2300 MHz band required by satellite TV signals. However, each cable system is different. The lower frequency range is normally used for the Internet, while the higher ones allow you to enjoy more channels than you can get from broadcast TV.
Now that you have a basic idea about splitters waste no more time and get straight to the point!
How to use a cable splitter for TV and Internet?
Of course, you’ll want to install the cable splitter where the cable line enters the area.First, determine the length of coaxial cable you’ll need to connect a two-way cable splitter to your TV set-top box and Internet modem/gateway. It is always better to have shorter cables in a cable splitting project, as they create less noise on the line and are also easier to work with. Next, disconnect the cable line from both your cable TV box and Internet modem/gateway.
Now you are ready to install the cable splitter! Here’s how you can set up a splitter to distribute the cable signal between your cable TV and your Internet equipment:
- Plug one end of the coaxial cable into your bedroom wall outlet and connect the other end to the IN port on your cable splitter.
- Next, connect one end of a coaxial cable to your modem/Internet gateway and the other end to one of the OUT ports on your cable splitter.
- Then repeat step 2 with another coaxial cable. This time, connect one end to your cable TV box and the other to the OUT port on the 2-way splitter.
Be sure to hand-tighten all connections but not Be too rough, or else you will cause damage. Finally, reboot all the connected devices to check if each one is receiving the signal correctly. In case you get stuck anywhere, you can always contact your cable service provider for help and troubleshooting.
There you go!
When you have everything – home consumption of TV and Internet services at home, a cable splitter helps you avoid the fee you may incur for additional outlets. It gives you an all-in-one access point for multiple devices that may want to connect through a single point of origin.
If you happen to be dissatisfied with your existing cable service provider and looking for a new one, call 1-855-349-9328 to find out the best cable TV and Internet deals near you. Our experts can better guide you according to your needs and also inform you about special promotions offered in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you divide a cable line for TV and Internet?
Yes, you will need a 2-way cable splitter and some extra coaxial cables. Here’s how you can set up a splitter to distribute the cable signal between your cable TV and Internet equipment:
- First, disconnect the cable line from both your cable TV box and of the modem/Internet gateway. .
- Plug one end of the coaxial cable into your bedroom wall outlet, and plug the other end into the IN port on your cable splitter.
- Then plug one end of a coax cable to your modem/Internet gateway and the other end to one of the OUT ports on your cable splitter.
- Next, repeat step 2 with another coax cable. This time, connect one end to your cable box and the other to the OUT port on the 2-way splitter.
- Be sure to hand-tighten all connections, but don’t put too much on sharp, or else it will cause damage.
How do I choose a cable splitter?
Depending on your needs, you may need to use a cable splitter to transmit the signal to the TV decoder and the Internet modem/gateway in your house. When choosing the right splitter, you should consider the number of output ports, bandwidth spectrum, and aim for a high performance splitter to minimize attenuation (or dB loss).
Does all Are cable splitters the same?
No, not all cable splitters are the same. Poor quality splitters can negatively affect your video signal, causing excessive signal loss and numerous reflections that can cause shadows in the image.
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