Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Comprehending How A Cable Ethernet Splitter Works

By Carl Hartley


A cable Ethernet splitter can save time and money for individuals and corporations. The concept is not always explained very well, which may cause some frustration. The problem comes from being advised that they split the Internet signal into two. The Internet signal can already be accessed by multiple computers, this is managed through switches and routers. When it is properly explained, not only does the frustration go away, but they become very valuable tools.

The Ethernet cable splitter is not made to split the signal. Instead, it splits the cable itself. There are eight wires in every category 5 Ethernet line. Only four of these wires are being used with each connection. This means four are being wasted. You can use the other four to send a second signal on the same line, but different wires.

The devices are designed to be used in pairs. Often, this is the part that is left out of the explanation on how much time and money they save. One device splits the line at one end, the other brings it back together again. When only one is used, the receiving end becomes confused because it is actually receiving two signals and won't know which one is valid. In this case, the signal is often dropped.

Avoid getting pulled into the details of the concept. The idea is to make the ability to expand a network simple. When the technical details become overwhelming, nontechnical people tend to shy away from the technology. Frustrations run high, and projects are often abandoned out of confusion. The important thing to remember is that you need a device on each end. When they are plugged in correctly, the switch will light up with a good connection.

This setup is not meant to split the Internet signal. A modem brings a single Internet signal into the building. A cord then brings that signal to a switch or router. Two short cords connect to the first splitter. The long Ethernet cable then connects this to the single wall outlet in an office. The second splitter plugs into this outlet, essentially turning it into two outlets. At this point, two computers can each use a single outlet provided by the device.

There is a big benefit in the corporate world to using these devices. The cost and headache of running a single line from the corporate patch panel to each single outlet is rather high. If a person has two computers in one office, the cost is usually high to add a second outlet. Instead, these can simply be plugged in on each end, doubling the available outlets in each office.

Once they are understood, anyone can install these devices. Remembering that two are needed is the most important part of the whole concept. In most cases, an individual can use them without additional help. In the corporate world, they are used by techs to avoid running unnecessary additional lines.

Having a cable Ethernet splitter in place lets the network administrators save the company money. They can also get the job done quickly. For the home network administrator, the pain of creating lines and running them throughout the house can be avoided if a line already exists in a room.




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