In an era where cord cutting is becoming more and more prevalent, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that all one needs for a strong signal on their internet connection is a cable modem.
Unfortunately, this line of thinking often leads to problems such as buffering and intermittent connection. While these problems may seem like they are the fault of your internet service provider, many times there is another reason for these issues to occur.
The problem lies in the cables that come with your modem. These cables typically do not have a very strong connection and can eventually lose their signal over time and/or due to bends and kinks in the wires.
The solution lies not in sacrificing quality for affordability but by simply using a simple amplifier to boost your signal strengths and improve overall performance.
Table of Contents
What is Cable Signal Amplifiers?
A cable signal amplifier is a device that boosts signal strengths to a much higher level than a standard cable modem. This type of technology ensures that your modem modem has no problem being able to provide faster speeds and consistent signal strength.
In short, it is a safety net for your internet connection’s performance during the crucial start-up period in which you are establishing connections with websites and online content providers.
How Do Cable Signal Amplifiers work?
As mentioned before, a cable signal amplifier acts as a safety net for your cable modem. While a cable modem will be able to provide strong signals for a period of time, over time the signal strength will wane.
While this may not seem like too much of an issue for simple web browsing and emailing, users who are streaming videos online will notice this drop in signal strength very quickly.
When this happens, the connection will become choppy and slow. This is because there is not enough information being sent to the user’s computer from the internet service provider’s end.
In order to fix this issue, a cable signal amplifier will boost your signal strength for a much longer period of time without compromising quality. Even a poor quality coaxial cable can be used with a signal amplifier because it can transmit information up to about 100 feet in length.
Components of Cable Signal Amplifiers:
The three main components that are used in cable signal amplifiers are splitters, amplifiers, and adapters.
1. Amplifiers:
Amplifiers are used in order to boost the signal coming from the service provider’s side of the cable line.
2. Splitters:
Splitters are used to split up the signals so that they can be sent to multiple devices inside of your home or office.
3. Adapters:
Adapters are designed in order to adapt the cable line’s connector so that it fits into your cable modem.
Buying the Right Cable Signal Amplifier:
As is the case with most products, there is a wide variety of options when it comes to cable signal amplifiers. While many people will choose to purchase an all-in-one device, this is not always the best solution in order to ensure that you are getting the right amount of service for your money.
To find the best possible signal booster for your needs, keep these tips in mind when shopping around. First, look for signals that provide a high dB gain.
Pros:
- A cable signal amplifier will ensure that your modem is able to boost signal strengths during the crucial first week of using your internet connection.
- By using a cable signal amplifier, you will have an uninterrupted connection during the day and night. This is especially important for those who are streaming videos on their computer or are part of online gaming communities where voice chat services are needed.
- Improves the signal strength of your cable modem
- Increases overall internet speed
- Eliminates buffering occurring during start up phase
Cons:
- Does not resolve issues with unstable or slow connections that may be due to other factors, such as an unstable line.
- A cable signal amplifier does not eliminate the need for a quality coaxial cable to be used in your modem.
- Not necessary for gigabit internet connections.
Do Cable Signal Amplifiers work for Internet?
In a word, yes. In fact, by using a cable signal amplifier, you will be able to achieve the same speeds as those on a fiber optic line without sacrificing quality.
The average cost of a cable signal amplifier will run the price of approximately $50 for one that is less than 3GHz and about $300 for one that is greater than 40GHz.
For cable signal amplifiers to be successful, they need to be installed by a professional. For more information on the installation of cable signal amplifiers, please visit Cable Signal Amplifiers Installation.
Conclusion:
Thanks to the cable signal amplifier, you will never have to worry about your internet connection’s performance during start up. Instead of having constant buffering and low quality streaming, you will be able to enjoy consistent and strong connections.
Do Cable Signal Amplifiers work for Internet? Yes! Cable Signal antenna amplifiers work for Internet and eliminate delays and poor signal so that your internet speeds are as fast as those on a fiber optic line without sacrificing quality.
FAQ:
Q: How does a cable amplifier work?
A: Cable amplifiers are designed to boost antenna or cable TV signals. When a cable signal comes into a house, it is generally strong enough for 2-3 devices.
Q: Do I need an amplifier for my cable modem?
A: If you are not experiencing issues, and/or you are not sure what your signal strength is, you do not need an amplifier for it. Cable amplifiers not only amplify the signal, but also any noise on the line, and introduce some return loss.
Q: Do I need a cable amplifier for my TV?
A: Cable amplifiers are designed to boost antenna or cable TV signals. When a cable signal comes into a house, it is generally strong enough for 2-3 devices. If you have more than that (including everything that is connected to a coax cable, like cable modems, TiVo, ReplayTV, DVRs, cable boxes), you may need a cable amplifier.
Q: What is the difference between a cable amplifier and a bi-directional amplifier?
A: Cable amplifiers not only amplify the signal, but also any noise on the line, and introduce some return loss. Bi-directional amplifiers only pass the signal back, they do not amplify the return signal – they even introduce some return loss (ustream signal loss typically about 1-2db).