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 MM1025 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Connect that same coax cable to one end of the PoE Filter.
  3. Connect the other end of the PoE Filter to the coax connector where you disconnected the coax cable.

PoE filter connection diagram

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 MM1025 follow these steps:

  1. Connect the ethernet port of a computer directly into the Ethernet port of the MM1025 using an ethernet cable.
  2. Then configure your computer’s network settings as follows

    Windows users should follow these steps:

    • Hold down the Windows key Windows key icon 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.
    • Right click on the adapter labeled Ethernet (Windows 10 or 8) or Local Area Connection (Windows 7) and select Properties .
    • Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then click Properties .
    • Select Use the following IP address and enter the following:

      IP address: 169.254.1.2
      Subnet mask: 255.255.255.252
      Default Gateway: 168.254.1.1

    • 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 and enter the following:

      IP address: 169.254.1.2
      Subnet mask: 255.255.255.252
      Default Gateway: 168.254.1.1

    • Press OK
  3. Type 169.254.1.1 into your internet browser's address bar, and then press Enter .
  4. Log into the interface by entering the user name admin and the password Key2&cce55
  5. On the Security page 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 .
  6. Power cycle your MoCA Adapter, off and then on, so the changes take effect.
  7. Disconnect the computer and plug the MoCA Adapter back into its original connection to your network.

Once you have confirmed that your network is ready, change your PC back to a dynamic IP address. To do this, follow the first 4 steps above for your Windows or Mac PC and select Obtain an IP address automatically (for windows) or Configure IPv4 to Using DHCP (for Mac) and click OK .

Now follow the instructions that came with your other MoCA devices to program them 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.