signal levels and splitter question

I usually refer to this for signal level specs. 

The reason your running into different answers is because there is one DOCSIS standard which you see in all the modem data sheets, and then different markets, ISPs, etc have their own tolerances that they try to aim for above that. Also, DOCSIS 3.0 modems require "tighter" specs, meaning closer to optimal. That goes for phone modems too, but that's more of a procedure requirement. Another words, it gets complicated.

As for not using splitters, in general, I agree with the representative. Best case scenario, you want the cable coming from the pole, to a electrical ground (for safety), then into the modem. When you say " In the box outside the internet line and cable line are attached...." could you explain? There would be no difference between a cable line and a internet line,they are both coaxial with signal going over it, but if you do have two physical wires coming from the pole to your house, then you have what you need for best case scenario. I think that "reverse splitter" is redundant and not optimal. Are you sure one wire isn't from a Satellite TV dish?

I am not totally sure but I will try to explain.  The first time, they guy could not figure it out at all and did nothing there so when the second two techs came, I was with them outside.  

There is a box outside of my garage.  In the box are wires for the four houses. I have no clue where they come from but I can try to trace it visually.  He immediately grabbed two different (Big)bunches - I could not tell if there were splitters on those but I think one pile was - - that's what it looked like to me.

He said it's because I have multiple TV's and went on to say if I had 6 TV's, I would have a bunch of splitters because that is the way it's done and there is no way around it.

So maybe I am incorrect about the internet and cable but I thought he said that one bunch was for cable and the other for internet.

The Pile 1 wires coming from somewhere had a splitter in the bunch. For sure.  Based on what he was telling me,  I assumed that bunch was the cable TV line because I have 2 other TV's with cable. ??

Pile two looked like one wire.

(I can look in the box tomm to be sure) and even take a pic if that will help.

Both of those piles were attached to a splitter and I questioned it and was told there is no other way. That splitter (reverse of whatever) becomes one wire and the cable guy claimed that wire is what comes out of the wall in the living room.  

The wire that comes out the wall is attached to a splitter. One goes to cable box, the other to the modem.

So --- should I look where the wires are coming from before they get to the box.

They definitely were not satellite.  I asked and asked and he made a point of pointing out that the two bunches were "mine"

What should I do next?  And thanks.

Miz.Chellie said:
There is a box outside of my garage.  In the box are wires for the four houses

Could you explain this? Are all 4 houses yours? Or is it like a duplex or something? If the drop (line from pole) is being used to feed 4 customers, that could be a problem right there.

Miz.Chellie said:
He said it's because I have multiple TV's and went on to say if I had 6 TV's, I would have a bunch of splitters because that is the way it's done and there is no way around it.

It sounds like he is saying each outlet is set up in daisey chain or "loop wired". This page does a decent job describing the difference. But instead of the splitters in each room, there is multiple splitters in the box on the side of the house? If so, this is NOT preferable...and quite frankly doesn't even make sense. If you have separate cable coming from each room to that box, why not just have a 6way splitter? 

Miz.Chellie said:
one bunch was for cable and the other for internet.

This sounds more like what should be there, but conflicts with the explanation above.  Typically you take the line coming from the street, split it once via 2way splitter, have one go direct to the room with the cable modem, and have the other go to a second 6way splitter that then feeds the 6 separate lines that go to the different CATV's. This is to make sure the purest signal possible is making it to the modem, and allows for the use of a Ampifier to feed the 6way splitter without causing problems with the signal going to the modem. 

Miz.Chellie said:
(I can look in the box tomm to be sure) and even take a pic if that will help.

Yea, I think that would help alot. Could be were just over thinking it, but my guess is you have some kind of unusual wiring configuration because of the 4 different houses, and thats what is causing the problem. Given that even the technicians on site are having a hard time understanding it, Its no wonder your having a hard time trying to describe it. 

Thanks SO MUCH for helping me and explaining.  I am fairly technically proficient but not with wiring..  It's four houses attached. The box outside holds the wiring for all four units.

I am going to thoroughly read the link but just quickly looking at it, I'd say it;s loop wired. It's been in place for 17+ years but when I read the home run wiring diagram, it says the splitters would be in the outside box.

Hmmm.

(I know that long ago I wanted CATV in one of the other bedrooms and was told I could not have it because there was no wiring and they'd have to split the wire from one of the other rooms and bring it to the other room and they did not recommend it)

I will take a pic tomm and post and then you should better be able to decipher.

Thanks again.

Health Edge - is there anyway to PM you.  I have one quick thing that I do not want to post on an open forum. 

Yes, just to be clear, I am NOT a moderator, or in anyway connected to Cox. Just a bored nerd who likes to help. Keeps my technology brain sharp. 

Is it private, as in something personal to your account? If so, its probably better to discuss it with one of the moderators. If your just looking to show me the picture of the wires or something (and don't want to post it public) feel free to email me at testsmith@cox.net.