Correct, the BOLT can be used to create the MoCA network (to which the Mini could then connect) if you can make an Ethernet connection to the BOLT. As you suggest, in this setup, a MoCA adapter wouldn't be needed.
You *will* have some additional needs/concerns, regardless of which way you choose to go:
- The coax to the tuning adapter and BOLT must be split to ensure each device is directly connected to the coax lines (the BOLT must not be connected via the tuning adapter's RF/TV Out port, as this port blocks MoCA), and the tuning adapter should have a "prophylactic" MoCA filter installed on its coax In port, to prevent interference from MoCA signals. You should also install a 75-ohm terminator cap on the now-unused RF/TV Out port of the tuning adapter. (See this post for more info; and this diagram from Cox to see the necessary connections)
- You'll also need to install a MoCA filter at your cable provider's point-of-entry (PoE) to your home, to secure and strengthen your MoCA network. (See: Why? and How?)
- You may not need to upgrade to MoCA-rated splitters. MoCA was designed to work with existing home coax, in most cases, so you might be able to get by with your existing splitters. If you *do* either need or want to upgrade your splitters, I recommend the Holland MoCA 2.0-rated models (e.g.).
An amplifier could be problematic; some non-MoCA amps have been found to allow MoCA signals to pass, if less efficiently, but MoCA bypass amplifiers are available should an upgrade be necessary (e.g.).
If you decide to go with the setup requiring a MoCA adapter...
- The TiVo Bridge or Actiontec ECB6000 are a good match for the TiVo BOLT, as all 3 devices support standard MoCA 2.0. (more options listed here)
- If you have a BOLT* strictly connecting as a MoCA client (i.e. not creating your MoCA network), then you can use it's otherwise-unused Ethernet port to extend wired Ethernet access to other co-located Ethernet devices, either to a single device, connected directly, or to multiple devices, by connecting the BOLT's Ethernet port to a network switch. Note that the TiVo Mini does not support this capability, since it lacks the bridging functionality.
The key is that the Ethernet port on the BOLT must be disconnected if/when configuring the BOLT to "Connect using MoCA"; once the BOLT is verified as networking via MoCA, you can connect to its Ethernet port and the BOLT will automatically bridge the traffic to the coax segment (and via the coax segment, to the Ethernet LAN and Internet).
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* This capability is available to all MoCA bridging-capable TiVo DVRs configured as MoCA clients: both BOLT models, 6-tuner Roamios & 4-tuner Premieres.
Personally, if the budget allows, I prefer using a standalone MoCA adapter as the MoCA/Ethernet bridge, as a MoCA adapter doesn't require reboots as frequently as a TiVo DVR, so a standalone adapter should provide a more consistent LAN & Internet connection to MoCA-connected clients. (e.g. A reboot of the DVR wouldn't disrupt an Internet video streaming session on a MoCA-connected Mini.)
p.s. Oh, also ...
Currently I have my cable modem and wireless router upstairs
... moving your modem/router downstairs may come at the expense of your wireless coverage. It's generally recommended for wireless access points to be as central and high as possible within the area to be covered. That said, additional access points can be added, even wired via MoCA, to address wireless dead zones.
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