Opt for a second powerline or an Ethernet split based on your needs.
Opt for a second powerline or an Ethernet split based on your needs.
I’m linked to the web via a powerline and Ethernet connection. You’re considering adding another PC using only Ethernet (no Wi-Fi). Should I use a second powerline adapter, or a cable splitter on the first line?
Could you get a decent 5-port gigabit switch for around twenty dollars?
The switch indicates the Ethernet cable has been split, as shown in the image.
The router is in a different apartment, which means I can't reach it directly. That's why I'm relying on a powerline connection.
A splitter splits the wires, giving you roughly 100Mbps at best. If it's a poor quality splitter, it won't function well and you'll lose money. A switch manages data packets and supports several devices simultaneously, letting you communicate locally without needing the router.
It will connect to the router through one port for internet access, while the other ports enable devices to communicate with each other. In contrast, the splitter you mentioned won’t allow this setup. If a third device is added later, a switch would support it easily, but a splitter wouldn’t.
Connection quality is significantly worse, and only if the splitter functions properly. It seems the device linked to the splitter won't be able to communicate with two other devices using different wire pairs, resulting in either no functionality or complete failure.