Splitting an Ethernet cable?

Question

I have recently bought a Samsung Smart TV which has WiFi, but we live in a relatively old house with thick walls so it's really unreliable.
I have a twenty metre Ethernet cable running from the office upstairs, put it through the floors and walls and everything to get it down to the lounge and it's plugged into the Sky box for on demand etc.
What would be the best way to split this cable... I see Ethernet splitters online but they look a bit cheap, a bit like id be sacrificing speed or something. There's no more ports free on the router either so I couldn't run another cable even if I want to.
I also don't really want a big Ethernet switch under my tv but maybe a small 2
port switch that could be wall mounted?

Any advice on the best way to do this would be appreciated!

Answer 1

There are several ways to solve this problem.



1) Assuming the TV has an Ethernet option as well as WiFi, then a small Ethernet switch, such as the Netgear FS605, is a simple plug and play solution. I have this setup with my TV and associated two boxes. The Ethernet from the router plugs into one port on the switch, the second port connects to the TV, and the third and fourth ports connect to my two boxes (which connect to the TV - one by AVI and one by HDMI). This leaves one spare port on the switch for future expansion. You will need two short Ethernet cables - one for the switch to the TV, and one for the switch to the Sky box. You should be able to get a FS605 for under $20 US.



2) Look for a single Powerline adapter that provides two Ethernet ports and a wireless access point. The cable from your router connects to one of the Ethernet ports, and the second port connects to the Sky box. Then you can configure the WiFi connection between the access point and the TV. TP-Link is one manufacturer that makes such an adapter. There are several other manufacturers.



3) This uses the same type of adapter to connect to the Sky box and by WiFi to the TV, but instead of using a long Ethernet cable back to your router, it uses a short cable from the router to another Powerline adapter plugged into a power outlet near the router. Instead of using a long Ethernet cable, the network is transmitted through the house's power wiring.



I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Using a wall adapter will reduce efficiency due to line noise etc. Personally I would recommend buying an ethernet switch, you can pick those up pretty cheap these days and quite small depending on the amount of ports you need. I would consider connecting that 20M cable to a switch and from there to your Sky box and your TV. Or you could use a WiFi extender to to boost your signal. I've added a links to some hardware you could use. (sorry the links are long)



Ethernet Switch:



http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/networking/networking/wired-networking/netgear-gs105-prosafe-5-port-gigabit-ethernet-switch-18438952-pdt.html?gclid=CMT6vOjltb0CFTTJtAods0wAHQ&srcid=198&cmpid=ppc~gg~~~Exact&mctag=gg_goog_7904&s_kwcid=AL!3391!3!28126468220!!!g!60595223635!&ef_id=UiDZDAAABZVF3SSX:20140328175221:s



I would add a link for an extender but generally with those you have to make sure your pre-existing router is compatible with the model you choose.

Answer 3

Splitters do not work... You need a network switch, or like others suggest, a power line Ethernet adapter(s).

You can always add network switches to the LAN side of any Router, it simply adds more ports. You can also place a switch at the other end of any cable, to provide more Ethernet ports at the other end....

Answer 4

The easiest way to get internet in any room of your place without running cable through the walls is to use Powerline Network Adapter.The device uses existing electrical wiring.You plug-in on adapter by router.Another aadapter plugs-in in the electr outlet in any room of your place.Electr. wiring is used to transfer internet.System works just great.