Frequently asked questions
Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions at InCoax Networks.
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What is MoCA?
Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA®) is an international standardization consortium that develops technology and publishes specifications for coaxial cable-based networks. MoCA Access™ is a solution suited for a variety of market segments where broadband access is offered:
- Broadband operators installing fiber deep into networks or to buildings (FTTep/FTTB), and who wish to use the existing coax cables of the property without diminishing performance.
- Cable TV (CATV) operators that wish to offer symmetrical broadband services and higher guaranteed capacity than today’s DOCSIS on their existing coax networks.
- Internet service providers (ISP) building fiber-based networks where the optical signal ends in the basement and who wish to use existing coaxial cables to reach every unit or apartment in the property.
- Fixed wireless access (FWA) operators that seeks easy access to apartments, using existing inbuilding coax network instead of deploying new CAT (twisted pair) LAN cable and by doing so minimizing tenant disruption.
- Operators using 4G/5G/Wi-Fi in residential areas and need a connection between the wireless network and the individual apartment, without installing new cables. Solution pending and use case will be available during 2025.
- Companies that design and install networks in hotels, restaurants, offices and other buildings.
- MoCA Access™ 2.5 standard specifies for speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps in existing coaxial networks.
Read more: Start – InCoax: Innovative Solutions for High-Performance Broadband
What is MoCA Access?
Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA®) is an international standardization consortium that develops technology and publishes specifications for coaxial cable-based networks. MoCA Access™ is a solution suited for a variety of market segments where broadband access is offered:
- Broadband operators installing fiber deep into networks or to buildings (FTTep/FTTB), and who wish to use the existing coax cables of the property without diminishing performance.
- Cable TV (CATV) operators that wish to offer symmetrical broadband services and higher guaranteed capacity than today’s DOCSIS on their existing coax networks.
- Internet service providers (ISP) building fiber-based networks where the optical signal ends in the basement and who wish to use existing coaxial cables to reach every unit or apartment in the property.
- Fixed wireless access (FWA) operators that seeks easy access to apartments, using existing inbuilding coax network instead of deploying new CAT (twisted pair) LAN cable and by doing so minimizing tenant disruption.
- Operators using 4G/5G/Wi-Fi in residential areas and need a connection between the wireless network and the individual apartment, without installing new cables. Solution pending and use case will be available during 2025.
- Companies that design and install networks in hotels, restaurants, offices and other buildings.
- MoCA Access™ 2.5 standard specifies for speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps in existing coaxial networks.
Start – InCoax: Innovative Solutions for High-Performance Broadband
What is MoCA Home?
MoCA Home (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) is a networking technology that enables high-speed, reliable data transfer within a home using existing coaxial cables. It provides a wired backbone for home networks, supporting streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth applications with speeds up to 2.5 Gbps and low latency. MoCA Home is ideal for households that want to avoid Wi-Fi limitations and benefit from a stable, interference-free connection for demanding multimedia and internet uses. MoCA Home Adapters makes your Wi-Fi better.
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What is a MoCA adapter?
A MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) adapter is a device that enables high-speed, wired internet connections over existing coaxial cables within a home or building. It connects to a router or modem and uses the building’s coaxial wiring to deliver stable, fast connections to other MoCA-compatible devices, such as TVs, computers, or gaming consoles. MoCA adapters are commonly used to enhance internet performance, especially in areas where Wi-Fi coverage is limited or where a wired connection is preferred for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming and gaming. MoCA Home Adapters makes your Wi-Fi better.
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How does MoCA Access work?
MoCA Access works by utilizing existing coaxial cable infrastructure in buildings, such as multi-dwelling units (MDUs), to deliver high-speed internet and data services from a central broadband source (like fiber or Fixed Wireless Access) directly to individual units. This technology operates by converting digital broadband signals into RF (radio frequency) signals, which are transmitted through the building’s coaxial cables, enabling fiber-like speeds up to 2.5 Gbps with minimal latency. MoCA Access modems are installed at strategic points within the building, typically at the central distribution point and in each unit, transforming the coax network into a high-performance, wired backbone. By leveraging the coax already in place, MoCA Access avoids the need for new cabling, making it an efficient and cost-effective solution to extend reliable, high-speed connectivity throughout the building. This approach ensures consistent internet quality for all users, with low interference and robust performance.
What is a MoCA Access point?
A MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) access point is a device that enables high-speed, wired internet connectivity over existing coaxial cables within a building, creating a reliable backbone network for connecting multiple devices. Acting as a central point for MoCA technology, the access point connects to the main router or modem and distributes data through coaxial wiring to other MoCA-enabled devices or adapters throughout the building. In environments like multi-dwelling units (MDUs) or large homes, a MoCA access point provides stable, fiber-like speeds across the network, reducing strain on Wi-Fi and ensuring consistent performance for high-bandwidth applications like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.
What is a MoCA NTE?
A MoCA NTE (Network Termination Equipment) is a device used in MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) networks to connect and manage high-speed data transmission over coaxial cables within a building, typically in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) or commercial environments. The NTE serves as the endpoint for a network service, converting the incoming broadband signal and distributing it over coaxial infrastructure to individual units or devices within the building. By leveraging existing coaxial cables, MoCA NTEs enable efficient and cost-effective network deployment, allowing end users to access reliable, high-speed internet without the need for new cabling installations.
What is a MoCA DPU?
A MoCA DPU (Distribution Point Unit) is a device used in MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) networks, typically within multi-dwelling units (MDUs) or other large buildings, to distribute high-speed broadband connectivity over existing coaxial cable infrastructure. The DPU serves as a central point for receiving an internet signal—often from fiber or another high-speed source—and then distributes this connection to individual units or apartments within the building using MoCA technology. By using the coaxial cables already in place, a MoCA DPU enables efficient, cost-effective network deployment, providing fiber-like speeds to each unit without the need for extensive rewiring. This setup helps to deliver consistent, high-quality internet access across all units in the building.
What is a VAR?
A VAR (Value-Added Reseller) is a company or business that enhances the value of third-party products by adding features, services, or customizations before reselling them to end-users. Often working in technology and IT sectors, VARs provide additional support, integration, and tailored solutions, creating a more complete product package for customers.
The Benefits of InCoax’s Technology for Broadband Operators – InCoax
What is a Tier operator?
Tier operators in telecommunications are categorized based on their network infrastructure, coverage, and dependence on other networks. Tier-1 operators own extensive network infrastructures, allowing them to connect directly to the global internet without paying other providers for transit, making them the backbone providers with the most extensive reach. Tier-2 operators have substantial networks but rely on Tier-1 providers for portions of their global reach, combining peering and paid transit to extend coverage. Tier-3 operators primarily serve end customers within limited regions, purchasing transit from Tier-1 and Tier-2 providers to connect to the broader internet, focusing on last-mile connectivity rather than global reach. These distinctions affect the operators’ pricing, quality of service, and role in internet traffic routing and delivery.
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What is a Tier-1 operator?
A Tier-1 operator is a major telecommunications provider that owns and operates its own network infrastructure, allowing it to directly connect to the global internet backbone without relying on other networks. These operators have extensive reach, typically providing nationwide or international service coverage, and often peer with other Tier-1 networks to ensure high-capacity, reliable data transmission.
The Benefits of InCoax’s Technology for Broadband Operators – InCoax
What is an ISP?
An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is a company that offers individuals and organizations access to the internet, usually through various technologies like DSL, cable, fiber optics, or wireless connections. ISPs also often provide additional services, such as email, web hosting, and technical support, enabling users to connect and interact online.
The Benefits of InCoax’s Technology for Broadband Operators – InCoax
What is a CSP?
A CSP (Communications Service Provider) is a company that provides telecommunications services to consumers and businesses, such as internet, voice, and data services. CSPs include traditional telecommunications providers, mobile network operators, internet service providers (ISPs), and other companies offering digital communication solutions. They often manage and maintain network infrastructure, enabling connectivity and communication across devices and locations, and are essential for supporting the flow of data in modern digital networks.
What is PON?
Passive Optical Network (PON) is a telecommunications technology that uses fiber optic cabling to deliver high-speed internet, voice, and video services from a central point to multiple endpoints, such as homes or businesses, without active electronics along the path. PON systems are energy-efficient and cost-effective because they use passive splitters instead of powered devices to distribute the signal to multiple users.
What is XGS-PON?
XGS-PON (10 Gigabit Symmetrical Passive Optical Network) is an advanced version of PON technology that provides symmetrical download and upload speeds of up to 10 Gbps, making it ideal for high-demand applications in residential, business, and mobile backhaul networks. It uses the same passive optical infrastructure as GPON, allowing for easy upgrades and higher capacity on existing fiber networks. MoCA Access is an excellent choice for extending XGS-PON to individual apartments, as it leverages existing coaxial cables within buildings to deliver high-speed, fiber-like connectivity without additional fiber installation in each unit. This approach enables service providers to expand the benefits of XGS-PON efficiently and cost-effectively in multi-dwelling units (MDUs), supporting seamless, high-performance internet access for each apartment.
What is G.fast?
G.fast is a broadband technology protocol standard for DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) that uses existing copper telephone lines to deliver internet, reaching speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps over short distances. Designed as an alternative to fiber, G.fast enables fast deployment by utilizing existing infrastructure, especially in buildings where fiber installation can be challenging. However, its performance diminishes significantly over longer distances, limiting its effectiveness in areas without dense infrastructure or where high-speed connectivity is required over extended reach. MoCA Access, in comparison, is often a better choice as it uses existing coaxial cables, which maintain higher bandwidth and stable speeds over longer distances, providing a more reliable and cost-effective solution for extending high-speed broadband throughout multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and other complex building environments.
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What is G.hn?
G.hn is a networking standard that allows data transmission over existing home wiring, such as power lines, coaxial cables, and phone lines, reaching speeds up to 1.5 Gbps. It offers a flexible solution for creating wired networks within buildings without the need to install new cables, making it convenient for retrofitting older buildings. However, G.hn’s performance can be affected by electrical interference, especially over power lines, and signal quality decreases over longer distances or in noisy environments, which can limit its overall reliability. In contrast, MoCA Access is a better choice for many applications because it by leveraging coaxial cables and frequency band tailoring is less susceptible to interference and provide multigigabit speed data transmission, making it ideal for high-speed broadband in multi-dwelling units (MDUs).
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What is DOCSIS?
DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) is a telecommunications standard that enables high-speed data transfer over existing coaxial cable TV systems, allowing cable operators to provide internet, TV, and phone services on the same network. It exists in several generations such as 3.0 and 3.1, with which MoCA Access 2.5 can coexist. The latest version is 4.0. However, DOCSIS performance can be affected by shared bandwidth among users in the same area, leading to slower speeds during peak times, and it struggles to provide symmetrical upload and download speeds, which are increasingly required for modern applications. DOCSIS 4 aims to address these limitations by offering symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps, but it requires costly infrastructure upgrades, posing challenges for operators trying to modernize networks while maintaining profitability.
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What is FTTep?
Fiber to the Extension Point (FTTep) is a broadband deployment strategy where fiber is brought to a central location near or within a building, like an MDU (Multi-Dwelling Unit), rather than directly to each unit. This approach reduces installation costs and complexity by enabling high-speed service delivery to individual units using existing wiring, such as coaxial cables, with technologies like MoCA Access. FTTep provides a cost-effective alternative to full FTTH deployments, especially in locations where direct fiber installation to each unit is challenging or cost prohibitive.
The Benefits of InCoax’s Technology for Broadband Operators – InCoax
What is FTTH?
Fiber to the Home (FTTH) is a broadband network architecture where fiber optic cables run directly from the service provider’s central network to individual homes, delivering high-speed internet, television, and phone services. Unlike traditional copper or coaxial connections, FTTH provides extremely high bandwidth and low latency, enabling gigabit speeds and future-proofing homes for increasing data demands. Although FTTH offers superior performance, it requires significant upfront investment in infrastructure, which can be challenging for widespread deployment, especially in rural or less densely populated areas. MoCA Access technology can cost-effectively extend the fiber from an extension point in or outside the MDU, leveraging existing coaxial wiring to deliver high-speed connectivity to individual units without the need for additional cabling.
What is FTTB?
Fiber to the Building (FTTB) is a broadband setup where fiber optic cables are installed up to a building’s central location, such as a utility room or basement, but not directly to each unit. From this point, high-speed internet is distributed to individual units through existing wiring, like coaxial or Ethernet cables, which lowers installation costs and simplifies deployment. MoCA Access technology can be used to deliver fiber-level speeds over coaxial cables within the building, offering a cost-effective and efficient way to extend fiber connectivity to each unit. FTTB is a practical solution for providing fiber speeds in MDUs (Multi-Dwelling Units) without the need for extensive rewiring, making it ideal for buildings where direct fiber installation to each unit is challenging.
What is xDSL?
xDSL is a family of digital subscriber line (DSL) technologies, including ADSL, VDSL, and SDSL, which use traditional copper telephone lines to provide high-speed internet. These technologies enable broadband access without requiring entirely new infrastructure, making them a cost-effective solution for many residential and business areas. However, xDSL speeds and reliability can be limited by the distance from the service provider’s central office, with performance degrading over longer connections.
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What is an ONT?
An Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is a device used in fiber-optic networks to convert optical signals transmitted over fiber cables into electrical signals that can be used by standard home or business devices. Installed at the endpoint of a fiber connection, such as in a home or office, the ONT connects to a router or other network equipment to provide internet, phone, and TV services. The ONT is typically the final point in a Fiber to the Home (FTTH) or Fiber to the Building (FTTB) setup, enabling users to access high-speed broadband directly from the fiber network.
The Benefits of InCoax’s Technology for Broadband Operators – InCoax
What is a Chipset?
A chipset is a group of interconnected microchips within a device, designed to manage data flow and communication between the processor, memory, and peripheral components. It plays a critical role in determining the device’s compatibility, performance, and features by controlling various hardware functions and system operations.
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What is Symmetric speed?
Symmetric speed in broadband refers to equal download and upload speeds, allowing users to send and receive data at the same rate. This is particularly beneficial for applications that require high upload bandwidth, such as video conferencing, cloud computing, and file sharing, enhancing performance and user experience.
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What is a CAT Cable (Category Cable)?
A twisted pair cable consisting of twisted conductors, which is where the name comes from. The conductors are twisted to counteract interference, primarily in the form of crosstalk. CAT6 cable is primarily used for data communication. The two main disadvantages of twisted pair cable are that it has high power loss, known as attenuation per meter, meaning that you cannot lay more than a few tens or at most 100 meters of such cable before needing a repeater station.
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What is an Optical Fiber cable?
An optical fiber cable is a high-speed transmission medium made of thin strands of glass or plastic fibers that carry data as pulses of light. Known for its ability to transmit large amounts of data over long distances with minimal signal loss, it is widely used in telecommunications and internet infrastructure.
What is a Coaxial cable?
A two-pole electric cable, which consists of a metallic conductor, the center conductor, surrounded by an insulating material, dielectric, which in turn is surrounded by a conductive casing, the shield. Coaxial cable is intended for transmitting signals with high frequencies and low attenuation, in other words, it can transmit data traffic with high capacity.
The Benefits of InCoax’s Technology for Broadband Operators – InCoax
What is Hospitality?
Hospitality refers to the industry and practice of providing services related to lodging, food, and entertainment to guests, often focusing on comfort and customer satisfaction. This sector includes hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other accommodations aimed at delivering positive guest experiences. Hospitality emphasizes quality service, atmosphere, and amenities, aiming to create welcoming environments that meet the diverse needs of travelers and visitors.
What is wifi?
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets to connect to the internet and communicate with each other over radio waves, without needing physical cables. It operates on various frequency bands, such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, enabling flexibility in range and speed, though it can be subject to interference and signal degradation over longer distances or through obstacles like walls. Wi-Fi is convenient for providing internet access throughout homes and offices but can experience slowdowns when many devices connect at once or in large, multi-room environments. MoCA Access can improve Wi-Fi performance by creating a high-speed wired backbone over coaxial cables, supporting stable and fast data flow across the building. By offloading part of the internet traffic to this wired network, MoCA Access reduces congestion on Wi-Fi, increases overall bandwidth, and extends strong connectivity to areas where Wi-Fi signals might struggle.
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What is a WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider)?
A WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) is an internet provider that delivers connectivity to customers using wireless networking technology rather than traditional wired connections like DSL or fiber. WISPs typically serve rural or underserved areas where laying physical cables is challenging, using radio antennas to establish wireless links between the network and customer locations.
What is WISPA?
WISPA (Wireless Internet Service Providers Association) is a trade organization that represents the interests of Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) and related technology providers in the U.S. WISPA advocates for policies that support the growth and accessibility of wireless broadband services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The association provides a platform for WISPs to collaborate, share industry knowledge, and access resources for improving their networks and services. Additionally, WISPA organizes events, such as WISPAPALOOZA, where members can learn about the latest advancements in wireless broadband technology and regulatory developments. Through its efforts, WISPA aims to promote innovation and expand broadband availability, helping bridge the digital divide in less connected communities.
What is 5G FWA?
5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a broadband service that uses 5G networks to deliver high-speed internet wirelessly to homes and businesses, serving as an alternative to traditional wired connections like fiber or cable. Leveraging the advanced speed and low latency of 5G, FWA can support demanding applications and provide reliable, fast internet in both urban and rural areas. This technology enables quicker, more flexible deployment of broadband infrastructure, making it especially valuable for connecting underserved or remote locations.
What is FWA extension?
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) extension is a method of delivering high-speed internet from a central wireless source, such as a cellular tower or antenna, to individual units within a building, often in locations where laying fiber is challenging or costly. By extending the FWA signal, service providers can offer broadband access to apartments or offices in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and other complex environments. MoCA Access is an effective solution for FWA extension, as it leverages existing coaxial infrastructure within buildings to carry the FWA signal to individual units, avoiding the need for new cabling. With MoCA Access, providers can ensure fiber-like speeds, stable connectivity, and minimal latency for each unit, even in areas with challenging Wi-Fi or wireless coverage. This approach offers a cost-effective, reliable way to distribute high-speed FWA connectivity across all units, providing a seamless internet experience comparable to wired broadband solutions.
What is Fiber Access Extension?
Fiber access extension is a broadband deployment strategy that brings high-speed fiber connectivity close to or into a building, then uses alternative technologies to extend that connection to individual units. This approach allows service providers to deliver fiber-grade performance without the need for fiber installation in every apartment or office, reducing costs and simplifying installation. MoCA Access is a popular solution for fiber access extension, as it uses the building’s existing coaxial cabling to distribute high-speed internet up to 2.5 Gbps directly to each unit, offering a reliable and cost-effective alternative. By leveraging MoCA Access, providers can avoid the challenges of new cabling in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) or older buildings, making it a practical solution for fiber extension in complex environments. Fiber access extension with MoCA Access ensures that residents or businesses receive consistent, high-quality internet service comparable to full fiber connections.
What is Last mile challenge?
The last mile challenge refers to the difficulty and high cost of delivering internet or other telecommunications services from the nearest network hub or central point to the end user’s location, such as a home or business. This “last mile” of connection is often the most expensive and complex part of network deployment, especially in rural or densely populated urban areas, due to infrastructure needs and diverse geographic obstacles. Traditional solutions like fiber or cable can be prohibitively costly to install widely across the last mile, making it challenging to provide high-speed, reliable service to every location. MoCA Access helps solve the last mile challenge by utilizing existing coaxial infrastructure within buildings to deliver high-speed connectivity, reducing costs and simplifying deployment to each individual unit.
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What is the middle mile challenge?
The middle mile challenge refers to the difficulty of connecting regional network hubs or data centers to local distribution points that serve specific communities or neighborhoods, often across long distances or challenging terrains. Building robust middle-mile infrastructure is costly and complex, especially in rural and remote areas, where fewer resources and greater distances make fiber deployment difficult. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) addresses the middle mile challenge by using wireless technology to bridge the gap between regional hubs and local distribution points without needing extensive fiber installation. Once the FWA signal reaches a building or neighborhood, MoCA Access can then solve the last mile challenge by utilizing existing coaxial infrastructure within buildings to extend high-speed connectivity to individual units. Together, FWA and MoCA Access create an efficient, cost-effective solution for delivering high-speed internet across both the middle and last mile.
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What is the difference between an ONT and a MoCA Access modem?
In a Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) context, both an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) and a MoCA Access modem play crucial roles in delivering high-speed internet connectivity throughout the building, though they have distinct functions and use different types of signals.
Differences:
- Function:
- ONT: In an MDU, the ONT is installed at a central location where the fiber optic connection from the service provider terminates, converting optical signals from the fiber network into electrical signals. This enables the building to access high-speed fiber internet, which can then be distributed to individual units.
- MoCA Access Modem: Rather than converting signals, the MoCA Access modem uses the existing coaxial cables within the building to extend internet connectivity from the ONT to each apartment or unit. This device is ideal for leveraging existing infrastructure to avoid costly and disruptive fiber installations to every unit.
- Signal Type:
- ONT: Operates with fiber optic signals, converting them into a format usable by building networks.
- MoCA Access Modem: Utilizes coaxial signals to distribute broadband within the MDU, enabling high-speed data transfer over the building’s coaxial cabling.
- Application:
- ONT: Often installed in a network or utility room in the MDU where the fiber enters the building, serving as the primary connection point to the fiber network.
- MoCA Access Modem: Installed either at the same location or throughout the building, the MoCA Access modem extends internet from the ONT over coaxial cables to each unit, providing fiber-like speeds without requiring direct fiber to each apartment.
Similarities:
- Placement/Location: Both the ONT and the MoCA Access modem are typically located in a central area, such as a basement or utility closet, where they can distribute connectivity effectively across the MDU. This strategic placement allows the entire building to receive broadband service with minimal disruption.
- Purpose: From the end-users’ point of view, both devices work together to deliver high-speed, reliable internet access throughout the MDU. The ONT connects the building to the fiber network, while the MoCA Access modem extends this high-performance connection to each individual unit, ensuring consistent internet quality for all residents.
In an MDU setup, the ONT and MoCA Access modem provide a seamless and efficient solution for delivering broadband to every unit by combining fiber-optic connectivity with coaxial extension, making high-speed internet accessible to all tenants without the need for extensive new cabling.
What is the difference between MoCA Access and MoCA Home?
MoCA Home and MoCA Access are both technologies that use coaxial cables to deliver high-speed data, but they serve different environments and have distinct performance capabilities:
- Target Use:
- MoCA Home: Designed for single-family homes or small residential setups, MoCA Home provides a solution for creating a fast, stable wired network within a home by utilizing existing coaxial cables. It’s primarily intended for improving in-home connectivity, such as enhancing Wi-Fi coverage or connecting multimedia devices.
- MoCA Access: Targeted at larger, multi-dwelling units (MDUs) or commercial environments, MoCA Access is built to support multiple users across a building, delivering high-speed broadband from a central source to individual units. It offers a solution for buildings where direct fiber to each unit may be cost-prohibitive or disruptive.
- Speed and Performance:
- MoCA Home: Generally supports speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, ideal for high-speed internet, gaming, and video streaming within a single household. It provides a reliable, low-latency connection for various in-home applications.
- MoCA Access: Provides similar speeds (up to 2.5 Gbps) but is optimized to support multiple users and high-demand environments, maintaining reliable performance across an entire MDU. MoCA Access is engineered to handle a higher volume of traffic and more complex configurations than MoCA Home.
- Installation and Infrastructure:
- MoCA Home: Simple installation typically involving adapters connecting to the coax outlets within a home, enabling devices like routers, TVs, and gaming consoles to access a stable wired connection.
- MoCA Access: Requires modems and network management capabilities for building-wide deployment, often with centralized installation points and additional management features to handle connections in each unit or office.
In summary, while both MoCA Home and MoCA Access use coaxial cabling for fast, stable networking, MoCA Home is designed for single-home use, whereas MoCA Access is suited for MDUs and larger buildings, supporting multiple units with robust, centralized broadband distribution.
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What is the digital divide?
The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals, communities, and regions that have access to modern information and communication technologies (ICT), like high-speed internet and digital devices, and those who do not. This divide often disproportionately affects rural areas, low-income households, and marginalized groups, limiting their access to resources, education, economic opportunities, and social participation. Bridging the digital divide is critical to ensuring equitable access to information, fostering inclusion, and enabling all communities to benefit from digital advancements.
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What is digital inclusion?
Digital inclusion is the effort to ensure that all individuals and communities, particularly those historically underserved, have access to and can effectively use digital technologies such as the internet, computers, and smartphones. It encompasses not only affordable access to high-speed internet but also digital literacy, relevant content, and support to enable meaningful participation in today’s digital society. Digital inclusion aims to empower everyone to leverage technology for education, employment, healthcare, and civic engagement, helping bridge the digital divide and promote social and economic equity.
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What is a diplexer?
A diplexer is a device that combines or separates signals from two different frequency bands, allowing them to share a single coaxial cable without interfering with each other. It is commonly used in telecommunications and broadcast systems to enable the simultaneous transmission of different types of signals—such as satellite TV and over-the-air antenna signals—over one cable. Diplexers are essential in applications where limited cabling exists, as they help maximize the use of existing infrastructure by managing multiple frequencies efficiently.
What is the difference between MoCA and G.hn?
MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) and G.hn (Gigabit Home Networking) are both technologies designed to provide high-speed networking over existing home wiring, but they differ in the types of cabling they support, their primary applications, and their technical specifications:
- Supported Cabling:
- MoCA: Primarily uses coaxial cables, making it ideal for homes and buildings with existing coaxial infrastructure. It’s commonly used in settings where coaxial TV cabling is prevalent.
- G.hn: Designed as a more versatile standard, G.hn can operate over various types of wiring, including coaxial cables, phone lines (twisted-pair), and power lines, offering flexibility in environments with different types of wiring.
- Performance and Speed:
- MoCA: MoCA technology offers speeds up to 2.5 Gbps with low latency, specifically optimized for high-speed, low-interference connections on coaxial cables. It is ideal for applications that require stable connections, such as online gaming, streaming, and wired backhaul for Wi-Fi.
- G.hn: G.hn also supports speeds up to 2 Gbps and is intended to be a “universal” networking standard, but its performance can vary based on the medium. For example, G.hn over power lines may experience more interference and lower reliability compared to coaxial or phone line setups.
- Application and Deployment:
- MoCA: Primarily deployed in residential and multi-dwelling unit (MDU) environments where coaxial cabling is already in place, MoCA provides a reliable, high-speed solution for distributing internet within buildings and is widely supported by cable and telecom providers.
- G.hn: With its ability to work on multiple wiring types, G.hn is a flexible choice for mixed infrastructure scenarios, like older buildings or areas where coaxial may not be present. It is suitable for both residential and commercial use, where wiring diversity makes flexibility an advantage.
In summary, MoCA is optimized for high-performance networking over coaxial cables with minimal interference, making it ideal for setups with existing coax infrastructure, while G.hn offers broader wiring compatibility, providing a more flexible but potentially less stable solution depending on the cabling type.
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What is a coax cable?
A coaxial (coax) cable is a type of electrical cable that transmits data, video, and radio frequency signals using an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating jacket. Its design minimizes signal loss and interference, making it ideal for high-frequency applications such as cable television, internet connections, and telecommunications. Coax cables are widely used in homes, businesses, and telecommunications networks due to their durability and capacity for reliable, high-speed data transmission over moderate distances.
The Benefits of InCoax’s Technology for Broadband Operators – InCoax
What is mmWave?
mmWave is the slice of radio spectrum roughly from 24 to 100 GHz (in 5G practice, mainly 24–52.6 GHz). It delivers very high data rates and low latency over relatively short distances and is easily blocked by walls, foliage, and even rain. It’s mainly used for dense 5G small cells, wireless backhaul, and fixed wireless access. In practice, expect about 50–200 meters of reach for phones outdoors, 10–30 meters indoors, and roughly 0.5–2 kilometers line of sight with fixed wireless gear using high-gain directional antennas.
What is 5G mmWave?
5G mmWave refers to the FR2 spectrum (3GPP) mainly from 24.25–52.6 GHz (often loosely described as 24–100 GHz). It delivers multi-gigabit speeds and very low latency but attenuates quickly and is easily blocked by walls, foliage, and rain. Operators use it for dense 5G small cells, venue hotspots, wireless backhaul, and fixed wireless access where clear line-of-sight is available. Typical ranges are about 50–200 m for smartphones outdoors, 10–30 m indoors, and roughly 0.5–2 km with fixed wireless gear using high-gain directional antennas.
What is Link Aggregation (LAG)?
LAG, generally: Link Aggregation (often via LACP) bundles two or more Ethernet ports so they act like one bigger, more reliable connection, boosting total capacity across many flows and keeping traffic going if a member link fails. A single flow usually can’t exceed the speed of one member link, but many flows in parallel raise overall throughput.
LAG at InCoax: InCoax uses LAG to bond two independent MoCA Access 2.5 bands into one logical 5 Gbps link over a single coax cable, enabled by patented software that handles timing, synchronization, load-balancing, error control, and low-latency reassembly. The 5 Gbps solution, built around the InCoax Access A5 NTE plus controller software, remains interoperable with MoCA Access 2.5, supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint, maintains MoCA-spec reach up to ~240 m, and has demonstrated up to 4.7 Gbps measured consumer speeds (aggregate link capacity up to 6.4 Gbps). Typical use cases include fiber extension in MDUs, FWA extension, and even 5G mmWave FWA distribution inside buildings, delivering fiber-like service without pulling new cabling.
What is fixed wireless access (FWA)?
Fixed wireless access (FWA) is a way of delivering broadband using a fixed radio link instead of a cabled last mile. A radio site sends data over licensed or unlicensed spectrum to a fixed modem at the customer location. That modem then connects to the home or building network over Ethernet, coax or Wi-Fi.
FWA is often used where it is difficult or expensive to lay new fiber or copper, for example in rural areas or dense urban environments with complex building stock. The radio link acts as a “wireless last mile” that can also be used as a backhaul to a building and then redistributed over existing in-building cabling such as coax.
Why is 5G mmWave FWA challenging in multi-dwelling units (MDUs)?
5G mmWave operates at very high frequencies that are easily weakened by typical building materials. Façades, low-emissivity windows, internal walls and floors can all add tens of decibels of extra loss at 26–39 GHz, so even strong outdoor signals can be heavily attenuated indoors.
In MDUs, the signal often has to pass the façade and then one or more internal walls and floors to reach the apartment where the service is needed. This makes it hard to guarantee a good 5G mmWave connection for every unit using only outdoor base stations and separate indoor CPEs. A building-level solution that terminates the 5G mmWave link outside and then uses existing in-building wiring is more predictable and easier to scale.
What is 5G mmWave FWA extension?
5G mmWave FWA extension is a standards-based way to bring one high-capacity 5G mmWave link into a building and extend that capacity to many apartments over the existing coaxial network.
A rooftop or façade-mounted 5G FWA modem receives the mmWave signal from the 5G network. It hands the traffic to an in-building access system – such as InCoax MoCA Access – which distributes Ethernet services over coax to each apartment. This follows Broadband Forum’s multi-tenant 5G FWA (MT-FWA) architecture defined in TR-507: one shared 5G FWA link into the property, plus an in-building access network that keeps subscribers logically separated.
How does the InCoax 5G FWA extension work?
At the property, a rooftop or exterior 5G FWA modem terminates the wireless link from the 3GPP NG-RAN. The building’s extension point hosts an InCoax MoCA Access control unit (or DPU), which connects to the existing in-building coax network and extends Ethernet service to apartments via InCoax NTEs, typically one per apartment. The in-building distribution is topology-agnostic and supports both point-to-multipoint and point-to-point coax networks.
The architecture aligns with BBF TR-507 for multi-tenant FWA and wireline–wireless convergence. The same in-building solution can later be fed by fiber when available, keeping the apartment-side network unchanged.
What is multi-tenant 5G fixed wireless access (MT-FWA)?
Multi-tenant 5G fixed wireless access (MT-FWA) means using one outdoor 5G FWA connection to serve multiple tenants in a building, instead of installing a separate 5G FWA modem for each apartment.
Broadband Forum TR-507 defines how this works and how a shared 5G mmWave or sub-6 link to the property is combined with an in-building access network. In the InCoax case, the in-building domain uses MoCA Access over existing coax, with DPUs and NTEs providing per-apartment ports and logical subscriber separation. This improves economics, reduces rooftop clutter and makes it easier to deliver gigabit broadband to MDUs that do not yet have fiber to every unit.
What is Broadband Forum TR-507?
Broadband Forum Technical Report TR-507, “Multi-Tenant 5G Fixed Wireless Access”, specifies the architecture for MT-FWA in MDUs and similar buildings. It describes how a single 5G FWA connection to a property can be combined with in-building cabling – such as coax with MoCA Access – to deliver broadband to multiple apartments while integrating with 5G cores and fixed broadband elements.
TR-507 defines key network functions and options, including:
- MT-FWA architectures using an Access Gateway Function (AGF) in direct or adaptive mode
- A BNG-based MT-FWA architecture for fixed-network residential gateways (FN-RGs)
- Use of L2oGRE / Soft-GRE tunnelling between the in-building DPU or FWA modem and the AGF/BNG
- Requirements for subscriber separation, QoS and testing in a converged wireline–wireless design
It is the main standards anchor for solutions like the InCoax 5G mmWave FWA extension.
Why share one 5G FWA link across a whole building?
Sharing one high-capacity 5G FWA link across a building avoids installing and managing many separate FWA modems on the rooftop or façade. In large MDUs, multiple individual mmWave CPEs would demand more physical space, more power, and careful RF planning, and can increase the risk of mutual interference.
Because FR2 mmWave bands can provide gigabit and multi-gigabit capacity over 50–400 MHz channels, a single building-level link can supply enough aggregate throughput for many apartments – provided the in-building access network (for example, MoCA Access over coax) is designed for multi-gigabit operation. This reduces equipment, simplifies maintenance and still allows each subscriber to have a logically separate service.
How fast can FWA extension over coax be?
When FWA is extended over coax using MoCA Access 2.5, the in-building segment supports up to about 2.5 Gbps net downstream and ~2 Gbps upstream per RF channel on existing coaxial cabling, with low latency and nearly symmetrical performance.
The end-to-end speed each subscriber experiences depends on:
- The capacity of the FWA (or other radio-link) backhaul into the building
- How many tenants share that capacity
- The service tier configured per apartment on the coax network
The key point is that the coax segment itself is no longer the bottleneck – it can deliver fiber-like speeds to each apartment when combined with a suitable 5G FWA or fiber backhaul.
Can the same InCoax solution be used with both FWA and fiber backhaul?
Yes. The InCoax in-building solution is designed to be agnostic to the backhaul technology. The control unit or DPU at the building extension point can be fed by:
- A 5G FWA modem
- A traditional radio link
- A fiber connection from an OLT or aggregation node without changing the coax distribution or the NTEs in the apartments.
This protects the in-building investment and avoids a second round of intrusive work inside the property. Operators can start with FWA backhaul for fast activation and later switch to fiber once it is available.
Does FWA extension over coax affect existing TV services?
MoCA Access is designed to coexist with existing TV services on coax by using different frequency bands and appropriate diplexers and filters. With proper planning, broadband traffic and cable/satellite TV signals can share the same coaxial plant without interfering with each other.
For property owners and operators, this means the existing TV infrastructure can be reused for broadband without replacing or redesigning the TV network, reducing both cost and disruption during deployment.
How is InCoax 5G FWA extension managed?
nCoax 5G FWA extension is managed through InCoax Manage (CLM), the element management system. It provides centralized configuration and monitoring of control units/DPUs and NTEs. Operators can:
- Define service profiles (bandwidth, QoS) and VLAN handling
- Configure tunnelling parameters towards AGF or BNG in MT-FWA deployments (for example, L2oGRE/Soft-GRE as specified in TR-507)
- Use zero-touch or low-touch provisioning to simplify turn-up and limit truck rolls
InCoax Manage supports standard management interfaces such as NETCONF/YANG and SOAP-XML, with SNMP for monitoring. It can be integrated with existing OSS/BSS platforms and external controllers such as Nokia Altiplano. This lets operators run FWA extension over coax as a normal part of their fixed access domain, with per-home visibility and service validation (for example using BBF TR-143 tests).
How does FWA extension over coax support sustainability?
Extending FWA over existing coax instead of installing new in-building cabling reduces drilling, new ducts and cosmetic repairs. Less construction work means lower material use, less waste and fewer disturbances for residents – all of which support more sustainable broadband upgrades in existing buildings.
By making it economically viable to connect MDUs that are hard to serve with full FTTH, FWA extension can help close digital gaps and support digital inclusion, for example in social and affordable housing. The ability to reuse the same coax network later with fiber backhaul further extends the lifetime of the in-building infrastructure.
When is FWA extension a good alternative to FTTH?
FWA extension is a strong alternative when bringing fiber to every apartment (FTTH) would be too slow, costly or difficult to get approved, even if fiber to the building or neighbourhood is planned. Typical situations include:
- Complex MDUs where new fiber risers and in-apartment work would be disruptive
- Older buildings where drilling and new ducts are difficult or tightly regulated
- Areas where middle-mile or last-mile fiber roll-out is delayed, but service demand is high
By combining a 5G FWA or other radio-link backhaul with MoCA Access over coax, operators can connect all units quickly and often without entering each apartment, then later migrate to a fiber backhaul using the same in-building solution once fiber is ready. This is in line with how industry bodies such as GSMA position 5G FWA as a complement rather than a competitor to FTTH.
What is 5G New Radio (NR)?
5G New Radio (NR) is the radio interface specified by 3GPP for 5G networks. It defines how user devices and base stations communicate over the air, including modulation schemes, numerology, frame structure and supported frequency ranges. 5G NR is designed to scale from wide-area coverage to extremely high-capacity hotspots and supports use cases such as enhanced mobile broadband, 5G fixed wireless access (5G FWA) and industrial connectivity.
3GPP currently divides terrestrial 5G NR spectrum into two main frequency ranges:
- Frequency range 1 (FR1): 410 MHz – 7.125 GHz
- Frequency range 2 (FR2): 24.25 GHz – 52.6 GHz
Industry and regulatory discussions often refer to FR2 more broadly as the 24.25–71 GHz mmWave window, because bands up to around 71 GHz are considered or allocated in some regions.
What is 5G frequency range 1 (FR1)?
5G frequency range 1 (FR1) is the part of the 5G NR spectrum from 410 MHz up to 7.125 GHz. It includes low, mid and upper-mid bands, many of which were previously used for earlier mobile generations and have now been refarmed or shared with 5G.
For 5G FWA, operators typically use mid-band FR1 spectrum around 3–6 GHz. In these bands:
- 5G NR supports channel bandwidths from 5 to 100 MHz
- Operators often deploy 40–100 MHz of contiguous spectrum for FWA and mobile broadband
- Peak rates per FWA modem can reach hundreds of megabits per second, sometimes approaching 1 Gbps under good radio conditions, depending on MIMO configuration, spectrum allocation and cell loading
This gives FR1 a good balance between coverage and capacity and makes it a “workhorse” layer for both 5G mobile broadband and 5G FWA.
What is 5G frequency range 2 (FR2)?
5G frequency range 2 (FR2) is the 5G NR mmWave range. 3GPP and industry references define FR2 bands starting at 24.25 GHz, with current 3GPP bands specified up to 52.6 GHz, and many summaries showing FR2 as 24.25–71.0 GHz to reflect the wider mmWave allocation window.
Examples of FR2 bands include:
- n257: 26.5–29.5 GHz
- n258: 24.25–27.5 GHz
- n260: 37–40 GHz
- n261: 27.5–28.35 GHz
FR2 offers very wide channel bandwidths – typically 50 to 400 MHz – enabling gigabit and multi-gigabit data rates, but at the cost of higher path loss and sensitivity to blockage by walls, windows and even rain. For 5G FWA, FR2 is mainly used in line-of-sight or near-line-of-sight situations, such as rooftop or façade-mounted CPEs, and is particularly attractive as the high-capacity backhaul into a building that then redistributes the capacity over coax using InCoax MoCA Access.
How do FR1 and FR2 work together in 5G FWA?
FR1 and FR2 are complementary:
- FR1 (sub-7 GHz) – especially mid-band around 3–6 GHz – provides wide-area coverage and a solid capacity layer for 5G FWA with good outdoor and some indoor reach, but more limited peak rates.
- FR2 (mmWave) provides very high per-user throughput and cell capacity where line-of-sight and dense deployment are possible, but its range is shorter and indoor penetration is poor.
Operators can deploy 5G FWA using FR1 alone, FR2 alone, or a combination of the two. In a multi-tenant FWA (MT-FWA) scenario such as Broadband Forum TR-507:
- An operator may use a single FR2 mmWave link as a high-capacity shared connection into an MDU (for example, around 26–28 GHz).
- FR1 bands provide wider-area coverage and mobility in the surrounding access network.
The FR2 link terminates at the building and is then extended over coax with MoCA Access to each apartment, combining the strengths of both ranges: mmWave capacity to the building, and wired reliability inside.
How much spectrum does 5G FWA typically use in FR1 and FR2?
The exact spectrum used varies by operator and country, but typical patterns are:
- FR1 (mid-band 3–6 GHz):
- 5G NR supports channel bandwidths from 5 up to 100 MHz in FR1.
- Many 5G FWA deployments use 40–100 MHz of contiguous mid-band spectrum per sector, for example around 80–100 MHz in the 3.5 GHz band, which supports peak rates in the hundreds of megabits per FWA modem.
- FR2 (mmWave around 24–40 GHz):
- 5G NR supports channel bandwidths from 50 up to 400 MHz in FR2, and in some cases operators aggregate several carriers.
- For 5G FWA, operators commonly use 100–400 MHz per sector in mmWave bands like 26 and 28 GHz to deliver multi-gigabit capacity.
In an MT-FWA scenario, that high-capacity mmWave channel can be shared across all apartments and carried over existing coax using InCoax MoCA Access, so the coax plant becomes the in-building distribution medium rather than the bottleneck.
Why is 5G FR2 particularly well suited for multi-tenant FWA over coax?
Because FR2 offers very wide channels and multi-gigabit capacity, a single 5G mmWave link can deliver enough aggregate throughput to serve many apartments in an MDU when combined with an in-building access technology optimized for distribution, such as MoCA Access over coax.
Instead of dedicating one mmWave modem per apartment, a TR-507-style architecture uses:
- One or a small number of building-level mmWave FWA modems
- An in-building coax network with InCoax DPU and NTEs to reach each dwelling
- Standard tunnelling and control (L2oGRE/Soft-GRE, AGF/BNG) to maintain subscriber separation and policy control
This lets operators capture the capacity benefits of FR2 without the complexity of dozens of individual mmWave modems on a single building, while reusing the coax infrastructure for future fiber backhaul as well.