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Reddit mentions of Motorola Signal Booster 4-Port Cable Modem TV HDTV Amplifier with Active Return Cable Modem Boost
Sentiment score: 1
Reddit mentions: 1
We found 1 Reddit mentions of Motorola Signal Booster 4-Port Cable Modem TV HDTV Amplifier with Active Return Cable Modem Boost. Here are the top ones.
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- The BDA-K4/RA is a bi-directional active return cable TV amplifier designed for use in homes. Boosts signal by 5x forward, 2x reverse.
- An active return path boosts upstream signal for broadband devices such as set-top boxes and cable modems.
- Active return should not be used unless Upstream Modem power level is greater than 45 dBmV.
- Meets all applicable IEEE surge standards for all output ports, which enhances system reliability. Weather seal and protective coating allow use of the amplifier for indoor or outdoor applications. Connection cables not included.
- NOT FOR USE WITH SATELLITE DISH SYSTEMS. It will block the signal between the dish and receiver.
Features:
Specs:
| Height | 3.56 Inches |
| Length | 5.13 Inches |
| Width | 4.75 Inches |
ANY cable will attenuate the signal, although higher quality cable will attenuate less per unit length. I'm not sure what the max run length is for consumer-grade coax (eg RG-6), but I know the max length per standard for most common ethernet (eg your computer's network card) is 100 meters.
You have a couple options. You could invest in some commercial grade equipment and run a fiber optic line from the house to the cabin. Put the modem in the cabin and then use the fiber to expand to your house. This is probably fairly expensive, but it'd be the most reliable option.
Depending on the lay of the land, you may also be able to use Wi-Fi to your advantage. If you have line-of-sight between the two buildings, and there are not any major obstructions, get a pair of wireless routers (I prefer Buffalo, but there are many) that have external antennas. Replace both with high-gain directional antennas, point them at each other and see if you can get enough signal to make it work.
Also, I just did a quick check- for video applications, RG-6U is listed out to 1500 feet. Note that your cable modem is probably going to require a cleaner signal than standard video, so there's still no guarantee. Make sure you buy a direct burial rated cable. RG-11 is more expensive and harder to work with, but it's higher quality and may be worth checking out.
Some sat TV forums indicate that they've used RG-6 out to about 250 feet, but I'm not sure how signal level on the LNBs compare to cable signal levels. You may also be able to use a cable amplifier like this to boost signal levels if it's not quite good enough. You may just have to buy some cable and see what happens.
Hopefully someone more familiar with cable systems can chime in and give you some better advice than I can.