Using an Ethernet Splitter for 2 computers

JMedlock83 · Jul 29, 2021

So, is it possible to use an Ethernet Splitter, such as this one to connect 2 desktop computers to the modem itself? My router is having problems and I'm having to ship it to Netgear.

vannn · Jul 29, 2021

wouldnt that cause interference?

we have that kind of splitter but one line dedicated for phone and the other for dsl line and they;re not interchangeable since it would cause interference...

JMedlock83 · Jul 29, 2021

vannn said:
wouldnt that cause interference?

we have that kind of splitter but one line dedicated for phone and the other for dsl line.

Now that I think about it, i don't think it will work, because both computers can't have the same IP Address, unless there's a way to give each computer its own static IP until I get my router back.

johnlgalt · Jul 29, 2021

JMedlock83 said:
So, is it possible to use an Ethernet Splitter, such as this one to connect 2 desktop computers to the modem itself? My router is having problems and I'm having to ship it to Netgear.

First off, let me say I'm not an expert, by any means, but I know enough to do this stuff myself. That being said, my answer is:

It depends. Data is carried on wires 1,2,3 & 6, leaving 4,5 and 7,8 free for use. However, if your network makes use of PoE, or Power over Ethernet, then 4,5 and 7,8 are going to be used somewhere in your system, and you need to know this ahead of time.

Otherwise, this type of thing was done before, and can probably be done if the device that the single side plugs into has MDI capabilities, and also will allow more than one connection on a single port.

A better answer, though, is to ask: What, exactly, are you trying to do, and why? (Honestly, the what is more important than the why, but sometimes the why can give good insight).

vannn said:
wouldnt that cause interference?

we have that kind of splitter but one line dedicated for phone and the other for dsl line.

Somewhat - but if the end that is single plugs directly into a device, using, say, a very short (1 ft) patch cable, then the cross talk will be small enough to not really matter. But if that one wire is run for a long distance, then there is probably going to be crosstalk along the entire length of the wire, which can cause some problems.

But, again, we first need to know more. How it will be used, why, etc.

Again, let me close this out by saying I am not an expert in these matters by any means, but I do know enough to have a (basic) cert or two, and just trying to help.

JMedlock83 · Jul 29, 2021

johnlgalt said:
First off, let me say I'm not an expert, by any means, but I know enough to do this stuff myself. That being said, my answer is:

It depends. Data is carried on wires 1,2,3 & 6, leaving 4,5 and 7,8 free for use. However, if your network makes use of PoE, or Power over Ethernet, then 4,5 and 7,8 are going to be used somewhere in your system, and you need to know this ahead of time.

Otherwise, this type of thing was done before, and can probably be done if the device that the single side plugs into has MDI capabilities, and also will allow more than one connection on a single port.

A better answer, though, is to ask: What, exactly, are you trying to do, and why? (Honestly, the what is more important than the why, but sometimes the why can give good insight).

Somewhat - but if the end that is single plugs directly into a device, using, say, a very short (1 ft) patch cable, then the cross talk will be small enough to not really matter. But if that one wire is run for a long distance, then there is probably going to be crosstalk along the entire length of the wire, which can cause some problems.

But, again, we first need to know more. How it will be used, why, etc.

Again, let me close this out by saying I am not an expert in these matters by any means, but I do know enough to have a (basic) cert or two, and just trying to help.

Like i said, i'm having to send my brand new netgear router, that I got in March, to Netgear. It's faulty and still under warranty. I have 2 computers. One i use daily, and the other I use for tracking weather, and streaming.

bobkn · Jul 29, 2021

A bit out of my depth, but I'm pretty sure you'd need a switch.

Wired (only) ones can be inexpensive. My local BestBuy claims to have a 5 port Linksys switch in stock for $30.

A Guy · Jul 29, 2021

You can split with that, but internet would only work on one PC at a time. If you tried to use internet on both at the same time it would crash your internet

A Guy

CB · Jul 29, 2021

If both PC within a close range you can make a temporary hotspot, one PC directly to the line and use a USB wi-fi receiver as a transmitter. It might only have a final power of 1 watt or less but it does good within close range, approx. 3 meters or less.

That is what I use to do.

Edit.
I use virtual router manager. It's downloadable somewhere with .msi extension.
You need two cheap USB wi-fi receiver.
The first PC acts as router.
Need to set the ethernet property as shareable.

Mystere · Jul 29, 2021

Just go to best buy, buy a router to use while yours is being repaired, and then return it after yours comes back.

JMedlock83 · Jul 29, 2021

Mystere said:
Just go to best buy, buy a router to use while yours is being repaired, and then return it after yours comes back.

Easier said than done.

jimbo45 · Jul 29, 2021

JMedlock83 said:
So, is it possible to use an Ethernet Splitter, such as this one to connect 2 desktop computers to the modem itself? My router is having problems and I'm having to ship it to Netgear.

Hi there

@JMedlock83

Why not use a cheap 5 port Switch -- just connect the lan cables from each computer to the switch and then a single cable from switch to the router (or even a wireless extender).

I use a cheap netgear one and it works for me up to 10 Gbs -- fine for 1 Gbs Internet -- I connect 4 machines to my switch.

(If your computers only have wifi then just use USB->Lan connectors - those things are cheap as well)

Here's one from Amazon UK -- in US probably cheaper as UK prices include mind blowing wallet busting 20% V.A.T (sales tax).

When you set it up you can also increase throughput considerably by setting the Network adapters in the computers to FULL DUPLEX

For HOME use unmanaged switch as shown is 100% acceptable. Also useful to give older slower wifi computers having no LAN connectors faster Internet and LAN access - use USB->Lan adapter to connect LAN to switch

Cheers
jimbo

johnlgalt · Jul 29, 2021

A Guy said:
You can split with that, but internet would only work on one PC at a time. If you tried to use internet on both at the same time it would crash your internet

A Guy

^^^^^^ This, until you get your router back / get a replacement.

For future use, though, not a bad idea to get a switch when you can.

clam1952 · Jul 29, 2021

Same here, I use a 5 port switch, TP LInk in a metal case, fractionally more expensive than the Netgear one. 4 PC's to switch, switch to router which is around 5m away using cat 6.
I've got one of those USB to Ethernet dongles on my oldest PC, works very well.

badrobot · Jul 29, 2021

And I thought all gateways these days have built-in wireless routers...

I have a Netgear and Linksys gigabit router that I am not using, if only you live somewhere near, I'll give one to you.

iko22 · Jul 29, 2021

Ethernet Splitter Cable | Network Switch

Ethernet signals cannot be divided the way audio/video signals can. There are devices called ethernet splitters, but they work differently from other kinds of s

www.showmecables.com

clam1952 · Jul 29, 2021

badrobot said:
And I thought all gateways these days have built-in wireless routers...

Ahh, but not all PCs have Wireless though, only one of my current four PCs and an old Linux laptop have wireless and some of us don't use it or need it other than in my case just occasionally for an LTE Samsung tablet if the 4G connection is down or as I did yesterday to update the OS on my rarely used iPad. I turn it off in the Router if not using it.

badrobot · Jul 29, 2021

clam1952 said:
Ahh, but not all PCs have Wireless though, only one of my current four PCs and an old Linux laptop have wireless and some of us don't use it or need it other than in my case just occasionally for an LTE Samsung tablet if the 4G connection is down or as I did yesterday to update the OS on my rarely used iPad. I turn it off in the Router if not using it.

Exactly. The OP is having problem with his router not the PC with or without wireless. I just thought that routers normally comes built into the gateway (modem).

barman58 · Jul 29, 2021

They can be all in one, but the issue is that like any other AIO devices if one part fails its a total failure of both parts

The other major limiting factor is that, in the UK at least, the modem is usually supplied by the Telecoms Company and the router by the ISP

jbcarreon123 · Jul 30, 2021

Without an Ethernet splitter, you can use the "Bridging" option on the PC.
Problems: SLOWS DOWN internet

More information: Bridging (networking) - Wikipedia

blacxarea · Jul 30, 2021

jimbo45 said:
Hi there

@JMedlock83

Why not use a cheap 5 port Switch -- just connect the lan cables from each computer to the switch and then a single cable from switch to the router (or even a wireless extender).

I use a cheap netgear one and it works for me up to 10 Gbs -- fine for 1 Gbs Internet -- I connect 4 machines to my switch.

(If your computers only have wifi then just use USB->Lan connectors - those things are cheap as well)

Here's one from Amazon UK -- in US probably cheaper as UK prices include mind blowing wallet busting 20% V.A.T (sales tax).

View attachment 4333

When you set it up you can also increase throughput considerably by setting the Network adapters in the computers to FULL DUPLEX

For HOME use unmanaged switch as shown is 100% acceptable. Also useful to give older slower wifi computers having no LAN connectors faster Internet and LAN access - use USB->Lan adapter to connect LAN to switch

Cheers
jimbo

I use this kind of thing to split connection for 4 PC's. Each could have different IP. I also use it for my TV.

Using an Ethernet Splitter for 2 computers

Former NWS Storm Spotter

My Computers

Custom title

My Computer

Former NWS Storm Spotter

My Computers

Antidisestablishmentarianist

My Computers

Former NWS Storm Spotter

My Computers

Well-known member

My Computers

Righteous Dude

My Computers

Retired Nurse

My Computers

Member

My Computer

Former NWS Storm Spotter

My Computers

Well-known member

My Computer

Antidisestablishmentarianist

My Computers

Well-known member

My Computers

Well-known member

My Computers

Well-known member

My Computer

Well-known member

My Computers

Well-known member

My Computers

Moderator

My Computers

Well-known member

My Computer

Active member

My Computer

Similar threads