Those regions where Ethernet cabling is out of reach, many of the other alternatives are used. To have faster and reliable internet connections, people switch to HPNA and MoCA on their existing cables, especially in the regions where Ethernet cabling is impossible to reach. Both of these technologies have their perks and downsides. They vary in installing, setting up, frequency bandwidth, and speed due to which people usually wonder which network would suit their connection the most. In this article, we will give you a quick review of HPNA and MoCA. Read on to know how both of these technologies are different and which one to choose; HPNA vs MoCA.
Remember that both of these technologies; MoCA and HPNA are used as alternatives to Ethernet connection which is why you should always prefer Ethernet over these too (obviously if Ethernet is available).
What Are MoCA and HPNA?
MoCA is an acronym for “Multimedia over Coax”. It is used as a substitute for Ethernet cabling. The MoCA connection delivers the exact similar high-speed network connection as Ethernet cable (there is only minor redundancy which can be prevented while cabling). MoCA delivers high-performance via your existing coax cable—the same wire that you are using for your cable TV connection, by extending to any room you want.
On the contrary, HPNA is an acronym for Home Phone Networking Alliance. This technology offers multiple networking capabilities over existing RJ-CAT3 cable. Besides, you can share the same CAT3 wire as a standard DSL wire on the same line. HPNA tends to reach more than 1,000 feet over CAT3 Ethernet cable, quite extensively.
After going through their (MoCA and HPNA) basic definitions and working, you must have a fair understanding of how HomePNA works by utilizing the existing power Ethernet cables in walls and transmits bits and bytes and then receive them again. The cycle keeps going on. Now, on the other hand, MoCA functions by keep reusing the existing Ethernet coaxial cables to receive and transmit bits in and bytes.
Note that MoCA uses the same Ethernet cables that TV signal and cable TV signals operate on, this one exception makes MoCa quite different from HPNA.
Comparison Between HPNA And MoCA:
Although, the purpose and the execution of both of the alternatives of Ethernet internet connection network, HPNA, and MoCA, are the same. But there is a fine line between the features and capabilities of these due to which we have conducted ground research on them. After going through their reviews, we pinpointed some of the leading differences, that might help you in choosing one.
Here they are:
- Technology Of Future:
MoCA built-in routers and network connections might not be available in THAT MUCH abundance right now but it is the prediction that they will be the technology of future, considering its vast varieties. On the contrary, HPNA is not that much acceptable in terms of performance as compared to MoCA. Moreover, they have lesser popularity among Ethernet substitute users despite having gigabit internet.
- Variations In Frequency:
HPNA is undoubtedly one of the reliable and strong product as well, however, due to incompetent frequencies this technology uses, HPNA interferes with the cable modem, specifically, HPNA 3.0. HPNA 2.0 operates on 4 to 10 MHz and HPNA 3.0 operates on 4 to 21 MHz, whereas the cable modem upstream frequencies are 5 to 42 MHz. On the contrary, MoCA connection and its products are highly compatible with good frequencies.
- Reliance On Other Mediums:
When it comes to using HPNA, you have no option but to rely on other network media such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Powerline, HPNA over phone copper, to establish the connection between the rest of the LAN network and the router. However, with Moca setups, you do not have to face this problem. You can have your home internet set up on Moca to all the access and drop points alongside your cable modem router.
- High Throughput:
MoCA can deliver the highest actual throughput when it comes to home networking by operating only over coaxial Ethernet cable today. On the other hand, HPNA hasn’t achieved any major milestones yet.
The aforementioned comparing points will help you a lot in choosing between the MoCA and HPNA.