You’re here, and you’re curious about ethernet splitters. Specifically, you’re wondering, “When do I use an ethernet splitter?”

There tends to be a little confusion around the issue of ethernet splitters due to their technical nature. Let’s correct some of the misconceptions people often have about them.

First off, you don’t use an ethernet splitter to divide an existing ethernet connection. The splitter’s main use is to help you save on Cat-5e cable when you’re connecting multiple computers within a single Local Area Network (LAN).

Have you ever slit open an ethernet cable and taken a look inside? If you had, you would have discovered eight tiny brightly colored wires. The wires are color coordinated and arranged in a specific order to allow datagrams to be sent from hop to hop across a network.

However, ethernet cables don’t require all eight of those inner wires to carry data. In fact, they only require four of those wires. Which means that, thanks to an ethernet splitter, we can double up and have two different devices communicating within a LAN over the same cable.

Why would you want to go to the trouble of purchasing not one, but two ethernet splitters (because you have to have one installed on either end of the cable to carry the single)? Well, the simplest explanation is: to reduce clutter.

If you’ve spent any amount of time around network equipment, then you’re probably well aware that the wireless revolution that has thus far resulted in lots of disappearing wires from all sorts of end-consumer devices hasn’t exactly hit industrial mainframes. The wires are very much still here–we’ve just driven them underground.

Why Ethernet Splitters Don’t Work Over the Internet

Before you get all excited about reducing the number of ethernet cables you have lying around connecting your devices on your LAN, take note of the fact that the efficacy of the ethernet splitter only applies to devices on the same local network.

Once you understand that you have to have a splitter on either end of a cable to properly separate the two concurrent transmissions over a single ethernet cable, you’ll notice that you have no control over whether your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has an ethernet splitter at the next hop beyond your local network.

Therefore, you can only utilize ethernet splitters on networks where you can actually install and maintain the splitters on both ends of a cable.

Isn’t This a Lot of Trouble to Go To?

By now, perhaps you’re asking another question: “Why would I go to the trouble of buying two ethernet splitters and installing them just to save on one ethernet cable?”

That’s a good question. For average users–small businesses with relatively small LANs, normal consumers, etc.–the only reason would be to save a little money on an extra ethernet cable or two. If you aren’t making your own cables, then the cost of a new long cable will be more than the cost of a couple ethernet splitters (you can find these for a couple of bucks either online or at your local Radio Shack).

On the other hand, even if you are just trying to set up a small home network, it can be quite a pain to drop another ethernet cable port. Instead of running all that additional wiring and going to the trouble of that installation, why not just use an ethernet splitter to simplify things and save you a bunch of work?

The real application of ethernet splitters comes in with larger-scale networks where there is a lot of infrastructure, lots of cabling and many different devices communicating over the network. In such a situation, ethernet splitters are useful for saving on cable expense and minimizing clutter and the need to bundle up so many cables running hither and yon.

Are You a Splitter?

So, my question for you is: “Are you a splitter?” Do you need to take advantage of the capabilities and clutter-reducing power of the ethernet splitter?

If so, then Amazon is probably the easiest place where you can go to pick a couple up:

• Cables to Go 37133 2-Port RJ45 Splitter/Combiner Cable, Gray 6-Inch (Single Unit*)
• List Price: $16.99
• Price: $3.99
• Read Reviews

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This site is here to orient you relative to ethernet splitters–what are they, how do you use them and where can you get them (or make your own if you’re particularly tech-savvy).

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What is an Ethernet Splitter?

An Ethernet splitter takes one Internet connection and splits the connection so that multiple people can enjoy the Internet at the same time. Computers on one network can take advantage of a single network connection and reduce the amount of cabling required for adequate installation.

How are They Useful?

Ethernet splitters are very useful when business owners have multiple computers or other devices that require connection to the Internet.

Wireless Internet is typically preferred by companies requiring more than a single device connected to the Internet. A wired Ethernet connection may be useful to companies that may have occasional problems with their wireless Internet connection.

Ethernet connections may also be preferred because they are more secure than wireless connections. Companies often employ wired Ethernet connections if they suspect that their information may be compromised by a wireless connection.

Ethernet connections may also be included as a part of disaster recovery. If the wireless connection is interrupted due to disaster, the Ethernet connection may be a backup to the wireless solution if the client can remain stationary during the disaster.

When Are They Recommended?

There are plenty of different situations in which an ethernet splitter may be the appropriate solution.

For instance, a small office with multiple computers may require an Ethernet splitter to open up the connection to multiple computers in an office. When there are two computers, one Xbox and an Ethernet jack, a single connection will not suffice.

The Ethernet splitter can connect all of these devices.

What Should Consumers Consider Before Purchasing an Ethernet Splitter?

Ethernet cable wiring is not as difficult as one might think.

With some patience, you can make your own Ethernet splitter rather than purchasing one. To make a viable ethernet splitter, it’s important that you understand the basics of hubs, routers and switches.

How to Make an Ethernet Splitter

To make an Ethernet splitter, purchase two RJ45 keystone jacks.

Two types of Ethernet cable splitter are available. The crossover cable and the standard patch cable are available. The crossover cable links multiple computers that do not require a switch or a router. The standard patch cable connects computers that have a switch or router available.

Many experts recommend Ethernet cable splitters for this very reason.

Electrical tape, a crimping tool and super glue are also needed to construct the custom splitter. To begin the process, crimp one end of the Ethernet cable and expose the wires.

Open the keystone jacks and follow the directions that accompany the package.

The Ethernet cable wires should be inserted into the jacks to begin the splitting process. For instance, the white and orange wires should be inserted into Pin #1. The orange wire should be placed into Pin #2. The white and green wires should be placed into Pin #3 and the solid green wire into Pin #6. This is the pin sequence for the first keystone jack.

The second keystone jack requires that the white and blue wires inserted into Pin #1. Into Pin #2, the blue wire should be inserted. Pin #3 will require the white and brown wires. Pin #6 will accept the brown wire.

Once the pins are inserted, then place the super glue on the jacks and snap them together. Then, wrap the electrical tape around the exposed wires. After the glue dries, the device will be ready to use.

How to Connect an Ethernet Splitter

To connect the Ethernet splitter, insert the Ethernet splitter into the Ethernet device port at the primary juncture. The network connection may be a DSL modem or an Internet router.

Users may select the computer, printer or scanner that they would like to connect into the Ethernet splitter.

To minimize network collisions, connect a printer or computer to the Ethernet splitter. With frequency problems eliminated, the user may share the connection with minimal problems.

Afterwards, test the splitter device connections to ensure they are connected to the network properly.

What Problems May Occur?

A network collision may occur when multiple computers are connected to the system. An Ethernet splitter will not resolve the issues that may occur from using the same network resources at once.

Conclusion

The Ethernet splitter is considered to be a viable solution to a common problem that numerous small businesses have in the office.

Ethernet splitters are affordable and may solve the problem for a modest sum.

Business owners should consider this option when they have an Ethernet connection in the office. Ethernet splitters may be found in numerous electronics stores. Consider the options available to your business and ensure that the company is covered in all situations.

When in doubt, just know that limited available ethernet ports is a problem that can be overcome through the use of an ethernet splitter, which you can either make yourself very easily or purchase through stores that carry networking supplies.