New connection help

Can you help make my mind up. I need to add a new connection to my home
network.

I have

- A cable modem
- 2 machines connected through a 4 port Linksys router (2 free)
- One is downstairs one is upstairs connected with straight Cat 5e. The
upstairs one with a length of cable through an external wall, up 8 foot
and then through the wall to the machine directly above my head. No hubs
etc en route just into network adapters.

- I need to join another computer at the other end of the house (ie
upstairs but in the furthest room (40 - 50 foot?) into the network and
can't afford untidy cables and at this time don't want to go wireless.
(old brick walls)

I know I could add a hub onto the upstairs computer and run a cable down
the landing to the room quite easily. But as a cost measure, can I
split the one RJ45 into the initial upstairs bedroom to feed both
machines? (IIRc only 2 twisted pairs are active, 2 dormant).

On the other side I notice companies offering a dual outlet RJ45 socket.
Does that mean 2 in = 2 out or does it magically split one input Cat
cable into 2 oulets?

I have also spotted cable splitters that allow 2 from 1 where a pair of
adapters are needed. Logic says all they are doing is using the unused
pair. Right or wrong?

Any suggestions welcome.

Joe

In article <(E-Mail Removed)>, (E-Mail Removed)
says...
> Can you help make my mind up. I need to add a new connection to my home
> network.
>
> I have
>
> - A cable modem
> - 2 machines connected through a 4 port Linksys router (2 free)
> - One is downstairs one is upstairs connected with straight Cat 5e. The
> upstairs one with a length of cable through an external wall, up 8 foot
> and then through the wall to the machine directly above my head. No hubs
> etc en route just into network adapters.
>
> - I need to join another computer at the other end of the house (ie
> upstairs but in the furthest room (40 - 50 foot?) into the network and
> can't afford untidy cables and at this time don't want to go wireless.
> (old brick walls)
>
> I know I could add a hub onto the upstairs computer and run a cable down
> the landing to the room quite easily. But as a cost measure, can I
> split the one RJ45 into the initial upstairs bedroom to feed both
> machines? (IIRc only 2 twisted pairs are active, 2 dormant).
>
> On the other side I notice companies offering a dual outlet RJ45 socket.
> Does that mean 2 in = 2 out or does it magically split one input Cat
> cable into 2 oulets?
>
> I have also spotted cable splitters that allow 2 from 1 where a pair of
> adapters are needed. Logic says all they are doing is using the unused
> pair. Right or wrong?
>
> Any suggestions welcome.
>
> Joe
>
>
>
Bad form to respond to your own post but I've been digging around as
there were no responses here. Any comments on this (which descibes mmy
problem):

'I have successfully split Cat5 cable. I only do this where it is
impossible or infeasible to run another cable. Just to let you know, the
maximum speed will be reduced to 10Mbps in each "new" connection, which
should not be a problem in most situations. If you are not familiar with
the basics of networking, or do not have access to the proper tools, DO
NOT attempt this (I didn't mention what tools were needed because if you
don't know, you shouldn't be doing this!!). You will only succeed in
making your current connection unusable. Best to call in an expert if
you doubt your abilities.

All disclaimers now aside, this is what you need to to:

Note: these directions apply to the T568B wiring standard.

1) I assume your current cable is connected to a switch or hub and that
switch or hub has at least one free port. If not, you will need to
upgrade your switch or hub.

2) At the non-switch (or hub) end of the cable, connect the following
wires to the following pins of an RJ45 jack:

First jack:
-orange/white to pin 1
-orange to pin 2
-green/white to pin 3
-green to to pin 6

Second jack:
-blue to pin 1
-blue/white to pin 2
-brown/white to pin 3
-brown to to pin 6

3) At the switch (or hub) end of the cable, repeat step 2 but replace
the RJ45 jack with an RJ45 plug.

4) Plug your "new" connections into the switch or hub and connect your
computers or other equipment at the other end. If everything was done
properly, you should now have two connections from one cable."



Thoughts, anyone?
Joe

In article <TvS5b.1506$1%(E-Mail Removed)>,
(E-Mail Removed) says...
> With the cat 5 cable there are free wires but the problem is that if you use
> them then the is an interferance caused and the connection speed obtainable
> is reduced. If you are running a wire up anyway why not just run another?
> You would hardly notice whether it was one or two wires.
>
> As for the rj45 socket, it will be two seperate modules, designed for 2
> seperate cat 5 cables, but there would be nothing to stop you using the on
> cat 5 cable and just splitting the wires into the both of them
>
Thanks for this. The first cable is already in place - drilled and
plugged and I would have to take it out and redrill larger holes through
the walls. Splitting one cable into two seemed a quick and dirty option.

Do you know if the interference and speed drops are significant for home
use?

I have never done it before but from what I have read I doubt you are really
going to notice much of a difference if you are just talking about surfing
the web etc.

The problems start to arise when these corners are cut in larger networks
where there is massive amounts of data being continually sent, then it would
cause a bottle neck. Anyway, what's the worst that can happen, you try it
and if you think it is too slow put it back to the way it was and you will
just have to get out that drill !!!

The wall mounted box and 2 modules should only cost you a few pounds, if I
can remember correctly from last time it was about £8 for a 2 module box.
Can't really remember to be honest, when my brain starts working in an hour
or two it might come back to me!!!

"Joe" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> In article <TvS5b.1506$1%(E-Mail Removed)>,
> (E-Mail Removed) says...
> > With the cat 5 cable there are free wires but the problem is that if you
use
> > them then the is an interferance caused and the connection speed
obtainable
> > is reduced. If you are running a wire up anyway why not just run
another?
> > You would hardly notice whether it was one or two wires.
> >
> > As for the rj45 socket, it will be two seperate modules, designed for 2
> > seperate cat 5 cables, but there would be nothing to stop you using the
on
> > cat 5 cable and just splitting the wires into the both of them
> >
> Thanks for this. The first cable is already in place - drilled and
> plugged and I would have to take it out and redrill larger holes through
> the walls. Splitting one cable into two seemed a quick and dirty option.
>
> Do you know if the interference and speed drops are significant for home
> use?

In article <B4Y5b.1604$1%(E-Mail Removed)>,
(E-Mail Removed) says...
> I have never done it before but from what I have read I doubt you are really
> going to notice much of a difference if you are just talking about surfing
> the web etc.
>
Thanks, very helpful,