If you need to use a cable splitter in your home, you may be wondering if it will reduce the speed of your internet.
This is a common question many homeowners like to know before they start messing with the cable and internet in the house.
If you can’t find the proper answer from your cable and internet company, we have some helpful information for you.
Does a Cable Splitter Reduce Internet Speed?
If a cable splitter is installed correctly, it should not have an impact on cable modem speeds.
There are some things a splitter can affect, which we will get into, but speed should not be one of them.
Before installing a splitter, it is a good idea to check the signal strength.
If the signal strength is already very weak, then you may have some trouble.
If the signal strength is strong, then there should be no issues.
Check the strength both before and after installing the splitter to make sure it has not been impacted at all.
If, for some reason, the speed of the internet did, in fact, slow down when the splitter was installed, there are ways to get another line running to your home.
This will probably cost you some extra money and a visit from the cable company, but it is possible.
For most at-home connections, this won’t be necessary, and there will be no reduction in internet speed.
What Is a Cable Splitter Used For?
Cable splitters are a device which will help bring cable or internet to different locations in your home.
If you only have one line running into the house, the cable company will likely split this line and run it to the different tv or internet locations in your home.
Usually, this is configured during the initial installation, and you won’t ever have to worry about additional setups or locations.
Sometimes people will do a renovation on the house or change the location of a TV.
Sometimes people will add an outdoor television.
To avoid having the cable company come out to install another line, you may want to work on trying to install a splitter yourself.
The only things to keep in mind are that sometimes installing this splitter could reduce the signal strength.
The signal strength will be the speed at which your television loads up the shows.
You may notice that, if you have two TVs on in different rooms, they are not loading at the same time.
Most of the time, the differences are so small that there will be almost no impact on the strength or speed.
Having a realistic and reasonable number of cable splitters in a home is not going to have too much of an impact on your devices.
Can I Install a Cable Splitter on My Own?
Most people will choose to have a cable or internet company come out to install a splitter.
The process is not complicated, but if you don’t have the right supplies or knowledge, you could end up with an issue when it comes to your speed or connection.
When installing a cable splitter on your own, try to choose a splitter with just the right number of connections you need.
Splitters can have lots of ports, but if you are only going to need one or two, there is no reason to buy something with six open ports.
The extra ports could cause the device to be less effective.
It is also important to remember that the shorter the line you are running, the lower the chance of issues with the install.
If you are trying to get something across your entire house, this is probably a job for the cable company.
Installing a splitter so that you have a cable hook-up on the next wall should not be as big of a project.
When you put a cable splitter in, you should not have to cut any wires or anything like that.
All you will have to do is unscrew the current connection, screw it into the splitter, and then add additional cables to run the internet or TV wherever you need to.
Always make sure there is no power when you are completing this process.
Are There Alternatives to Installing a Splitter?
Years ago, a splitter was the only way to complete the process of moving cable and internet from one room to the next.
As technology has improved, wireless technology has come a long way.
When you use wireless devices, you will have the ability to split cable without ever really having to use a splitter.
The wireless devices can pick up from the primary connection without ever having to run cable or internet to them.
If you have an older setup or use an older system in your home or office, it may not be possible to upgrade to a wireless option.
If you are struggling with how to get all of the devices in your house working correctly, you can consult your local cable and internet company.
If you are paying monthly fees for this service, you may as well make sure you are getting your money’s worth.
Where Can I Buy a Cable Splitter?
Cable splitters are not difficult pieces of hardware to find.
Any local home improvement store will have splitters, and you can also purchase them online.
When you start shopping for cable splitters, you will notice there are lots of options to choose from.
Make sure the one you purchase has the right number of connections to work for your home or office.
Conclusion
Installing a cable splitter should not reduce your internet speed if you already have enough speed coming into the home or office.
If you have a very weak signal to begin with, you may see some issues.
If this is the case, you should contact your cable and internet company to make sure you are getting the signal you are paying for each month.
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