Cisco 4742HDC, 9865HDC, 8742HDC, 8642HDC, 4642HDC Installation Reference Manual

MoCA Installation and
Troubleshooting Reference Guide

Overview

Introduction

This document contains installation guidelines, performance verification steps,
and troubleshooting measures for devices that support a multi-room network
over Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA®). Multi-room networks allow client
devices (non-DVR set-tops) to stream content from a server device (DVR set-top)
that has recorded linear content.

Features

Support is provided for the following features on each MoCA device:

 Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) content

 Between two nodes, a streaming rate of greater than 250 Mbps (PHY rate)

 Trick modes (FF, REW, SLO-MO, and PAUSE)

 Up to three clients per server

MoCA Devices

The information in this guide applies to the following MoCA devices:

DVRs

 9865HDC set-tops

 8742HDC and 8642HDC set-tops

Non-DVRs

 4742HDC and 4642HDC set-tops

 1642HDC set-tops

Purpose

After reading this document, you will understand where to install the MoCA POE
(Point of Entry) filter and MoCA set-tops with respect to cable splitters and
amplifiers. You will also be able to verify links between MoCA set-tops and
troubleshoot faulty installations.

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Installation Basics

Scope

This document does not address MoCA-compliant cable modem gateways. This
document only addresses standalone DOCSIS 2.0 and DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems
that are not MoCA compliant.

Audience

This document is intended for field technicians.

Audience

This document is intended for field technicians.

[

Document Version

This is the third formal release of this document.

In This Document

 Installation Basics ....................................................................................................... 3

 Home Wiring Examples ............................................................................................. 4

 Performance Verification ........................................................................................... 7

 Preventing Interference with Cable Modems ....................................................... 12

 Installation Problems ................................................................................................ 13

 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................ 17

 Appendix A ............................................................................................................... 19

 Appendix B ................................................................................................................ 22

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Installation Basics

Installation Basics

A basic installation procedure involves the following:

 Install the MoCA Point of Entry (POE) filter

 Check QAM levels at each outlet

 Boot the set-tops and verify the MoCA links

These topics are covered in the following sections.

Install POE Filter

The POE filter is a 1002 MHz low-pass filter which is installed at the subscriber drop.
It prevents interference between MoCA devices in homes connected to the same tap.
As shown in Basic Installation (on page 4), you should connect the POE filter
between the ground block and the splitter.

Verify QAM Levels

Verify that the QAM signal level of the highest frequency QAM channel (i. e.,
channel 158) is adequate at each outlet used in the installation. If this is not the case,
the home wiring should be corrected before continuing.

Verify MoCA Links

Set-tops should automatically form a MoCA network after two or more MoCA
devices boot up. Once a set-top has joined the network, its MoCA link indicator*
illuminates (see the front-panel call-outs in the set-top guides listed below):

 Cisco Explorer 9800 Hybrid Video Gateway Series (part number OL-26440-01) for the

9865HDC set-tops

 Cisco Explorer 8640HD, 8642HD, 8650HD, and 8652HD High-Definition DVR Set-

Tops Quick Reference (part number 78-4026879-01) for the 8640HD and 8642HD
set-tops

 Cisco Explorer 8640HDC, 8642HDC, 8650HDC, and 8652HDC High-Definition Set-

Tops with Multi-Stream CableCARD (M-Card) Interface Quick Reference (part
number 78-4026878-01) for the 8642HDC set-tops

 Cisco Explorer 4642HD and 4652HD High-Definition Set-Tops Quick Reference (part

number 78-4029078-02) for the 4642HD set-tops

 Cisco Explorer 4642HDC and 4652HDC High-Definition Set-Tops with Multi-Stream

CableCARD Interface Quick Reference (part number 78-4029076-01) for the
4642HDC set-tops

* The 164x set-tops do not have a MoCA indicator. To verify the MoCA link, you must refer to DRIVERS

- MoCA SUMMARY PG 1 (see Node Summary and Network Summary (on page 8)).

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Home Wiring Examples

Home Wiring Examples

The diagrams in this section show home wiring examples that typically provide
good MoCA performance.

Note: As in each of these diagrams, the POE filter should always be installed before
the first split.

Basic Installation

With Cable Modem (Example A)

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Home Wiring Examples

With Cable Modem (Example B)

With Home Amplifier

Important: Home amplifiers can cause MoCA problems. You should use a MoCA­compliant amplifier when an amplifier is required. (A MoCA-compliant amplifier
has an internal POE filter, as shown in the diagram.)

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Home Wiring Examples

With Long Cable Runs

Note: The POE filter should be as close to the coaxial distribution point as possible.

TP-00116-01 7

Performance Verification

Performance Verification

MoCA performance is verified by viewing the set-top diagnostic screens. To enter
diagnostic mode, follow one of the following procedures based on the set-top you
are using.

For 87xx, 86xx 46xx, and 16xx Set-Tops

1 Press and hold the set-top power button until the power indicator flashes.
2 Release the power button.
3 Press the power button again. The first diagnostic page opens.
4 Scroll to the MoCA diagnostic screens. The first one is called DRIVERS - MOCA

SUMMARY PG1.

 To scroll through the diagnostic screens, press the set-top volume control

buttons (86xx and 46xx set-tops) or the Page Up/Down buttons on the
remote (164x set-tops).

 To exit diagnostic mode, press the set-top Exit button (86xx and 46xx

set-tops) or the Exit button on the remote (164x set-tops).

Use the following diagnostic information to verify the performance of each MoCA
set-top in the home. Start with the DVR set-top, since its performance is critical to the
non-DVR set-tops that depend on it for multi-room content distribution.

Note: Each set-top is referred to as a MoCA node; a given set-top refers to itself as
the local node. See Appendix A (on page 19) for definitions of all MoCA diagnostic
screen parameters.

For 9865 Set-Tops

1 Press and hold the EXIT button on the remote until the power indicator flashes.
2 Press the remote down button () twice.
3 Press the number 2 on the remote. The diagnostic menu opens.
4 Scroll down to the Home Networking menu selection (this is where the MoCA

diagnostics are).

 Access the Home Networking pages using the remote left () and right ()

arrows.

 Pages 4 - 7 have useful MoCA diagnostic information.
 To exit diagnostic mode, press the EXIT button on the remote.

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Performance Verification

Node Summary and Network Summary

To view Node Summary and Network Summary statistics, scroll to the first MoCA
diagnostics page, DRIVERS - MoCA SUMMARY PG 1. Then verify the desired field
values as shown in the table.

Field Name

Description

Possible Values

Enable

Indicates whether MoCA is
enabled on this set-top

 True—preferred value
 False

Note: Status is controlled at the

headend.

Brdcast PHY
Rate

Data rate used for packets
broadcast to all other nodes

 [Integer > 0]

Note: Minimum value is 200 Mbps,

lower rates require fixing the home
coaxial wiring.

Wait at least 30 seconds after Link
Up is achieved then verify

Broadcast PHY Rate.

Status

Status of the MoCA network

 Link Up—preferred value
 No Link
 Disabled

Note: Link Up indicates that the

node has successfully joined the
network.

Link Privacy

Indicates the status of Link
Privacy

 Enabled—preferred value
 Disabled

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Performance Verification

Field Name

Description

Possible Values

RF Channel

Channel center frequency of
the MoCA network (in MHz)

 Value: 1150

The RF channel frequency is
typically 1150 MHz. If it is not,
record the frequency for
comparison with other devices on
the network.

Node Statistics

To view Node Statistics, scroll to DRIVERS - MoCA SUMMARY PG 2A and
DRIVERS - MoCA SUMMARY PG 2B. Then verify the desired field values as shown
in the table.

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Performance Verification

Field Name

Description

Possible Values

TX Unicast
PHY Rate
(Mbps)

Transmit rate from the local
node* to each other node in the
network.

 [Integer > 0]

Note: Minimum value is 200 Mbps,

lower rates require fixing the home
coaxial wiring.

Wait at least 30 seconds after Link
Up is achieved.

Broadcast
PHY Rate
(Mbps)

Broadcast rate from each other
node in the network to the local
node*.

 [Integer > 0]

Note: Minimum value is 200 Mbps,

lower rates require fixing the home
coaxial wiring.

Approx Path
Loss (dB)

Approximate loss from each
node to the local node.

 [Integer > 0]

Important: Losses greater than 50

dB requires fixing the home wiring.

*In this example, the local node is 5, noted by the absence of data in the fields adjacent to the
node number.

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Performance Verification

Interface Info

To verify that the MoCA IF IP and MoCA IF mask have been assigned, scroll to
DRIVERS - MoCA SUMMARY PG 3. Then verify the desired field values as shown
in the table.

Field Name

Description

Possible Values

MoCA IF IP

IP address acquired using HHCP
or IPv4 Link-Local Protocol

 [Network-dependent]

Note: After Link Up, the set-top

automatically acquires an IP
address from a DHCP server in a
MoCA device. If none of the MoCA
Devices have DHCP enabled, the
set-top will acquire an IP address
using IPv4 Link-Local Protocol.

MoCA IF
Mask

Subnet mask of the MoCA IF IP

 [Network-dependent]

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Preventing Interference with Cable Modems

Preventing Interference with Cable Modems

Some cable modems can be affected by the MoCA signal. If interference is suspected,
attach a POE filter to the F-connector of the cable modem. This attenuates the MoCA
signal at the cable modem.

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Installation Problems

Installation Problems

There are several home wiring configurations that can cause a low PHY rate
(physical layer bit rate) and other problems. The most common of these
configurations and possible solutions are discussed in the following sections.

MoCA Path Through Amplifier

Problem

In the diagram below, MoCA Device 1 is connected off the initial split to the cable
modem, while the other MoCA devices are connected after a home amplifier. This
configuration is not allowed.

Consequently, MoCA network transmissions between MoCA Device 1 and the other
MoCA devices must traverse the reverse isolation of the home amplifier.
Furthermore, the MoCA signal travelling in the other direction may cause distortion
in the home amplifier and affect video reception on CATV channels.

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Installation Problems

Solution

A solution is to re-route the cable wiring so that MoCA Device 1 is connected to the
output of the home amplifier.

In addition to keeping all MoCA devices on the output side of the amplifier, you
should use a MoCA-compliant amplifier when an amplifier is required. (A MoCA­compliant amplifier has an internal POE filter, as shown in the diagram.)

TP-00116-01 15

Installation Problems

Multi-Dwelling

Problem

The diagram below shows an apartment wiring closet with multiple apartments fed
by the same 8-way splitter. The 8-way splitter prevents installing the MoCA POE
filter to isolate apartments.

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Installation Problems

Solution

The solution shown in the diagram below implements the same number of splits in
such a way as to allow for installation of the MoCA POE filter. With this solution,
each MoCA network is confined to its associated apartment.

TP-00116-01 17

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

This section contains troubleshooting measures for link loss, high path loss, and low
PHY rates.

No Link

If there is no MoCA link, check the following:

1 On MoCA SUMMARY PG 1 (see Node Summary and Network Summary (on

page 8)):

 Verify that Enable is True. If Enable is False, ask a headend operator to set

the value to True.

 If Link Privacy is enabled, note the LP checksum value. All nodes must have

the same LP checksum value.

 Verify that the RF channel frequency is the same for all nodes and that the RF

channel frequency does not change value (hunt).

If any of these conditions are not met, there may be a configuration problem on
one or more set-tops.

2 At each outlet that feeds a MoCA device, measure the level of the highest

channel on the system (channel 158). If the level is below the specified minimum,
correct the home wiring.

3 Check for a home amplifier between MoCA devices (see MoCA Path Through

Amplifier (on page 13)). If present, rewire as shown in the solution diagram.

4 Splitters—Check if any splitter feeds a single MoCA device (as opposed to

multiple devices). If possible, remove the splitter and connect both devices at the
next upstream splitter. Otherwise, verify that the splitter is rated for at least 1000
MHz. If not, replace the splitter.

5 Coaxial Surge Arrestors—Check for a coaxial surge arrestor on the cable feeding

the set-top, and remove if present. Typically, coaxial surge arrestors are part of
an AC power strip outlet. Using this device for the AC surge is acceptable, but
DO NOT USE THE COAXIAL SURGE ARRESTOR.

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Troubleshooting

Low PHY Rates

If the PHY rate is low, check the following:

1 Make sure to wait at least 30 seconds after link is achieved to check the PHY rate.
2 Check the path loss shown on MoCA SUMMARY PG 2B (see Node Statistics (on

page 9)). If any path losses are greater than 50 dB, connect a level meter to the
coaxial cable and measure the level of the highest channel on the system (channel

158). If the level is below the specified minimum, correct the home wiring.

3 Check for a home amplifier between MoCA devices (see MoCA Path Through

Amplifier (on page 13)). If present, implement one of the recommended

solutions.

4 Daisy chained splitters—Check if any splitter feeds a single MoCA device as

opposed to multiple devices. If possible, remove the splitter and connect both
devices at the next upstream splitter. Otherwise, verify that the splitter is rated
for at least 1000 MHz. If not, replace the splitter.

5 Long cable runs—Check if any MoCA devices have cable runs longer than 300

feet between two MoCA devices. If possible, reduce the cable length. If RG-59
cable is used, replace with RG-6.

Note: For a comparison of the relative signal loss characteristics between RG-59
and RG-6, see Appendix B (on page 22).

6 Coaxial Surge Arrestors—Check for a coaxial surge arrestor on the cable feeding

the set-top, and remove if present.

Note: See Appendix B (on page 22) for information on MoCA PHY rates vs.
receiver sensitivity.

High Path Loss

See Low PHY Rates (on this page), steps 3–6.

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Appendix A

Appendix A

The following tables describe all of the fields and possible values that can appear on
the TV when you are reviewing MoCA diagnostic screens. They can be useful for
troubleshooting MoCA issues.

DRIVERS - MoCA SUMMARY PG 1

Field Name

Description

Possible Values

Node ID

The local node ID

 [Range: 0 – N] where N = 15 for

MoCA 1.1

Enable

Indicates whether MoCA is
enabled on this set-top

 True—preferred value
 False

Note: Status is controlled at the

headend.

Brdcast PHY
Rate

Data rate used for packets
broadcast to all other nodes

 [Integer > 0]

Note: Minimum value is 200 Mbps,

lower rates require fixing the home
coaxial wiring.

Wait at least 30 seconds after Link
Up is achieved then verify

Broadcast PHY Rate.

MoCA Version

Version of the MoCA standard
supported by the set-top

 [Set-top-dependent]

LOF

Last Operational Frequency (in
MHz). The set-top will
automatically default to this
frequency after a reboot.

 [Integer > 0]

Note: This is typically equal to the

RF channel.

MAC Address

MAC address of the MoCA
interface

 Based on the STB RF MAC on the

back of the set-top.

Example: If the STB RF MAC of

the set-top is 00:1E:6B:D2:4D:4C,
the MoCA interface MAC is
20:1E:6B:D2:4D:4C.

Status

Status of the MoCA network

 Link Up—preferred value
 No Link
 Disabled

Note: Link Up indicates that the

node has successfully joined the
network.

Up Time

Length of time that the Status
has been at Link Up

 [Time]

Example: 3h 10m 6s

Link Privacy

Indicates the status of Link
Privacy

 Enabled—preferred value
 Disabled

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Appendix A

Field Name

Description

Possible Values

LP Checksum

Link Privacy Checksum value

 [Integer > 0]

Important: For two or more

devices to form a MoCA network,
their LP checksums must match,

when Link Privacy is enabled.

Number of
Nodes

Number nodes present on the
MoCA network, not including
the current node

 [Integer ≥ 1]

The total number of nodes in the
network is the Number of Nodes +

1.

RF Channel

Channel center frequency of
the MoCA network (in MHz)

 Value: 1150 MHz

Note: The RF channel frequency

is 1150 MHz. If it is not, record the
frequency for comparison with
other devices on the network.

NC Node ID

Node ID of the network
coordinator

 [Range: 0 – N] where N = 15 for

MoCA 1.1

DRIVERS - MoCA SUMMARY PG 2A

Field Name

Description

Possible Values

TX Unicast
PHY Rate
(Mbps)

Transmit rate from the local node
to each other node in the
network (in Mbps)

 [Integer > 0]

Note: Minimum value is 200 Mbps,

lower rates require fixing the home
coaxial wiring.

Wait at least 30 seconds after Link
Up is achieved.

Broadcast
PHY Rate
(Mbps)

Broadcast PHY rate of each
remote node (other than this set­top/node) in the MoCA network
(in Mbps)

 [Integer > 0]

Note: Minimum value is 200 Mbps,

lower rates require fixing the home
coaxial wiring.

DRIVERS - MoCA SUMMARY PG 2B

Field Name

Description

Possible Values

Local Node
Rx Level
(dBm)

Receive level from each other
node to the local node.

 [Integer < 0]

Approx Path
Loss (dB)

Approximate loss from each
node to the local node.

 [Integer > 0]

Important: Losses greater than 50

dB can indicate a problem with the
home wiring. These problems must
be fixed so that the losses are less
than 50 dB.

TP-00116-01 21

Appendix A

DRIVERS - MoCA SUMMARY PG 3

Field Name

Description

Possible Values

MoCA IF IP

IP address acquired using DHCP
or IPv4 Link-Local Protocol

 [Network-dependent]

Note: After Link Up, the DHCT

automatically acquires an IP
address from a DHCP server in a
MoCA device. If none of the MoCA
devices have DHCP enabled, the
DHCT acquires an IP address
using IPv4 Link-Local Protocol.

MoCA IF
Mask

Subnet mask of the MoCA IF IP

 [Network-dependent]

Tx Pkts

Number of Ethernet packets
transmitted by this node since
MoCA link up

 [Integer > 0]

Tx Pkts Drop

Number of transmitted Ethernet
packets dropped by this node
since MoCA link up

 [Integer > 0]

Rx Pkts

Number of Ethernet packets
received by this node since
MoCA link up

 [Integer > 0]

Rx Pkts
Corrected

Number of Ethernet packets with
errors corrected by this node
since MoCA link up

 [Integer > 0]

Rx Pkts Drop

Number of Ethernet packets with
errors dropped by this node
since MoCA link up

 [Integer > 0]

22 TP-00116-01

Appendix B

Appendix B

This appendix has information on MoCA signal attenuation characteristics and link
quality.

MoCA PHY Rate vs. Receiver Sensitivity

The MoCA transmitter adjusts its bit rate automatically, depending on channel
quality, to maintain a low bit error rate (BER) at the MoCA receiver. For that reason,
the PHY rate is a measure of link quality. PHY rate vs. receive level is plotted in the
diagram below.

Cable Loss at 1150 MHz.

This table shows the loss characteristics for RG-59 and RG-6 cable at 1150 MHz.

Cable

Loss per 100 feet at 1150 MHz.

RG-59

8.7 dB

RG-6

7.0 dB

For Information

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May 2015 Part Number

TP-00116-01