"signal booster"

Does anyone know if it is possible to install my own signal booster so that I can use my Surfboard modem? I bought the service package & modem, but I don't seem to have enough signal strength in the line (i.e. the main line, with no splitters installed). Obviously I can wait for the cable technician to arrive, but I don't feel like waiting! MK

Hi Mike,

I suffer the same problem.
my connections are:

1 ->2->3->4,5,6,7
1= incoming cable
2= antenna amplifier
3= 4-way splitter
4 = TV1
5 = TV2
6 = TV3
7 = PC cablemodem

7 says no modem signal

when I bypass #2 ie connect #1 and #3
I lose the optimal TV signal, but the cable modem
does work.

I am going to try the following:
- I ll disconnect my #7 from the 4way splitter.
- extra splitter on #1:
- one plug #1-to-#7 direct connect the PCmodem
- one plug #1-to-#3 (4way splitter)

if this works I will let you know

on second sight I misread your message

you actually need a singal booster you say
I am going to contact my cable guy to see if he knows how to boost (amplify) without the problem I decribed...

Thanks for the feedback. I tried a simple 26dB 'cable amplifier' from Radio Shack...no luck. I think I'm gonna have to wait for the Cablevision guru. What really sucks is that I just ran cable into three rooms & closed up the walls with sheetrock, etc. I bet that somehow I'm gonna have to open it back up to connect in my Cat5 wire (i.e. instead of using the cable jacks I'll need three RJ45 jacks)!! Who knows, maybe the cable guy can boost my signal to a level that allows me to hook up the modem to the line several splits after the fact. MK

I'm most ALL systems (and the recommended way by industry standards) is to run a home-run for the modem, i.e. a straight line from the first split to the modem. When you start splitting a modem line you are opening up a whole can of problems for yourself with connection quality.

I'm going to answer both of these.

For the first, you can, but it HAS to have bi-directional capability. 99% of the Radio Crap amps only allow downstream traffic. The amps we use are bi-directional. it will say right on the amp the upstream and downstream specifications.

As for the second one. The "normal" procedure would be to install a 2-way, bidirectional, 1000mhz splitter at the drop (the line from the pole to the house) where the cable comes in to the house for the first time. One line off the 2-way is for you modem, the other for the rest of the house. Next install the amp between the 2-way and a 3-way (or 4-way) for feeding the rest of the house.

You can add an Amp. BUT, the Amp MUST allow passive return. CHECK THE AMP DOCUMENTATION FIRST!