SCTE 235 2017

Operational Practice for the Coexistence of DOCSIS 3.1 Signals and MoCA Signals in the Home Environment

DOCSIS® 3.1 signals and MoCA® signals can both exist at frequencies above 1 GHz. This operational practice explains how operators can use frequencies above 1 GHz for both types of services. MoCA versions 1.1 and 2.0 are included in the analysis. The three cases of how these signals may coexist are:

  • Overlapping
  • Adjacent
  • Non-overlapping

This document provides many recommendations for operational best practices for the coexistence between DOCSIS 3.1 signals and MoCA signals. Each recommendation is preceded with the text “Guideline” and is numbered. The guidelines are summarized in Section 12.

This document demonstrates that the hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network performance impacts the calculations. The initial conclusions are conservative in light of the ability of DOCSIS 3.1 technology to adapt to real-world environments. Final calculations are based on the selection of optimal DOCSIS 3.1 bit loading, which allows adequate performance with less isolation.

This document explains the need for sufficient isolation and suggests the proper location and required performance of filters. Filters are necessary in most architectures to:

  • Prevent MoCA signals from one residence from bridging to a nearby residence
  • Prevent overload of DOCSIS receivers and MoCA receivers

Filter locations can be at the consumer premises equipment (CPE) and/or at the point of entry (PoE).

Finally, home-run vs. loop-through architectures are explained, with the final recommendation that non-overlapping channels and home-run architectures be used whenever possible.