What is Ethernet?
The creation of a network of computers and other devices in a local environment such as a home or office began with the development of Ethernet in the early 1980s. LAN (local area network) is such a local environment for creating, storing and sharing information with other devices in this location. As a wired network, Ethernet started with a coaxial cable and is now based on both copper wiring and fiber optics.
A wide variety of Ethernet devices are available in the market right now, so it is not uncommon to be overwhelmed by the types of Ethernet devices and what their use is. Ethernet devices are basically composed of computers, routers, switches or any other device that meets the only condition that has an internal or external embedded network interface card (NIC).
What is an Ethernet splitter and what are the types of Ethernet splitter?
Ethernet Splitter is one of the many Ethernet devices available. Do not confuse Ethernet splitters with Ethernet switches as they are not identical / dissimilar. They perform completely different tasks so that they cannot be treated as similar products.
Because there are two types of Ethernet splitter, it is often difficult for us to clearly distinguish between the two, and in general, people are unaware of the exact role this splitter has to offer.
Hence, it is important for us to understand what are the types of Ethernet Splitter and what is the difference between them.
There are two types of Ethernet splitter:
- Ethernet line splitter
- Power Over Ethernet (POE) splitter.
Let’s briefly get acquainted with each type of Ethernet splitter.
Ethernet line splitter
Using Ethernet Splitter, users can run one cable instead of two through floors, ceilings and walls. However, users will still require two cables at the location of the equipment. To achieve this, Ethernet splitters must be used in pairs. By using this Ethernet Splitter, the required Ethernet cables in the network can be reduced. Both signals are sent on the same cable.
How does an Ethernet splitter work?
You can split an Ethernet connection into two by an Ethernet splitter. An Ethernet signal can be shared by multiple devices if an Ethernet Splitter is used. You can also split Ethernet connections using Ethernet switches and hubs even though they do so in different ways.
Ethernet splitters are mainly available in two formats:
- The following components are included in the small module: one Ethernet port, two Ethernet sockets and one short RJ45 plug cable: There is a wide selection of Ethernet splitters in this format on the market. This is useful when connecting an Ethernet cable to an RJ45 socket, for example, when wall panels include an RJ45 socket.
- Three-port RJ45 adapter: If you want to connect using standard Ethernet cables, an Ethernet splitter will be more convenient.
Do Ethernet splitters reduce speed?
The federal question that comes to mind when deciding to use Ethernet Splitters is “Do Ethernet splitters affect the performance of the connected Ethernet device?”.
Well, the answer to this question is 100% / totally dependent on the types of networks you use in the local environment where splitters operate. The following is an illustration that explains the argument above:
Splitting Ethernet cables is not a perfect solution because their presence can affect network traffic speed. A professional survey found that Ethernet splitters reduce data speeds from 1000 Mbps to 100 Mbps. As a result, it is safe to use Ethernet Splitter with 10Mbps and 100Mbps Ethernet because local networks using Gigabit Ethernet experience a significant reduction in speed when using a splitter.
Devices connected to your Ethernet may perform worse because of the slower speeds. Herein lies the problem. Furthermore, Ethernet splitters limit the number of devices per cable to two. So, the amount of devices you can connect through an Ethernet splitter is not much higher than before. Ethernet line splitters can only be used in pairs. One of the two Ethernet Splitter is used to combine two cables into one and another is used to split them again into two cables.
Unlike standard Ethernet, Ethernet 10 and 100 Mbps use only four of the eight wires in the Ethernet cable. Therefore, the use of the Ethernet cable can be almost doubled by activating two separate links through it.
Power Over Ethernet (POE) splitter.
The second type of Ethernet splitter available is the Power Over Ethernet (POE) splitter.
Using a PoE splitter, the power is transferred to devices that are not PoE compliant by splitting data from the power supply. The concept of power over Ethernet involves the transmission of electricity through an Ethernet connection for remote devices. Given that the power is DC, while the data is at high speed, it is possible to transfer both at the same time without really causing a problem. Typically, splitters are used in low-power devices, such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, RFID readers, to separate the power from the data signal and aid in conversion to the required lower voltage.
POE is also called POL (Power Over LAN)
Small devices can be powered without external power via Ethernet cables to simplify installation considerably. When power is not easily accessible or when additional wiring will cause inconvenience in less accessible areas, power over Ethernet is an ideal solution.
Power is supplied to PoE systems primarily through Ethernet switches. There is also an option to use what is called a Power over Ethernet syringe. Thousands of standard “non-PoE” Ethernet switches are already in use, despite the availability of switches with PoE capability. Power over Ethernet injectors are neatly inserted between the Ethernet switch and the device to be turned on, providing the power that can be transmitted along the cable.
Advantages and disadvantages of Ethernet splitter:
The benefits of Ethernet splitter:
- The amount of cables required when connecting two networks is not large.
- If you only have one or two long Ethernet cables, you may need an Ethernet Splitter if you do not have enough Ethernet cables.
- Using Ethernet Splitters is a relatively inexpensive and efficient method of splitting a network.
- They are simple to install and do not require fancy equipment.
- Ethernet splitters can be configured without any software, making them stand out from most other network equipment.
As a result, Ethernet splitters are the best solution for home networks with a limited number of connected devices – typically, no more than two devices connected to a single router. Without a doubt, you need to use Ethernet Splitters if you only need two devices to connect through a 100Mpbs connection.
Disadvantages of Ethernet Splitter:
- Ethernet splitters can only be used with two devices connected at the same time, so if you want to connect more than two devices, this option may not be most suitable.
- Despite the need for fewer cables to connect two networks, two splitters are still needed for the setting to function properly.
- You cannot use Splitters if your router has only one Ethernet port left. boom!
- Due to their limited bandwidth, each Ethernet port is capable of delivering only 100Mbps.
- As a result, the resources on networks capable of delivering more than 100 Mbps will not be completely improved.
to conclude
Accordingly, Ethernet splitters are an important option in certain limited scenarios. Despite being so old, Ethernet splitters are not much improved, and their problems remain. Although they have their advantages, they are still not a possible or viable alternative in most cases. Looking at the future of Ethernet splitters in light of today’s technological advances, great optimism remains.
In summary, this post defines what an Ethernet Splitter is and summarizes its functionality, advantages and disadvantages, and how it can be used. As a result of this guide on Ethernet splitters, you will understand the issue in more depth.
