Is it possible to divide one Ethernet cable into two separate cables?
Is it possible to divide one Ethernet cable into two separate cables?
Connected two lines to a single keystone with the aim of linking smart tv and firestick to a single router port. Believed it would function since I typically use only one device at a time. It appears the first device that connects works, but the second fails afterward.
You're applying it incorrectly;
both ends need two plugs, otherwise how would a keystone or port share the connection when it can't handle DHCP? The issue arises because the first plug gets the address, so for both devices to function properly the other side must connect to two router or switch ports.
One wire should be in one color and the other in the same but with different colors, or the second line won't work at all:
This clearly restricts speeds to 10/100 Mbps.
In short, you can split an Ethernet cable but not a port without additional equipment.
A plastic A/B switch costs about $5,
while a traditional metal version is around $7.40 and also offers only two pairs, similar to a split cable:
It's almost as expensive as a gigabit switch, which supports simultaneous operation without needing extra power.
Only one device may be active at any moment, with a likely restart afterward.