ethernet splitters?

[pontifex]

I just saw some ethernet splitters in a catalog. do these work? do they degrade performance or speed or integrity at all?

 

[bsobel]

10/100 only need 2 pair, 1000 needs 4, so if you just using 10/100 these simply use the unused pairs in the cable.

Bill

 

[JackMDS]

They way they work violates the cabling stantard and since you need pairs it cost more than switch.

So why they are sold?

It is a good convenient thing for a tech. guy to have it in his toollbox when working in the field.

It is Not a permanent solution to a functional working Network.

 

[cmetz]

pontifex, they do work for 10BaseT and 100BaseTX - NOT for 1000BaseT. It does degrade signal quality. It's often worth a try and saves having to run another drop. It's not the right way to do things, but it's a reasonable enough kluge.