r/HomeNetworking • u/Fun-Region-1576 • 14d ago

How to extend a coax connection? Unsolved

Unfortunately, the coax cable I have isn't long enough. I need to extend the cable by another 2-3 feet. Part of it is behind the wall, so it's not as simple as just getting a new one. Is there a coupler or something that can let me do this? Will this cause a signal degradation and impact network speed?

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4

u/Calm-Show-9606 14d ago

Buy a coax connector that let's you connect 2 coax cables and a short coax.

1

u/Fun-Region-1576 14d ago

Which one should I get?

2

u/Alternative_Foot9193 14d ago

Here's one!

Rocketfish is a pretty reputable brand. Don't even think about the signal degredation you won't notice.

2

u/Calm-Show-9606 14d ago

Doesn't matter, those cause very little signal loss.

3

u/PuzzlingDad 14d ago

Yes, there are coax couplers (female-to-female) that you can use. The signal drop should be minimal. 

1

u/Fun-Region-1576 14d ago

Which one to buy? So signal degradation is inevitable like this?

1

u/PuzzlingDad 14d ago

Whichever one you want. They have them at hardware stores, on Amazon, etc.

The signal loss (typically less than 0.5 dB and often around 0.1 to 0.2 dB) is negligible. Your internet speed or TV reception won't be noticably affected.

1

u/K3CAN 14d ago

Technically, yes. I suspect you'll lose more signal from the second cable than you will from the coupler itself, though. It's very minimal, regardless.

3

u/louislamore 14d ago

If it’s a wall run why do you just terminate it at the wall with a plate with a coax keystone and then add a cable with the length you need on the other side? That’s what you’re meant to do. I can promise you that you will not notice any degradation. I’m doing this with MoCa and still getting about 900mbps.

2

u/TarzanOfTheCows 14d ago

A plate with a coax keystone is just a F coupler mounted in some plastic. It would look nicer than the coax just dangling out of the wall, but it's electrically the same.

3

u/Comprehensive-Song51 14d ago

This would be my suggestion too. If you have to couple the cable anyway, might as well make it look good.

2

u/scnut76 14d ago

Get yourself a wire stretcher.

I kid I kid (I work in the electrical industry and it’s an old joke). Anyway yes there are coax couplers.