Coax to ethernet?
Discussion
I'm looking into changing internet providers and would like to use my own router (to be purchased) rather than rent one (standard practice here in Germany) from the internet provider.
My issue is that the internet comes through the wall via a cable (coax?) and this seems to really limit the choice of wireless router. Is there a way of converting coax to ethernet? A simple plug in device from between the wall and wireless router?
My issue is that the internet comes through the wall via a cable (coax?) and this seems to really limit the choice of wireless router. Is there a way of converting coax to ethernet? A simple plug in device from between the wall and wireless router?
It’s not simply a case of converting coax to ethernet. It’s not just a cable problem - whatever you plug in to the coax needs to be compatible with the ISP’s CMTS.
Normally to do what you want you would reconfigure the router that the ISP gives you into “bridge mode” which basically switches off NAT and turns it in to s dumb modem. You can then plug your own router in to one of the ethernet ports on the back and you’re away.
However you’ll need to check that the ISP allows you to do that as not all do. Something to check when selecting your new ISP?
Normally to do what you want you would reconfigure the router that the ISP gives you into “bridge mode” which basically switches off NAT and turns it in to s dumb modem. You can then plug your own router in to one of the ethernet ports on the back and you’re away.
However you’ll need to check that the ISP allows you to do that as not all do. Something to check when selecting your new ISP?
You'll need a cable modem whcih will have a Coax in and Ethernet out so you can connect to a router or switch. Or you can change providers if they have fiber in your area and they will wire up Ethernet to the wall. It may still require special equipment to access the service.
Contact your ISP and see what modems are supported and buy that specific one.
Contact your ISP and see what modems are supported and buy that specific one.
Edited by alabbasi on Tuesday 4th November 16:19
Given that it's Germany, there are probably 1001 rules about what is and isn't allowed to be used. Also, sounds like you have a cable internet service which is even more restricted in terms of what is compatible.
You could try running whatever box you are provided with by the ISP, in 'modem only' mode and attaching a dedicated router. Usually results in better WiFi and also a more capable firewall, more device connections supported, more stable etc.
Also, cable providers will sometimes provide just a dedicated cable modem on request (instead of the full modem/router combo). Worth asking them.
You could try running whatever box you are provided with by the ISP, in 'modem only' mode and attaching a dedicated router. Usually results in better WiFi and also a more capable firewall, more device connections supported, more stable etc.
Also, cable providers will sometimes provide just a dedicated cable modem on request (instead of the full modem/router combo). Worth asking them.
I disagree that it's standard practise in Germany to use your own router - it can be done but you can expect aggro from the offset with tech support as they try and sync it with their servers.
And any time something goes wrong, they'll firstly point the finger at your own router as being the suspect.
Anyway, what you would need is something like this (fritzbox being the universally accepted option):
https://fritz.com/en/products/fritz-box-6670-cable...
But have others have said, probably better to just hang your own secondary router off the one they supply. This way you can also transfer your router to whatever ISP you use next time, whether it be cable / full fibre or whatever.
As an aside, I wouldn't assume the new fibre connection is automatically going to be better than the coax cable you're using - good old kabel is often fine up to 1Gb and usually the cheapest way.
And any time something goes wrong, they'll firstly point the finger at your own router as being the suspect.
Anyway, what you would need is something like this (fritzbox being the universally accepted option):
https://fritz.com/en/products/fritz-box-6670-cable...
But have others have said, probably better to just hang your own secondary router off the one they supply. This way you can also transfer your router to whatever ISP you use next time, whether it be cable / full fibre or whatever.
As an aside, I wouldn't assume the new fibre connection is automatically going to be better than the coax cable you're using - good old kabel is often fine up to 1Gb and usually the cheapest way.
dan98 said:
I disagree that it's standard practise in Germany to use your own router - it can be done but you can expect aggro from the offset with tech support as they try and sync it with their servers.
Is that aimed at me? If so, please re-read my original post, I said it was standard practice to rent a router from the internet provider here in Germany (which it is), I am just pondered whether to use my own and stop paying a monthly rental charge.Edited by RedWhiteMonkey on Wednesday 5th November 11:03
RedWhiteMonkey said:
Thanks, I want to get rid of all boxes from the provider and just have my own. From what you say I don't think this is that simple, I suspect I'll need to talk to the providers, maybe there can change the coax to ethernet at the wall.
What is your motivation for trying to get rid of all of their boxes? More control? Better security? To get access to features they don't support? Aesthetics?RedWhiteMonkey said:
Is that aimed at me? If so, please re-read my original post, I said it was standard practice to rent a router from the internet provider here in Germany (which it is), I am just pondered whether to use my own and stop paying a monthly rental charge.
I read it as the other way around. Edited by RedWhiteMonkey on Wednesday 5th November 11:03
Well I guess I already gave my first-hand advice on all this, which I'm not sure you acknowledged.
But either way, it sounds like DSL would suit you much better as you can make a straight connection to ethernet. You might already have this installed in your building.
ATG said:
What is your motivation for trying to get rid of all of their boxes? More control? Better security? To get access to features they don't support? Aesthetics?
Mostly to get a better router, the one supplied is years old now and things have moved on. Having said that it probably still does all that need it to do. I don't like paying the monthly rent but I accept it would take a long time before that costs exceeds the cost of new router. Don't care about aesthetics, its all hidden away from view.I looked at my actual account last night and I think I can actually knock around 30% off my monthly bill by ditching a tv package that we pay for and don't really use. That then takes the monthly amount to a level that I cannot find a better deal for. So, I guess I've come full circle and the answer is to keep the existing router and cancel part of my existing contract.
Thanks for the advice anyway.
dan98 said:
I read it as the other way around.
Well I guess I already gave my first-hand advice on all this, which I'm not sure you acknowledged.
But either way, it sounds like DSL would suit you much better as you can make a straight connection to ethernet. You might already have this installed in your building.
? Not sure how my original post could be read the other way around. Anyway, doesn't really matter. Well I guess I already gave my first-hand advice on all this, which I'm not sure you acknowledged.
But either way, it sounds like DSL would suit you much better as you can make a straight connection to ethernet. You might already have this installed in your building.
We (6 apartments in my block) are all on coax cable, no DSL connection, but fibre optic is getting installed early next year (already installed up to the front of the building). The fibre optic deals are all more expensive than more existing my existing 250mb deal. If cable is fine for up to 1gb as you say then I guess I don't need to change it after all. 250mb is more than enough speed for us (at least until my son gets to online gaming age and starts complaining)
Thanks for the advice.
RedWhiteMonkey said:
ATG said:
What is your motivation for trying to get rid of all of their boxes? More control? Better security? To get access to features they don't support? Aesthetics?
Mostly to get a better router, the one supplied is years old now and things have moved on. Having said that it probably still does all that need it to do. I don't like paying the monthly rent but I accept it would take a long time before that costs exceeds the cost of new router. Don't care about aesthetics, its all hidden away from view.- just an example, see the many many other threads on here for routers/APs/mesh...
I would always recommend taking a wireless box behind the CPE and having that as your network perimeter. You can source cheap replacements and can use a Cat6 cable to connect the WAN port (get gigabit) to a LAN on the terminating device.
I actually use my CPE as my DMZ so have some servers in there......but I am probably a bit different.
I actually use my CPE as my DMZ so have some servers in there......but I am probably a bit different.
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