cat5 splitter?

[lenjack]

Is there such a thing as a cat5 splitter, and if so, where should I look?

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: lenjack
Is there such a thing as a cat5 splitter, and if so, where should I look?

Yes, you can passively split CAT5 (at least if you're running Ethernet on it; I assume this is the case.) Generally this is done with a hub. A 2:1 splitter jack (basically, three ports all wired together; similar to what you would use to plug two phones into one jack) will work, but may be tough to find.

Although in general it's better to use an active switch, since with a hub or passive split you'll be limited to half-duplex mode (and usually 10Mbps speed). They're pretty cheap, but it does usually need a power feed (unless you can use POE).

 

[lenjack]

Thanks...could you elaborate and supply a link? I found ethernet hubs and ethernet switches at Newegg. Is the switch better? Also, with a switch, do I need to switch between the outputs, or will both be active at the same time, which is what I want? I want to send the ethernet signal from my dsl modem to 2 devices simultaneously.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: lenjack
Thanks...could you elaborate and supply a link? I found ethernet hubs and ethernet switches at Newegg. Is the switch better? Also, with a switch, do I need to switch between the outputs, or will both be active at the same time, which is what I want? I want to send the ethernet signal from my dsl modem to 2 devices simultaneously.

you may want to get a router. hubs arent worth bothering with as you wont get the most out of your hardware with it and a switch is still cheap.

a good router can be had for about 40 bucks, however. not only will it manage your network traffic, but you can get it with wireless capabilities, and it can provide a hardware firewall (which is good to have, even in addition to a software firewall) the Buffalo WHR G54S is a good choice, i got one from newegg, and am very happy with it.

this is a topic better suited to the networking forum

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: xSauronx

Originally posted by: lenjack
Thanks...could you elaborate and supply a link? I found ethernet hubs and ethernet switches at Newegg. Is the switch better? Also, with a switch, do I need to switch between the outputs, or will both be active at the same time, which is what I want? I want to send the ethernet signal from my dsl modem to 2 devices simultaneously.

you may want to get a router. hubs arent worth bothering with as you wont get the most out of your hardware with it and a switch is still cheap.

a good router can be had for about 40 bucks, however. not only will it manage your network traffic, but you can get it with wireless capabilities, and it can provide a hardware firewall (which is good to have, even in addition to a software firewall) the Buffalo WHR G54S is a good choice, i got one from newegg, and am very happy with it.

this is a topic better suited to the networking forum

What he said. To share an internet connection, you will probably need a router (unless your ISP will give out two real IP addresses to your DSL modem, which usually they won't.)