What's the difference between a Passive and an Active Splitter? Cable Modems and Wiring Issues

This Section

What kind of splitter do I want?
What is the best configuration for my splitters for TV service?
What's the best configuration for HSD with two other TVs?
What's the best configuration for HSD with three to four other TVs?
What's the best configuration for HSD with five to six other TVs?
What's the best configuration for HSD with seven or more TVs?
What do the numbers on a splitter mean?
Why don't you discuss 5, 6, 10, or 16 way splitters?
What's the difference between a Passive and an Active Splitter?
Why did the installer put a 2-way split on my CM? 1 is open.
Is it important to use a terminator on a unused splitter output?
When a signal goes in an output, what happens?
How can I configure 17 seperate outlets?
How do I connect 2 cable modems to a 3-way splitter.

What's the difference between a Passive and an Active Splitter?

Passive Splitters are the ones you see every day. They have an "In", and 2 or more "Outs". You hook them up, they do their thing, and you never touch them again. They do not require any kind of power to run.

Active Splitters run on power. Most active splitters also boost the signal a tiny bit to compensate for the signal that would usually be lost after passing through a passive splitter.

Do not confuse an Active Splitter with an Amplifier.

got feedback?

So, does the 3.5db loss make a difference to my modem? To my TV? Is there such a problem as too much signal when using active splitters?

2008-10-14 14:31:34

by Raydr
last modified: 2002-03-01 08:19:09

All FAQs » Cable Modems and Wiring Issues » 4. Splitters

What's the difference between a Passive and an Active Splitter?