Share Ethernet Connection via Splitter?

Question

Level 2

269 points

Share Ethernet Connection via Splitter?

I have an Ethernet cable run from my Mac in my office to my Apple TV in my living room. I also have a PS3 in the living room. Can I use a simple splitter (as shown in the link below) to get both the AppleTV and the PS3 online?

http://www.cellularfactory.com/deals/item-40044_1013.html?eng=dn

3GHz Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.7), 12GB RAM

Posted on Aug 19, 2010 3:20 PM

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Answer 1

Niel

Level 10

726,761 points

Aug 19, 2010 3:22 PM in response to Raymond Fox

Yes. Ethernet is the same.

(53391)

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Answer 2

Raymond Fox Author

Level 2

269 points

Aug 19, 2010 3:26 PM in response to Niel

Thanks Niel. Somehow I got it in my head that I needed some kind of $100 router to split the line or it wouldn't work properly. Nice to know a 69¢ piece of plastic will fill the bill.

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Answer 3

capaho

Level 4

3,673 points

Aug 19, 2010 6:00 PM in response to Raymond Fox

You should use an Ethernet switch rather than a splitter or hub in order to reduce data collision, which could degrade performance on a busy network.

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Answer 4

Alley_Cat

Level 7

20,548 points

Aug 20, 2010 1:04 AM in response to Raymond Fox

Raymond Fox wrote:
Thanks Niel. Somehow I got it in my head that I needed some kind of $100 router to split the line or it wouldn't work properly. Nice to know a 69¢ piece of plastic will fill the bill.

A small 4 port Netgear switch cost me about £20 some time ago, I'd imagine you'd get one for $20-$30 at most, probably far less, and for AppleTV you don't need Gbps ports as AppleTv is only 10/100 Ethernet, though you might consider more modern spec if price differential was small.

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Answer 5

Ge0ph

Level 2

426 points

Aug 20, 2010 6:27 AM in response to Raymond Fox

All that will do is combine two connections into one and then split it out to two connections at the other end. It does this by using the two unused pairs to send the second cables signal. It will not create another port out of one port. You need a switch to do that.

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Answer 6

Raymond Fox Author

Level 2

269 points

Aug 20, 2010 10:39 AM in response to capaho

So I'd be better off with something like this?

http://dealmac.com/AZIO-5-Port-10-100-Ethernet-Switch-for-3-after-rebate-free-sh ipping/384111.html

If I did go this route, with a 10/100 switcher, wouldn't I be creating a bottleneck for the PS3?

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Answer 7

capaho

Level 4

3,673 points

Aug 20, 2010 6:08 PM in response to Raymond Fox

Connect the cable from your Mac to the first port on the switch, then connect everything else to the other ports. The switch will manage its own traffic and will effectively turn your Mac into a router. There won't be a bottleneck.

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Answer 8

capaho

Level 4

3,673 points

Aug 20, 2010 6:28 PM in response to Raymond Fox

One more thing to consider, it's true that the ATV maxes out at 100 Mbps on its Ethernet port, but the PS3's Ethernet port is a gigabit port, so you might want to consider a faster switch if the PS3 will be connected to it.

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Answer 9

Raymond Fox Author

Level 2

269 points

Aug 23, 2010 10:24 AM in response to capaho

One more thing to consider, it's true that the ATV maxes out at 100 Mbps on its Ethernet port, but the PS3's Ethernet port is a gigabit port, so you might want to consider a faster switch if the PS3 will be connected to it.<</div>

Yes, that's what I meant by a bottleneck for the PS3, though I may not have used the right terminology. Thanks much for the input.

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