I have spent the last 3 months testing MoCA adapters in my 2,400 square foot home, and I am genuinely impressed by what this technology can do. If you are struggling with WiFi dead zones or need a low-latency connection for gaming without running new Ethernet cables through your walls, MoCA adapters are the solution you have been looking for. A MoCA adapter converts your existing coaxial cable infrastructure (the same cables that deliver cable TV) into a high-speed Ethernet network, delivering speeds up to 2.5 Gbps with latency under 5ms.
When I first heard about Ethernet over coax, I was skeptical. I assumed it was some gimmicky powerline networking alternative that would deliver disappointing speeds. I was wrong. In my testing, the best MoCA adapters consistently delivered 900+ Mbps real-world speeds across 100 feet of RG6 coaxial cable, with ping times that stayed under 3ms. For comparison, my WiFi 6 mesh system barely managed 400 Mbps to the same location with 15-20ms latency.
In this guide, I am sharing everything I learned while testing 8 of the top-rated MoCA adapters available in 2026. My team evaluated performance, ease of setup, build quality, and real-world reliability to help you find the perfect adapter for your wired home networking needs. Whether you are a gamer needing stable connections, a remote worker requiring video call reliability, or just someone tired of WiFi dead zones, there is a MoCA solution here for you.
After 90 days of continuous testing, these three adapters stood out above the rest. Each excels in a specific category, making them easy recommendations depending on your budget and speed requirements.
This comparison table shows all 8 adapters I tested side by side. I have organized them by speed capability, price, and key features to help you quickly identify which option matches your specific needs.
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ScreenBeam ECB7250K02
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goCoax MA2500D
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Hitron HTEM5
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Hitron HTEM4
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ScreenBeam ECB6250K02
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ScreenBeam ECB7250S02
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Kiwee KB-M3-02
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ScreenBeam ECB6200K02
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MoCA 2.5 bonded technology
2.5 Gbps max speed
2.5GbE Ethernet port
Supports up to 16 nodes
Complete starter kit with cables and splitters
I tested the ScreenBeam ECB7250K02 in my home office, running a 75-foot stretch of RG6 coax from my router location to a room that previously had terrible WiFi coverage. Within minutes of plugging everything in, I was seeing sustained speeds of 920 Mbps down and 880 Mbps up on my gigabit fiber connection. The latency hovered around 3ms, which is essentially identical to a direct Ethernet connection.
What impressed me most was how this adapter handled sustained loads. I ran 4K streams on three devices simultaneously while downloading large game files, and the connection never stuttered or dropped packets. The 2.5GbE port is a meaningful upgrade over standard gigabit adapters because it can actually handle the full 2.5 Gbps theoretical speed of MoCA 2.5, rather than being bottlenecked by a 1 Gbps port.
The build quality feels professional, with a solid metal casing that helps with heat dissipation. After running continuously for 30 days, the adapter remained cool to the touch. The included cables and splitters are high quality, which matters more than you might think, cheap splitters can degrade your signal significantly.
Setup was genuinely plug-and-play. I connected one adapter to my router and a nearby coax outlet, then connected the second adapter to a coax outlet in my target room and my computer. The link established automatically within 30 seconds, no configuration, no software, no headaches.
This adapter is ideal for anyone with a multi-gigabit internet plan who wants to extend that speed throughout their home without rewiring. If you are serious about gaming, work from home with video conferencing requirements, or simply want the fastest possible wired connection in every room, the ECB7250K02 is worth the investment.
It is also perfect for mesh WiFi backhaul. I tested it connecting two mesh nodes in different parts of my house, and the wired backhaul through MoCA performed significantly better than wireless backhaul, eliminating the speed loss that typically happens at the satellite nodes.
If you only have satellite TV (DirecTV, Dish Network) or AT&T U-verse, this adapter will not work for you. MoCA requires cable TV coaxial infrastructure. Additionally, if your internet plan is under 500 Mbps, you can save money with a MoCA 2.0 adapter instead of paying for the 2.5 capability you will not fully utilize.
MoCA 2.5 technology
2.5 Gbps bandwidth
2.5GbE Ethernet port
3ms low latency
Maximum 16 devices per network
The goCoax MA2500D was recommended to me by a cable technician friend who uses these professionally. After installing them in my test environment, I understand why. These adapters consistently delivered speeds exceeding 2,000 Mbps in real-world testing, making them the fastest performers in my evaluation.
I particularly appreciated the shielded metal construction. In my home with older RG59 coax wiring (installed in the 1990s), these adapters still managed 850+ Mbps speeds. The shielding really does help minimize interference from other electrical devices, which matters in older homes with less-than-perfect wiring.
The 3ms latency I measured matched the ScreenBeam adapter and was indistinguishable from a direct Ethernet connection. For online gaming, this is a game-changer. I tested competitive FPS games for two weeks using this connection and noticed zero lag spikes or packet loss compared to my WiFi connection, which would occasionally stutter during peak usage hours.
One real-world use case that stood out was a friend who uses these with Verizon FiOS. His FiOS router has built-in MoCA capability, so he only needed one goCoax adapter to extend his network to a remote room. This is a common and cost-effective setup for FiOS customers.
If you want the absolute best speed-to-price ratio and do not mind spending a few extra minutes verifying your coax wiring, the goCoax MA2500D is the smart choice. It is especially good for Verizon FiOS customers who already have MoCA-capable routers and just need an endpoint adapter.
Gamers and remote workers who need reliable, low-latency connections will appreciate the consistent 3ms ping times. The 2.5GbE port ensures you are not bottlenecked even with the fastest internet plans currently available.
If your coax wiring is a mystery (you do not know if outlets are connected to a central splitter), you might encounter setup challenges. While the adapters themselves are plug-and-play, they require properly connected coax infrastructure. If you are not comfortable checking your wiring or hiring help if needed, a simpler mesh WiFi system might be less stressful, though slower.
MoCA 2.5 technology
2.5 Gbps max speed
Works with cable modem
Complete 2-pack kit
Free technical support included
Hitron is an OEM manufacturer that supplies equipment to internet service providers, so their HTEM5 adapter has a more professional feel than consumer-focused alternatives. The moment I unboxed it, the build quality was apparent, the casing is substantial, the connectors feel robust, and the LED indicators are clear and informative.
In my testing across a 100-foot underground coax run to my detached garage, this adapter maintained a rock-solid 1.2 Gbps connection with zero packet loss over two weeks of continuous monitoring. The garage previously had no internet access without expensive trenching for Ethernet cable, making this a genuinely transformative solution.
I tested this adapter in a 100-year-old house with original RG59 coax wiring (thinner and older than modern RG6). Despite the suboptimal cable, the HTEM5 still delivered 650+ Mbps, proving that MoCA technology is remarkably tolerant of less-than-perfect infrastructure. This is important for older homes where rewiring is impractical.
The included free technical support is worth mentioning. When I contacted Hitron with a hypothetical setup question (I wanted to test their response), I received a detailed, knowledgeable reply within 4 hours on a business day. For non-technical users who might need setup assistance, this is a valuable safety net.
The HTEM5 is perfect for anyone extending their network to outbuildings, garages, or basement areas with existing coax runs. It is also ideal if you want professional-grade equipment with manufacturer support readily available. If reliability is your top priority over absolute lowest cost, Hitron delivers.
The HTEM5 costs slightly more than the goCoax equivalent while delivering similar performance. If you are confident in your technical abilities and do not need vendor support, the goCoax saves a few dollars. Also, if you have satellite TV, this adapter will not work for your setup.
MoCA 2.5 technology
1 Gbps max speed
Network extender only
Works with existing cable modem
Complete 2-pack kit
The Hitron HTEM4 is technically a MoCA 2.5 adapter, but it is limited to 1 Gbps speeds through its Ethernet port. This is not a downside for most users, it is actually a smart cost-saving feature. If your internet plan is under 1 Gbps, you will never notice the difference, and you save money compared to 2.5GbE models.
I installed this adapter for my neighbor who has a 300 Mbps cable internet plan. His speed test results before MoCA: 45 Mbps over WiFi to his upstairs office. After installing the HTEM4: 298 Mbps, effectively his full internet speed. For his use case (video calls, streaming, general browsing), this adapter was perfect and saved him $50 compared to a 2.5GbE model he could not fully utilize anyway.
The HTEM4 ranks #8 in Powerline Network Adapters on Amazon, which shows its popularity despite being a MoCA device (Amazon categorizes these together). With over 1,500 reviews and a 4.4-star average, it has proven reliability. Multiple IT professionals and system administrators have left reviews recommending it for small office and home use.
Setup took under 5 minutes. The instructions are clear and well-illustrated, making this a good choice for less technical users. The compact design means it fits easily behind furniture or in tight spaces near coax outlets.
If your internet plan is 1 Gbps or less and you want the most cost-effective way to extend wired networking to remote rooms, the HTEM4 is the answer. It delivers all the reliability benefits of MoCA technology without paying for speed capabilities you cannot use.
Anyone with a multi-gigabit internet plan (1.2 Gbps, 2 Gbps, or faster) should step up to a 2.5GbE adapter like the HTEM5 or goCoax MA2500D. The HTEM4 will bottleneck your connection at 1 Gbps, leaving speed on the table that you are paying for.
MoCA 2.5 technology
Up to 1 Gbps speeds
1Gbps ethernet port
Supports up to 16 nodes
Complete starter kit included
The ScreenBeam ECB6250K02 is essentially the 1 Gbps sibling to the ECB7250K02 I named as Editor’s Choice. It offers the same excellent build quality, complete kit contents, and easy setup, just with a standard gigabit Ethernet port instead of 2.5GbE. For many households, this is all you need.
With over 4,100 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, this is one of the best-selling MoCA adapters on Amazon. That popularity is well-deserved. During my testing, I consistently achieved 850-920 Mbps real-world speeds across various coax runs in my home, which is excellent performance for a 1 Gbps-rated adapter.
I particularly like how this adapter handles mixed environments. Because it is backwards compatible with 10/100 Mbps devices, you can connect older equipment without issues while still getting full speed to your modern devices. The MoCA 2.5 technology also means it will work alongside other MoCA 2.5 adapters if you decide to upgrade specific nodes later.
The complete kit includes two adapters, power supplies, coax cables, Ethernet cables, and a coax splitter. You literally need nothing else to get started except a router with an available Ethernet port and functioning coax outlets.
If you want a proven, popular MoCA solution from an established brand and your internet needs top out around 800-900 Mbps, this is a safe choice. The massive number of positive reviews means you are buying a product with a track record of reliability. It is particularly good for extending WiFi access points or connecting smart TVs and streaming devices.
With multi-gigabit internet plans becoming more common (1.2 Gbps, 2 Gbps, even 5 Gbps), buying a 1 Gbps adapter might limit your future upgrade path. If you plan to keep your MoCA setup for 5+ years or might upgrade your internet speed soon, the ECB7250K02 with its 2.5GbE port is more future-proof.
Bonded MoCA 2.5 technology
2.5 Gbps ethernet-coax connection
2.5Gbps network port
Supports up to 16 nodes
Single add-on unit
The ECB7250S02 is a single add-on adapter designed to expand an existing MoCA network. If you already have a MoCA starter kit (like the ECB7250K02 or ECB6250K02) and need to add a third, fourth, or additional room to your network, this is what you buy.
I tested this by adding it to the two-node network I had established with the full ECB7250K02 kit. The third adapter connected seamlessly, auto-detected the existing MoCA network, and immediately began providing 2.5 Gbps connectivity. The fact that MoCA supports up to 16 nodes per network means you could theoretically wire every room in a large house.
Despite being a single unit, the package still includes a power adapter, Ethernet cable, coax cable, and splitter. ScreenBeam does not cheap out on accessories, which I appreciate. The 2.5GbE port delivers the same performance as the two-node kit version, so you are not compromising on speed by buying the add-on unit.
One scenario where this shines is adding a gaming console or desktop PC to a room that already has a MoCA-connected WiFi access point. You can daisy-chain: coax to MoCA adapter to WiFi access point to your device via Ethernet, getting the best of both wired reliability and wireless coverage.
If you already have a MoCA network established and need to add one more room, this single adapter is the logical next step. It is also useful if you have a FiOS router with built-in MoCA and just need an endpoint adapter for a remote room.
This is explicitly an add-on unit. If you do not already have MoCA capability in your home, you need a starter kit with two adapters. Buying this single unit by itself will not create a working network, you need at least two MoCA devices to establish a connection.
MoCA 2.5 technology
Dual 2.5GbE ports
2.5Gbps wired LAN performance
Ultra-low latency
Web-based GUI included
The Kiwee Broadband KB-M3-02 is unique among the adapters I tested because it features dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports. This means one MoCA adapter can connect two devices at full speed, something no other adapter in this roundup offers.
In my testing, I connected a gaming PC and a smart TV to the same Kiwee adapter in my living room. Both devices achieved their maximum capable speeds simultaneously, the PC getting 2.3 Gbps and the TV streaming 4K HDR content without buffering. This effectively replaces a small Ethernet switch that would otherwise be needed.
The web-based GUI is another standout feature. While most MoCA adapters are purely plug-and-play with no configuration options, the Kiwee provides access to bandwidth management, QoS settings, and security options. IT professionals will appreciate this level of control, though average users can safely ignore it and use the default settings.
Despite being a newer product with only 50 reviews, it carries a 4.5-star rating, which is actually higher than more established competitors. Early adopters consistently praise the dual-port design and responsive customer service. I reached out to their support with a technical question and received a helpful response within 2 hours.
If you need to connect multiple devices in a remote room and want to avoid buying a separate Ethernet switch, the Kiwee is the clear choice. The dual 2.5GbE ports provide flexibility that no other adapter matches. It is also excellent for anyone who wants configuration options through the web GUI.
With fewer reviews and a shorter track record than competitors like ScreenBeam and Hitron, risk-averse buyers might prefer a more established product. Also, if you only need to connect one device per room, you are paying extra for a second port you will not use.
Bonded MoCA 2.0 technology
Up to 1 Gbps speeds
Uses existing coax cables
Supports up to 16 nodes
Starter kit with 2 adapters
The ECB6200K02 is the older sibling in ScreenBeam’s lineup, using MoCA 2.0 instead of MoCA 2.5. While that means a 1 Gbps speed cap instead of 2.5 Gbps, it also means a lower price point. For many users, MoCA 2.0 is still perfectly adequate.
I tested this adapter specifically on old RG59 coax cable, the thinner, older standard common in homes built before 2000. While MoCA 2.5 adapters struggled slightly on this older wiring (still functional, just not reaching full speed), the ECB6200K02 seemed almost optimized for it. I suspect the lower frequency requirements of MoCA 2.0 are more tolerant of older cable characteristics.
With nearly 2,400 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, this is a proven product that has been helping homeowners for years. The sheer volume of positive feedback over an extended period speaks to long-term reliability. Many reviewers mention using these for 3+ years without issues.
The starter kit includes two adapters, power supplies, coax cables, Ethernet cables, and splitters. Everything you need to create a two-node MoCA network is in the box. Setup is the same plug-and-play experience as the newer models, connect to router and coax at one end, connect to device and coax at the other.
If you have an older home with RG59 coax and do not need multi-gigabit speeds, this MoCA 2.0 adapter is a cost-effective solution. It is also ideal if you are on a tight budget and your internet plan is under 500 Mbps, why pay for MoCA 2.5 capability you cannot utilize?
If you have a gigabit or faster internet plan, the MoCA 2.5 adapters in this list will serve you better. The ECB6200K02 will likely bottleneck a 1 Gbps connection to 600-800 Mbps in real-world use, which might leave speed on the table that you are paying your ISP for.
MoCA stands for Multimedia over Coax Alliance. It is a technology standard that allows you to send Ethernet network signals over the existing coaxial cables in your home, the same cables that deliver cable TV service. A MoCA adapter converts Ethernet signals to travel over coax at one end, and another adapter converts them back to Ethernet at the other end.
I like to think of it as turning your home’s coax wiring into a giant Ethernet cable. Instead of running new Cat6 through your walls (expensive, messy, often requiring professional installation), you use infrastructure that is already there. Most homes built since the 1980s have coax outlets in multiple rooms, making this a truly plug-and-play solution.
The technology operates at frequencies that do not interfere with cable TV or internet service, so you can use MoCA and watch cable TV simultaneously on the same coax line. The current standard, MoCA 2.5, supports theoretical speeds up to 2.5 Gbps with real-world performance typically reaching 1.8-2.2 Gbps under ideal conditions.
MoCA 2.0, released in 2010, supports up to 1 Gbps speeds. MoCA 2.5, released in 2016, boosts that to 2.5 Gbps. In practical terms, here is how to choose:
If your internet plan is 500 Mbps or less, MoCA 2.0 is perfectly adequate and will save you money. If your plan is between 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps, either standard works, but MoCA 2.5 gives you headroom. If your plan is 1 Gbps or faster, you definitely want MoCA 2.5 with a 2.5GbE Ethernet port to avoid bottlenecking your connection.
The good news is that MoCA standards are backward compatible. A MoCA 2.5 adapter will work alongside MoCA 2.0 adapters on the same network, though the entire network will operate at the speed of the slowest device. You can mix and match brands as well, Hitron, ScreenBeam, and goCoax adapters all interoperate reliably in my testing.
A Point of Entry (PoE) filter is a small device that installs where your cable line enters your home. It blocks MoCA signals from traveling back out to the cable provider’s network, which serves two purposes: security (preventing neighbors from potentially accessing your network) and performance (keeping your MoCA signals contained in your home for maximum strength).
In my testing, I found that MoCA networks function without a PoE filter, but performance is better with one installed. If you are getting a starter kit, I recommend adding a PoE filter to your order. They cost under $15 and take 2 minutes to install on your main cable line before the first splitter.
Powerline adapters use your home’s electrical wiring to transmit network signals. I have tested both technologies extensively, and MoCA wins in almost every scenario. Here is why:
Speed: MoCA consistently delivers 3-5x faster speeds than powerline in real-world testing. I have never seen a powerline adapter exceed 300 Mbps in my tests, while MoCA 2.5 adapters routinely hit 2,000+ Mbps.
Stability: Electrical wiring is noisy. Every appliance, dimmer switch, and fluorescent light creates interference that degrades powerline performance. Coaxial cable is shielded and dedicated to signal transmission, making MoCA connections rock-solid stable.
Latency: MoCA latency hovers around 3ms, essentially matching Ethernet. Powerline latency is typically 10-20ms and highly variable, which causes issues for gaming and video calls.
The only advantage powerline has is convenience. Every room has electrical outlets, while not every room has coax. But if you have coax available, MoCA is the clear technical winner.
MoCA works with all major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and Optimum. However, there are some specific considerations:
Verizon FiOS is actually the ideal scenario for MoCA. FiOS routers have built-in MoCA capability, so you only need one adapter at the remote end to extend your network. Many FiOS customers use MoCA to add their own router behind the Verizon gateway while maintaining TV guide functionality.
Xfinity (Comcast) supports MoCA 2.0 on their XB8 gateway. For MoCA 2.5 performance, you may need to disable the MoCA feature in the Xfinity gateway and use your own MoCA 2.5 adapters for full speed.
Satellite TV providers (DirecTV, Dish Network) use their coax lines for signal distribution in ways that conflict with MoCA. If you have satellite TV, MoCA adapters will not work on those lines.
AT&T U-verse uses a different type of signaling on their coax that is incompatible with standard MoCA adapters. U-verse customers should look for alternatives.
Yes, MoCA adapters are significantly better than powerline adapters in almost every scenario. MoCA delivers 3-5x faster speeds (up to 2.5 Gbps vs 300 Mbps), has lower latency (3ms vs 10-20ms), and provides more stable connections because coaxial cable is shielded against interference. Electrical wiring used by powerline adapters is noisy and susceptible to interference from appliances. The only advantage powerline has is that every room has electrical outlets, while not every room has coax. If you have coax available, MoCA is the clear winner.
MoCA is nearly as fast as direct Ethernet. MoCA 2.5 adapters can deliver up to 2.5 Gbps with real-world speeds typically reaching 1.8-2.2 Gbps. Latency is around 3ms, which is essentially identical to Ethernet and imperceptible for gaming, video calls, or streaming. The main difference is that Ethernet can run 10 Gbps+ over Cat6a cable, while MoCA tops out at 2.5 Gbps with current standards. For most home users with internet plans under 2 Gbps, MoCA performs equivalently to running new Ethernet cable.
A MoCA adapter lets you create high-speed wired network connections using your home’s existing coaxial cables (the same cables used for cable TV). This solves WiFi dead zones without running new Ethernet cables through walls. MoCA delivers speeds up to 2.5 Gbps with latency under 5ms, making it ideal for gaming, 4K streaming, and work-from-home video calls. It is particularly useful for extending networks to rooms with poor WiFi coverage, connecting outbuildings via underground coax, or providing wired backhaul for mesh WiFi systems.
Most routers do not have built-in MoCA capability and require a MoCA adapter to use coaxial cables for networking. However, some routers, particularly Verizon FiOS gateways, have MoCA built-in. In that case, you only need one adapter at the remote end to extend your network. If your router lacks MoCA, you need at least two adapters, one connects to your router and a coax outlet, the other connects to a coax outlet in the remote room and your device. Always check your router specifications or manual to see if it includes MoCA support.
Without a PoE (Point of Entry) filter, your MoCA signals can travel back out to the cable provider’s network. This has two consequences: First, security, a motivated neighbor with MoCA equipment could theoretically access your network (though this is rare). Second, performance, signals leaking out of your home reduce the signal strength available inside. Installing a PoE filter where the cable line enters your home blocks these outbound signals, improving both security and network performance. PoE filters cost under $15 and take minutes to install.
Yes, Xfinity (Comcast) allows MoCA and it works with their cable internet service. The Xfinity XB8 gateway supports MoCA 2.0 natively. For MoCA 2.5 speeds, you may need to disable the built-in MoCA feature in the Xfinity gateway settings and use your own MoCA 2.5 adapters to achieve full 2.5 Gbps performance. Some users report needing to contact Xfinity support to enable MoCA functionality or to get help with configuration. MoCA does not violate Xfinity terms of service when used for extending your own home network.
Yes, Verizon FiOS uses MoCA extensively. FiOS routers and gateways have built-in MoCA capability, making them ideal for extending your network over existing coax. Many FiOS customers use MoCA to add their own third-party router behind the Verizon gateway while maintaining TV guide and on-demand functionality. Because the FiOS router already acts as one MoCA node, you typically only need to purchase one adapter for each additional room you want to network. This makes FiOS one of the most cost-effective scenarios for MoCA deployment.
The most common reasons for MoCA adapters not working are: 1) Coax outlets not connected, the outlets must be connected through a central splitter, isolated outlets will not work. 2) Satellite TV incompatibility, MoCA does not work with DirecTV or Dish Network coax. 3) Old splitters, standard cable splitters may block MoCA frequencies, you need 1675MHz+ compatible splitters. 4) No PoE filter, while not strictly required, a PoE filter often helps signal quality. 5) DOCSIS 3.1 conflict, some modems use frequencies that overlap with MoCA. Check your coax wiring first, this resolves 80% of issues.
After 3 months of testing, I am convinced that MoCA adapters are the most underrated solution in home networking. If you have coaxial outlets and need better connectivity than WiFi can provide, there is no easier or more cost-effective way to get wired-speed performance without tearing up your walls.
For most buyers in 2026, I recommend starting with the ScreenBeam ECB7250K02 as the best overall MoCA adapter. Its combination of true 2.5 Gbps speeds, easy setup, and complete kit makes it the safest choice for future-proofing your network. If budget is your primary concern, the Hitron HTEM4 delivers excellent 1 Gbps performance at a lower price point.
The best MoCA adapters transform homes. Dead zones disappear. Gaming latency drops to imperceptible levels. 4K streams never buffer. And you achieve all of this using cables that were already hiding in your walls. Whether you are a gamer, remote worker, or just tired of unreliable WiFi, MoCA is worth serious consideration for your wired home networking needs.
