We recommend some form of MoCA security if you have cable Internet service, especially if you are located within 150 yards (137 meters) of another home with cable Internet service. If instead you have FiOS or some other form of fiber optic Internet service, you already have MoCA security so you don't need to read this section.
MoCA security for cable Internet service comes from either of the following:
- Add a PoE filter where the coax cable enters your home. This prevents your MoCA signal from being transmitted to one of your neighbors.
- Program all your MoCA devices with the same MoCA security key.
For most people the PoE filter is easier and better. The PoE filter doesn't interfere with your TV and Internet, but does prevent your MoCA signals from traveling to your neighbors. You need to put the PoE Filter where the coax cable enters your home, before that cable branches off to connect to your TV sets, cable modem, and other devices. We suggest that you connect a PoE Filter now. (Some MM1000 models include a PoE filter.) If you find that a PoE Filter is already installed, don't install a second one.
When installing the PoE Filter, you'll do the following:
- Check that nobody in your home is watching TV or using the Internet, because you will interrupt them.
- Disconnect the coax cable as near as possible to where it comes into your home. This is usually inside your home, but may be outside your home. Sometimes the coax cable goes into a splitter, and sometimes it connects to something else.
- Connect that same coax cable to one end of the PoE Filter.
- Connect the other end of the PoE Filter to the coax connector where you disconnected the coax cable.
Using A Security Key With Your MoCA Adapter
If for some reason you can't use a PoE filter, you can add security by programming the same security key into each and every one of your MoCA devices. If you are using a MoCA device from another manufacturer, verify that the device does support security. Many MoCA devices do not support security. For ones that do, please consult their instruction manual.
To program security into a Motorola MM1000, you need to plug a computer into the Ethernet port of that MM1000. Then you follow the steps below for a Windows or Mac computer.
Windows users should follow these steps:
- Hold down the Windows key
and then press the keyboard letter R to bring up the Windows Run dialog box. - Type ncpa.cpl in the Windows run dialog box and press OK.
- The Network Connections window will open. Windows 10 or 8 users should right click on the adapter labeled Ethernet and select Properties. For Windows 7 users the adapter may be labeled Local Area Connection. Click on that and select Properties. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then click Properties.
- In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog box, select Use the following IP address. Enter 192.168.0.5 as the IP address and 255.255.255.0 as the Subnet mask, and then press OK.
Mac Users should follow these steps:
- From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
- Select Network. The Network window will appear.
- From the sidebar, select the Ethernet interface then click Advanced.
- Select the TPC/IP tab.
- Change Configure IPv4 to Manually. Enter 192.168.0.5 for the IPv4 address and 255.255.255.0 for the Subnet Mask and then click OK.
Now bring up your computer's browser, type 192.168.0.2 into the browser's address bar, and then press Enter. The Security page of the MoCA Adapter's Web interface will appear. If the Device Info page appears instead of the Security page, you need to upgrade your software to Version 1.0.0.8 or later before proceeding. The latest software can be found here.
To turn on encryption, select On in the drop down box and enter a password with 12 to 17 numbers. Re-enter the password to confirm it and then click Submit. You must power cycle your MoCA Adapter, off and then on, so the changes take effect.
When you've finished programming a MoCA Adapter, disconnect the computer and plug the MoCA Adapter back into its original connection to your network. Now program all your other MoCA devices with the same security key. Once you've programmed all your MoCA devices with the security key, check to make sure that your network is working properly. Note that if your cable modem/router has MoCA built in, you'll need to program that device's MoCA with the same security key.
Once you have confirmed that your network is ready, don't forget to change your PC back to a dynamic IP address. To do this, first follow steps 1–4 above for your Windows or Mac PC. Window's users should then select Obtain an IP address automatically, and click OK. Mac users should change Configure IPv4 to Using DHCP and click OK.