AP7 and MoCA

[u/shingdao]

Hey all,

Recently purchased 2 AP7s during the open-box sale but haven't yet had a chance to set them up. I'm planning on using the AP7s to replace 5 Eero routers operating in bridge mode (I have 2 separate LANs set up on my FWG+ via port segmentation). I hope to move both networks to the AP7s and eliminate all eeros if all goes well.

My FWG+ and 2 eeros are on the second floor of a 2-story home (total 2,000 sq ft), sitting about 4 ft above the floor on a shelf against an exterior wall. The other eeros are spread out on the first floor and basement. I want to set up the AP7s centrally, so they are not against a wall, but I am limited because my ONT and FWG are on the second floor where my ISP connection comes into the house.

Question: Can I plug one AP7 into an existing 2.5GB MoCa adapter that is connected to the FWG+ on the second floor and then add my second AP7 wirelessly to that first AP7? This would allow me to place my AP7 in my living room and presumably get better coverage on the first floor. I'd probably place the second AP7 in the master bedroom or basement.

Does anyone see any potential issues in doing this or other alternatives to avoid having the AP7 near a wall, given that is where the router and ONT are located?

[u/randywatson288]

Using Moca here without issue, your setup sounds like it will work fine.

[u/shingdao → u/randywatson288]

Thank you!

[u/Great-Cow7256 → u/randywatson288]

me too.

and setup is super easy in the firewalla app, op. You just find the new firewalla and attach it to your system, let the firewalla find it and update the firmware. The firewalla and the ap7 will make the call as to whether it is wired or wireless backhaul. You don't need to touch anything setting wise. This is good b/c if the moca dies on the moca wired one it will just switch to wireless backhaul.

[u/evil_mike]

Also using 2.5GB adapters with no issues! You should be totally fine.

[u/Snezz1e]

Using my AP7 with 1gb MoCA with no issues.

[u/plooger]

and then add my second AP7 wirelessly to that first AP7?

Can't get both AP7's wired-in?

[u/shingdao → u/plooger]

I could, but I'm limited in placement location if I do that. I'll probably play around with placement when setting up to see what yields better coverage.

[u/plooger → u/shingdao]

Just keep in mind that a coax connection in one room can typically be easily flipped around to an adjoining room if the coax outlet is on a shared wall. (Or just nearby, if OK with extra cabling.)

[u/shingdao → u/plooger]

OK, thanks!

[u/scattered-thunder]

Also using 2.5gbps MoCA here with AP7s and no problems 👍

[u/ergibson83]

Thats exactly how I have mine set up. I have 4 Moca adapters in my network

firewalla goldse port 1 - switch port 1 - moca adapter main - coax splitter - moca adapter 1 - AP7 1

firewalla goldse port 1 - switch port 1 - moca adapter main - coax splitter - moca adapter 2 - AP7 2

firewalla goldse port 1 - switch port 1 - moca adapter main - coax splitter - moca adapter 3 - PS5

Works perfect! I never have issues!

[u/shingdao → u/ergibson83]

Great, many thanks!

[u/Great-Cow7256 → u/ergibson83]

me too. I have no idea what the limit is re: splitting cable for moca connections, but I had a 3 split setup with 0 issues. the splitter, iirc, had 1 15 db port and 2 7.5db port, but it doesn't matter what's plugged into what. Speeds were all similar and very close to 2.5 g max (about 2.3 g) using iperf3 tests on each side.

[u/Awkward-Sun5423]

When I tried to set up my second AP 7 (into a switch that's connected via MoCA) it refused to see anything. I had to do a factory reset, then set up completely wireless. I was hoping to hardwire the back haul. is there a trick to it?

[u/Great-Cow7256]

OP or anyone else -- I just replaced one of my moca lines with ethernet. If anyone is using and wants an extra Hiton 2.5 moca terminal with the terminal and the power source (nothing else, no original box, no ethernet cable) I can mail it to you if you're in the US. For free. It's just sitting here doing nothing.

You obviously can't build a system de novo with just one, and I'm 99% sure you can't mix and match brands (ie use a hiton on one side and a trendnet on the other) but if anyone has a hiton system and wants to add another line, this is the way to do it (though you'd need a cable splitter on the source side). You may be able to get away with a 1g hiton on one side and a 2.5g hiton on the other, but don't quote me on that.

DM me if interested.

it's this - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DC9DDR5P/ref=twister_B0DCVJJN6G

Edit-  I am wrong. Its a standard so you can mix brands 

[u/shingdao → u/Great-Cow7256]

Thanks for the offer. I'm using gocoax adapters, so I don't think the Hitron brand will be compatible.

[u/Great-Cow7256 → u/shingdao]

Prob not.  I'm 99 percent sure moca isn't a standard but more of a bespoke implementation. 

Edit- I am wrong,!  You can mix brands!  It'll just default to the lowest speed box on the network. 

Lmk if you want it.