Can you run two PC's from one network outlet

[gloriousglenn]

I have an office that has a wall mounted network outlet which I can plug in only one cat5 cable.

Is there a way of splitting this (or any other way) so that I can run two PC's on the same network?

Cheers
Glenn

[ChrisH]

Buy a small switch and stick it on there.

[plexer]

Yes you can buy cat5 splitters or make them yourself.

Not recommended as it breaks cat5 spec but it can be done.

If you can wait until after tomorrow I'll have a pair of splitters you can have.

I'm having some extra points put in to removed the need to use them.

Ben

[SYNACK]

The issue with splitters is that because it limits each link to two pairs rather than the usual four it will drop back to the 10mbit standard.

This means that each pc will only run at 10Mbits in half duplex (the pc can only send or receive at any one time not both at the same time). This will break streaming media and other such content as it has to take a break from receiving the video to send an acknowledgement back to the server.

I would definatly recommend the small switch if these stations will see any significant use.

[mac_shinobi]

Buy a small switch and stick it on there.

agree on a mini / small switch , a lot easier and more reliable.

[gloriousglenn]

I tried a switch that didn't seem to work, hence I posted on here. Now it could be that the switch is duff, but I'm open to any suggestions.

Ben,

Unfortunately I don't have the means or budget (the MoD are tight!) to get extra points fitted and the extra PC in the office is more of a nicety as apposed to a necessity so I would never be able to justify the expence.

The user has waited this long without access to the network so a little while longer won't hurt her!!

Many thanks for your help.

Glenn

[Ric_]

If your switch (at either end) doesn't have auto MDI/MDIX ports you will need to use a crossover cable to connect the mini-switch to the RJ45 socket on the wall.

[SYNACK]

I tried a switch that didn't seem to work,

It is probably an older switch that does not have automatic MDI/MDX switching.

You may need to use a crossover cable to connect it to the network. The switch may have a port or little switch marked uplink that will also do the trick with a standard cable.

edit: I must improve my typing speed

[gloriousglenn]

I have just had a look at the switch and it is fact a 5-port hub! It does however have an UpLink socket which was connected to the network outlet via a cat5 cable.

I think I'll look at getting a switch and giving it a blast!

[plexer]

Glenn: I have a pair of splitters you can have for free

100mbit only uses 2 pairs of a cat5 cable anyway so why does splitting one 4 pair cable into two 2 pair connections result in 10mbit?

Ben

[plexer]

If you'd read all the notes then:

Wires marked ** are ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY for 100Base-T4 networks (using any combination of category 3/4/5 cables and MAY be for Power-over-Ethernet see below)) but are not required for 100Base-TX (using cat 5/5e ONLY cables) and CAN be used for other purposes e.g. telephony but, .. beware .. read this FAQ and our LAN plus Telephony article before you wire your entire neighbourhood for surround sound.

Ben

[plexer]

Synack: Where did your post go?

Ben

[SYNACK]

Glenn: I have a pair of splitters you can have for free

100mbit only uses 2 pairs of a cat5 cable anyway so why does splitting one 4 pair cable into two 2 pair connections result in 10mbit?

Ben

I was thinking of lower grade cable where the extra pairs are used.

[plexer]

Fair enough

Ben

[laserblazer]

If you us a switch make sure they know not to turn the power of or unplug to run the kettle.