Need to use two computers on one RJ45 outlet

[no luck]

What is the best and hopefully cheapest way I can use two computers on one RJ45 outlet.  The RJ45 outlet goes to a router.

Radioshack has a Y network cable splitter but I presume you can only use one computer at a time.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[itsdoh]

I think the y splitters basically work like unpowered repeaters. Powered hubs avoid the problem of electrical loss over lines. The Y splitter should work, just dont use more than 1 on a single cable connected to a powered hub.

[giantpeople7]

Rj45's are Cat5 connectors right?

Well most routers are a combination of a router an a 4 port switch, which allows you to share a cable connection and create a home network.  If you indeed have a 1 port router then you will need a switch to create your network.

If what you call a router is really a modem, then you should buy a 4 port router ...  The cable company gives you modem's but not routers.

I'm not doubting your terminology just trying to cover all the bases.

[itsdoh]

giant, it sounds like he has horizontal runs connected to wall jacks and simply doesn't want to run another line to add 1 more unit. I'd say pick up the splitter and just ask the guy at the store or read the package, but it should work fine.

[no luck]

Thanks for you held guys.  I do have horizontal runs but only 1 RJ45 wall jack.

To better explain.  My room only has one RJ45 wal jack.  But I have a desktop and a laptop.  The wall jack runs to a router with 4 ports (all being used) which goes to a dsl modem.

Is it possible to have the two computers go to a hub (or switch ?) tin the room then to the RJ45 wall jack so that I can use both at the same time.

[giantpeople7]

yes. i believe that is the best way.  don't know waht is cheaper though.

[itsdoh]

yes it can, thats what the cable splitter would do for a fraction of the cost.

[Larry]

The 10/100BASET Ethernets only use 4 of the eight wires in a CAT5 cable.  T Splitter Adapters combine two 8-wire Ethernet jacks (ports) into one 8-wire jack at one end of a cable and split them apart at the other.  Most of the splitters I've seen are spec'd for 10BASET.  ATS, Inc. says their's is rated CAT 5e and claims they will work with 100BASET.  I have not tested the product.  Larry

http://atsats.com/products/splitter.htm:



"The ATS 10/100 Base T Splitter Adapters covert one RJ45 4-pair Jack into 2-pair Jacks while still maintaining 10 and 100 Base T system performance. The use of this adapter will allow two 10/100 Base T HUB ports to function on one horizontal cabling run (minimum 2 adapters required), we will include one 2" Patch cord."

[kgoering]

One of the great things about technology is that it keeps getting less expensive! A D-Link five port switch can be had from Office Depot or TechDepot for under $30. Best option all around.
kgoering

[Larry]

That's not the only cost.  They use energy and are more complex than a T-splitter.  Larry

[Larry]

I just tested the ATS 10/100 Base T Splitter Adapters.  You can read the results at http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Reviews/Network/ats/index.html.  Larry

[coolscoops]

Do you need to use horizontal cabling? In my house I have a modem connected to a router which connects up one level to a room with two computers. Will the ATS 10/100 Base T Splitter Adapters work in this situation.


Thanx,
CoolScoops

[itsdoh]

horizontal doesn't mean 'non vertical' in this case, it just means the main cabling which goes from room to room, as opposed to the patch cables you usually use to connect to the wall jacks.

[Larry]

If you are asking if you can connect two PC ports on a router to two PCs with the splitters and one cable, the answer is yes.  However, if you have yet to run one length of cable, why not run two?  Cable is fairly cheap.  Measure/estimate the length as closely as you can, reel off twice that plus some for good measure, bend at the mid point, and pull.  Always leave some slack in case the cable has to be reterminated.  18 inches of slack in the cavity at the outlet is a good idea.  Do not kink it or bend the cable tighter than a one inch radius.  And don't step on it.  Cabling Rules.  Larry

[coolscoops]

Thanx, that is what I am trying to do!