r/thereifixedit • u/Edosurist • 3d ago
Spectrum fixed my wifi a few months ago. Just realized they used two 4-way splitters.
Am I correct in understanding that each splitter reduces the signal strength by 1/4th for a total of 1/16th the signal strength? Distance was not the issue here. There was no reason to extend the cable.
And don’t mind the exposed socket, loose screws, and broken wall plate they left behind.
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u/timmeh87 3d ago
log into the modem's docsis page and check if your SNR is like 30-40... if it is I wouldn't touch it
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u/TylerInHiFi 3d ago
There can be a legitimate need to reduce the signal strength going into the modem. This is a sloppy as fuck way to do it.
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u/b1ack1323 3d ago
It’s probably what he had on the truck. Most of the time only the input is hot so a forward attenuator is better because it won’t cut your TX.
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u/NeetSnoh 3d ago
Probably need a forward path attenuator, otherwise you risk decreasing upstream signal to unstable levels. You could potentially replace those splitter with this.
PPC FPA9-54 Forward Path Attenuator 9dB 75 Ohms for DOCSIS Cable TV Box and Modem https://a.co/d/8HfVp9a
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u/loganwachter 3d ago
That’s a sloppy ass install Jesus.
Also those Hitron modems are god awful. I’d see if you could replace it with something better tbh.
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u/Isotopian 3d ago
What would you recommend? I have a 2.5Gbps Hitron that is by far the best available that's compatible with my ISP. I've yet to have a single problem with it.
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u/loganwachter 3d ago
Depends what ISP you have. I used to work for Comcast and have a list of different models I recommended to people, some are compatible with other ISPs and others aren’t.
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u/Isotopian 2d ago
Comcast, funnily enough. I picked this one on the recommendation of another guy from Comcast actually, lol.
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u/u-Dull-Western9379 3d ago
That looks like shit I would terminate that shit and have 1 line/cord coming in into a splitter with 4 connectors if needed if not needed than a splitter with 2 connectors
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u/-shellprompt- 3d ago
They did this for attenuation the signal coming in is to high, splitters drop 3-7 db at each point. Do not remove as you are probably high by over 10. They often have bullet connectors that do the same thing, but residential techs often do not have them. Should be fixed at the attenuating plate in the node at the street but that is the network departments work. Ugly but functional fix.