my stupidity with a rj45 splitter...

hey all, i have got a cat5 splitter that i am using so i can put two computers down one cable (long story). When i plug a computer into JACK 1 it works, if i unplug it into JACK2 it doesnt i have tried two different splitters and the same thing...is it a case that i have to have a machine plugged into jack1 to get jack2 to work?? i am trying to sort the other machine at the mo to see if this is the case but if anyone can advise me on this that would be great

thanks

RF
p.s. i have attached an image of the splitter so you can see what im on about !!

I've not seen one of those before, but...

it sounds like you do need Jack1 connected to a computer to be able to use Jack2.

are you connecting to a network using the link?

yes i am connecting the other end to a cable using a coupler that goes to a hub. i will try and set up the other computer and plug it into jack2. i planned on testing it with my laptop but i think the rj 45 port on it is damaged as it doent work in either jack1 or 2!!!

cheers for your reply

RF

In cat5 cable there are 8 different wires. Only 4 of these are actually use to transmit data - the other 4 are used to reduce loss of quality. Looking at the diagram of the cabling on the splitter, it seems that each jack is connected to a different set of 4 cables. So when you plug something into jack A, the correct cables are connected, but when you use jack B, the wrong ones are. So, I'd say go and buy a cheap hub/switch, which should do exactly what you want.

hi there ed, thanks for your reply, so are you saying that i have a splitter that dont work i'd rather avoid using a hub if i can help it that woul dbe the third in the house and i only have six computers!!!!!!!!!!!!

cheers


RF

ok i have tried plugging both machines through this splitter but no luck only one works....arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh. So is this splitter useless? is there one that ppl would recommend?? cheers

RF

To be perfectly honest, I'm not really sure, but I don't know what else it could be designed for. Try connecting with a different type of cable (crossover/straight-through). But otherwise, I don't know of any better ones to buy.

hmmm, ok thanks anyway! Maybe i will have to get a hub, there must be a splitter that works tho!! strange that only one port works!! wierd!!

neway cheers!!

RF

(p.s. i am having laptop probs on the network as i now have a router!! so i might be posting later )

I believe you have a splitter that is either meant for a specialized piece of network equipment that provides connectivity on the wires 1,2,3,6 and 4,5, 7,8 (which I have never run into) or is meant to be coupled with another splitter on the network device side.

Back in my combat comm days I fabricated something similar to the splitter you're using... it was one cable but I split it on both ends. It utilized two ports on the switch and provided connectivity to 2 PCs.

If you need to save the money or are looking to stick with this splitter (and don't mind the extra headache ) you could do the following:

**Make sure you have access to the tools (RJ45 crimper, some cutters and a straight thru CAT5 coupler) required or you could be wasting more money than needed to get this working. **

1. You need terminate 2 ends on the side connecting to the network device. So you dont destroy your splitter I would find a piece of CAT5 (minimum lenght 3 ft) and use that as a jumper. Crimp one side to appropriate standard that matches your splitter (TIA 568a or 568b). Crimp the other side with two RJ45 connectors. One with wires 1,2,3,6 in the slots on the connector 1,2,3,6. The second connector with wires 4,5,7,8 in the connector slots 1,2,3,6.

2. Use the CAT5 coupler to connect the jumper side with one connector to the splitter and connect the other side to two ports on your network device.

This should work...it did for me. Someone made the mistake of betting me I couldn't connect 2 devices to the network without any extra network equipment. I drank my favorite beer that nite courtesy of the loser. Lemme know if you want more details.

It has never in the history of wiring been possible to split communication lines in just one end. If you do something in one end, you must also take some action in the other end.

You MUST have a PAIR of splitters. If the guy at Radioshack did not tell you so I would advice that you do your shopping elsewhere in the future.

ok...i have a second splitter that i was going to use for a second project but i will try using them together and see if that works....i assume i am understanding ya correctly there..

Cheers

RF