ntl Cable splitter

[aXelay]

Hi all,

I am definitely fed up with ntl constant disconnection. My current configuration uses a firewall (linux box) connected to a switch and to my set top box... Well when the connection goes down, I have to reboot the set top box AND the bloody firewall which takes ages

Anyway, I heard that those disconnection can be prevented if I use a modem instead of the set top box. However I don't want to loose the TV, so I thought about a Cable splitter (can be found on ebay for £3.00 inc. P&P).

Does anybody have experience with that ? Does it work as it should ? What about the ntl billing (they gonna charge me twice ?) Apparently I can register 3 MAC address with ntl and last time I called them, they confirmed I use only one...

Please help me

[Nikko]

I think you need to call CS/TS to establish where the fault lies, they can then arrange a SACM if they deem it neccessary - this will have a properly installed and level-adjusted signal - I can't see a DIY job succeeding here, regardless of the rules - go the Official way!

Edit: Ooops sorry - to CF btw!

[andrew_wallasey]

IF you put a splitter on it could screw up your signal levels because the normal splitters used lower your signal by around 3dB

[ian@huth]

No point in buying a cable splitter when you haven't got a modem to connect through it. Give NTL a call as already suggested.

[aXelay]

Well I have a modem as well as a set top box... Just never used the modem but might give it a shot unplugging the box to see if it helps...

So you guys reckon it won't work... OK so does anybody know the costs involved for ntl to put me a second cable point ?

/me disappointed
Thx for the welcome though

[ian@huth]

Originally Posted by aXelay

Well I have a modem as well as a set top box... Just never used the modem but might give it a shot unplugging the box to see if it helps...

So you guys reckon it won't work... OK so does anybody know the costs involved for ntl to put me a second cable point ?

/me disappointed
Thx for the welcome though

What modem is it?

[zovat]

Originally Posted by aXelay

Well I have a modem as well as a set top box... Just never used the modem but might give it a shot unplugging the box to see if it helps...

So you guys reckon it won't work... OK so does anybody know the costs involved for ntl to put me a second cable point ?

/me disappointed
Thx for the welcome though

Unfortunately, even if you do manage to split the cable, maintain the right Signal strength and plug in you CM it will not work..

The NTL systems are linked to the MAC address of the device, and as such you would need to register the CM with NTL to get it enabled.

I would recommend contacting NTL and getting them to supply and fit a CM for you. (when they did mine, they put the drop into the room I requested as part of the install.

Not sure whether/how much they charge to move you over to CM, but I can't imagine it being too much, and it will be well worth it in the end..

[DeadKenny]

Originally Posted by andrew_wallasey

IF you put a splitter on it could screw up your signal levels because the normal splitters used lower your signal by around 3dB

I took mine off as it was causing trouble. I've also unhooked the FM feed and put a terminator cap on that just in case that affects it too (P.S. Unterminated connectors can also responsible for dodgy signals).

Thankfully as I got fed up of waiting for digital TV a long while back I went with Sky instead so I only need one cable for the modem (still the signal was screwed though... turned out in the end the damn cable was actually split off my neighbours!! I'd even had a new cable pulled when I got my 2nd phone line installed... as that was also split of my neighbour!, but they didn't bother to connect the new coax they pulled! Hopeless. Took a year to sort out all my signal hassles even after they'd connected things properly).

[aXelay]

Thank you all for your answers...
So in the end I'll be better off with a CM as well as the set top box...

So you can assure me I won't need to reboot this flipping firewall anymore then ?