Cable Modem - To Filter or Not to Filter

[smitbret]

Motorola Surfboard DocSis 3.0

I moved my setup around a little bit and when I moved the modem to a new location in my house, I noticed the installing tech put a little screw on filter on the back of the modem. I wondered if I needed it at the new location since the coax is about 50 feet longer from the drop so I did a signal check on the modem with and without the filter

Without:
Downstream SNR: 42db
Downstream Power: 2 5 2 2 (the five dips as low as 3 and back up if I refresh)
Upstream SNR: 29db
Upstream Level: Modem doesn't provide this

With Filter:
Downstream SNR: 42db
Downstream Power: -2 -2 -2 -2
Upstream SNR: 37db

SpeedGuide says the downstream is fine but the 29db on the Upstream SNR is right there at the bottom of the recommended range. Putting the filter on really makes a big difference (up to 37db) but the Downstream power drops from 2 to -2.

Which set of readings is best?

 

[Ben90]

Your SNR is better with the filter and the power pretty much doesn't change. You ideally want to have your power at 0, but anything +-10 is fine. Keep the filter on.
In any case it won't matter too much unless you have crazy internet, your SNR and power destroys mine and I speedtest 130Mb/11Mb all day everyday.

 

[smitbret]

Your SNR is better with the filter and the power pretty much doesn't change. You ideally want to have your power at 0, but anything +-10 is fine. Keep the filter on.
In any case it won't matter too much unless you have crazy internet, your SNR and power destroys mine and I speedtest 130Mb/11Mb all day everyday.

Cool, thanks.