Cable Splitting (-7db vs. -3.5db)

[PostMaster]

When my cable was originally installed they hooked it up to a 3 way
splitter. 2 of the outputs are listed as -7db (1 going to analog tv
in
bedroom and the other -7db to modem [30mb service at that time]. The
-3.5db to the HDTV in living room. I have my doubts that it was done
correctly to begin with.
I have a couple of different questions on the subject. Which is the
stronger signal and how would it be best to break it down to 4
outputs. If I split a -3.5db would it make two -7db or would
splitting
-7db make two -3.5db. Which is stronger? What is sufficient? I know
what a decibel is relating to sound but I have no idea how it relates
to data transfer speed. If someone could briefly explain the
difference.
I want most of my bandwidth to go to my modem and my HDbox in living
room. The other 2 outputs I'm just using 2-99ch analog. As it stands
now my internet connection doesn't seem to perform as well as it
could
and I get some occasional freezing on my HD signal. Everything in my
hard wired network checks out fine. I have checked all connections
inside and I am using high quality cable. I also had the cable
company
come out and check the line outside and they even installed a new
lock
box. I am also concidering an inline booster, or even a powered one
if
it would make a noticable difference.
If there is anyone with an electronics degree out there that could
show me the light I would be most grateful.
I basically just want to make sure I'm doing everything from the wall
to the devices as efficiently as I can possibly do it.
thanks,
pm

[Kenneth J. Harris]

Saw your questions on this forum today(I don't look at it very often).
I'm not an expert but maybe I can help. The smaller number (-3.5db) is
stronger(2x) than the -7db. If you split a -3.5db you get 2 -7db, so a
-7db is only half as strong as a -3.5db. My home setup(done by the
cable company) has the incoming line going into a 3 way splitter like
you have. One -7db output goes to the modem, the other goes to my HD
box, and the 3.5db output goes to another splitter to provide outputs
for other tv's. I've had cable service guys over several times for
various things(no charge for these visits) and all have said that my
present setup is the best way to distribute the signals. I do not have
any problems probably because they have measured the incoming signal
strengths where the line enters the house(very strong) and at all the
splitter outputs(still strong). I asked what they would do if I did have
weaker signal reading at the splitter outputs. All said the same
thing--they would install a signal amplifier where the line comes into
my house at no charge(because they are required by regulations to
provide a proper signal of adequate strength to provide good reception.
Hope this helps.

[Stewart]

"Kenneth J. Harris" <kha...@suffolk.lib.ny.us> wrote in message
news:4d8c9b0d$0$31998$607e...@cv.net...

They usually like to put a 2 way splitter at the main line in, run one
end directly into the modem, and the other side can be split again.
If an amp is needed, a 10db is usually placed just before the second
splitter going to the TV distribution. Mine is setup this way (except
that I have an 8 way splitter after the 10db amp)

[troyni...@gmail.com]

Your internet signals need to be between -7db and 7db your signal needed to be in that range if a splitter says 7db you minus 7 decibels off your numbers, once he got the modem in its range the then you can use splitters for the other areas of the home

[troyni...@gmail.com]

What ever number the splitter on that side is the db loss of that side they have splitters with 5db on one side and 7db on the other