2 Devices but only one ethernet cable, can I use a splitter?

JaseUK · 5 Apr 2015 at 19:01

I'll explain what my home network layout is first of all.

My main router is downstairs in the living room next to the BT point. I run Cat5 up the stairs which connects to a 5 port Netgear gigabit hub in my study. I then run Cat5 from the hub up into the attic which then runs into my main bedroom where my Smart TV and Blu Ray player are.

I want both the Smart TV and Blu ray player hooked up to my home network but I only have one Ethernet cable that runs into the room from the attic.

I have looked on the tinterwebs and found splitters but if I recall from memory these wont work will they? Or will they?

Will I need a switch/hub?

Caged · 5 Apr 2015 at 19:08

Just buy a switch.

JaseUK · 5 Apr 2015 at 19:13

Caged said:
Just buy a switch.

I thought this might be the only solution. I was a little tight on space so thought there might have been another option,

Tealc · 5 Apr 2015 at 19:15

I read somewhere that you can split a 4 pair ethernet cable and have 2 pairs running to each device and have two pairs hooked up the the switch at the other end. You'd be limited to 100Mbit speeds of course.

More sensible options are....

Run another cable. Cheap and it just works.

Buy another switch. A few quid to buy and sucks a little leccy.

JaseUK · 5 Apr 2015 at 19:21

Tealc said:
I read somewhere that you can split a 4 pair ethernet cable and have 2 pairs running to each device and have two pairs hooked up the the switch at the other end. You'd be limited to 100Mbit speeds of course.

More sensible options are....

Run another cable. Cheap and it just works.

Buy another switch. A few quid to buy and sucks a little leccy.

Yeah I'll probs run another cable. thanks

Captain · 5 Apr 2015 at 19:38

I got one of these, can't fault it.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-011-TP&groupid=46&catid=2316

ci_newman · 7 Apr 2015 at 11:09

All of the options above will work, but as mentioned a splitter will only give you 100mb to each device. Considering they are for a Blu-ray and Smart TV, this will probably be ok.

A switch is the easiest method though

bledd · 7 Apr 2015 at 11:12

Add a second cable.

Best option is to use one large central switch (8 / 16 / 24 port) and have all cables running from that, with one going to the router.

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You could do a super bodge and create 2 cables from the single cable, splicing extra ends onto it, but it'll be fiddly to put the plugs on and really isn't recommended.

Deleted member 77746 · 7 Apr 2015 at 11:20

You can split them. As long as you only want 10/100 not 10/100/1000 as gig uses all pairs.

Search for Ethernet Splitter.

Avalon · 7 Apr 2015 at 14:10

It's about £2 for a pair of splitters, it's about £8 for a 10/100 switch and about £12 for a 10/100/1000 switch. The devices you mention are not likely to benefit from gigabit so if you are sure you'll never need to add additional ports or higher bandwidth in the future then splitters would work, that said by the time you've arsed about with them and the extra cables then personally i'd rather just shove a switch in and be done with it.