A MOCA Bridge is an layer 2 ethernet bridge that passes ethernet frames between a MOCA (coax) network segment and a cat5 network segment.

The Verizon provided Actiontec or Westell router includes two MOCA bridges.

• A MOCA WAN bridge which provides coax connectivity between the ONT and the router.
• A MOCA LAN bridge which provides connectivity between the router and the Verizon Set-Top Boxes (STBs).

If you have FIOS-TV with Verizon STBs and also want to run your own router as primary, you will need a MOCA LAN bridge between your router and the STBs. You can use the MOCA LAN bridge in the Actiontec for this, or you can use a third-party MOCA bridge.
See »Verizon Online FiOS FAQ »What are the tradeoffs between the various router configurations for connectivity options.

A MOCA bridge is also a good way to extend connectivity into rooms that do not have a cat5 connection.
See the following FAQ: »Verizon Online FiOS FAQ »Can I get an ethernet connection in a room with only coax?

Several third-party MOCA bridges are currently available:

• Motorola NIM-100 #
• Actiontec ECB2200 #
• EBC2500 - Available new.
• Netgear MCAB1001 #*
• D-Link DXN-221 #* - Pair or DXN-220 single.
• Linksys MEB200 #* - No known retail outlet.
All listed devices have been certified for channels D1-D8 (MOCA LAN).
* Indicates device has also been certified for channel C4 (MOCA WAN).

# Indicates device is manufacturer discontinued. Can frequently be found on ebay, except for the Linksys.

xygor has been successful using D-Link DXN-220 as a MOCA WAN bridge between a coax provisioned ONT and a user router.
See this post: »Re: Replacing Actiontec router

At least two people have tried using the MCAB1001 as a MOCA WAN bridge and had problems:
»Re: Netgear MCAB1001 on sale on Amazon
»Re: FIOS MoCA Help?


Also, a MOCA router can be used as a MOCA bridge

• Actiontec MI424-WR router - available used on eBay for $5 - $70, depending on hardware revision.
• Westell 9100EM - Also available on eBay.

got feedback? got feedback?

Any feedback you provide is sent to the owner of this FAQ for possible incorporation and shown publically as well.

by More Fiber
last modified: 2013-05-16 21:36:31