4
Connection Architecture
In order for you to enjoy the benefits of your Cable Modem, your PC must be properly connected to the cable TV
wire. The following diagram illustrates a typical PC/TV installation. (Newer homes or businesses may have a
dedicated coaxial cable line for Internet connection).
Cable TV Wall Outlet - This is the normal cable TV wall outlet installed by your cable company. If you plan to
connect both your TV and your computer to the cable TV wire, the cable TV wall outlet should be connected to
a splitter.
Splitter - This unit, usually provided by your cable TV company during installation, splits the signal onto a
second wire. The two wires coming out of the splitter can be connected to your TV (or set-top box), and the
cable modem.
NOTE:
1.
If your cable TV company does not provide a splitter or you chose to buy your own, make sure you get
one with sufficient frequency range (the range should be printed on the splitter). A range of 5 to 1000 MHz should
be adequate. The splitter should provide EMI isolation.
2.
Only one splitter should be placed between the points where the cable TV line enters the house and the Cable
Modem/PC (see figure above). If you have multiple TVs, split the line between the first splitter and the TV, not
the line between the splitter and the Cable Modem.
3.
WARNING:
Do not use amplifiers in the line leading to your Cable Modem. Not only do most amplifiers only
amplify incoming signals, while your Cable Modem receives and sends signals, but they are also likely to distort
cable modem signals.
