Yes, using a splitter can potentially cause internet drops or disconnections, especially if the splitter is of poor quality or if there are too many devices connected. Optical splitters, encompassing FBT (Fused Biconical Taper) couplers and PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) splitters, are prevalent passive optical devices designed to divide fiber optic light into multiple segments based on a specified ratio. Fiber optic splitters are vital components within. Previous owner/ISP seems to have unhooked all coax cables from a splitter and directly connected to the single cable that runs to the modem. When I took this apart, put a splitter between the two, and only plugged in ONE additional coax cable, my internet cut out. However, they aren't without their issues. Understanding how they work and common troubleshooting steps can save you time and frustration. This is most likely due to a a weak signal and/or excessive noise and/or a poor connection between the cable box and Comcast's network, usually in or near your home.