DIY Guide: How to Make an Ethernet Splitter

Ethernet is the backbone of the digital world we live in. Whether we use it to connect our computers to the internet or create a local area network (LAN), having a strong and reliable Ethernet connection is essential. However, sometimes we need to split that connection among multiple devices. For example, you may want to use a single Ethernet cable to connect your computer, printer, and gaming console to the internet. In such cases, creating an Ethernet splitter becomes necessary.

Making an Ethernet splitter can seem like a daunting task, especially if you have no prior experience in electronics. However, it is surprisingly simple. In essence, you need to split the eight wires in an Ethernet cable into two separate cables; each cable will have four wires that will connect to different devices. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step process of making an Ethernet splitter with ease. By following these simple steps, you can easily create a splitter that can handle multiple devices without compromising on the connectivity speed or reliability.

Creating Your Own Ethernet Splitter

Introduction:

Ethernet splitters can be incredibly useful for those who need to split a single Ethernet connection into multiple connections. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as when there is only one Ethernet cable available but multiple devices need to use the connection. Fortunately, building your own Ethernet splitter is a fairly simple process and can be done with just a few basic tools.

Materials Required:

– Ethernet cable
– Two RJ45 connectors
– A plastic housing or case
– Wire crimping tool
– Wire cutter/stripper

Step 1: Cutting the Ethernet cable length

The first step involves cutting the Ethernet cable to a suitable length based on your needs. Use the wire cutter/stripper to remove the outer insulation from the cable ends. This will expose four sets of twisted wire pairs inside the cable, which will be used to create the connections for the splitter.

Step 2: Wiring the Ethernet cable

To begin wiring the Ethernet cable, take one end and use the wire cutter/stripper to separate the four twisted pairs. Take two pairs and strip approximately 1.5 cm of insulation from the ends of both wires. Then, crimp one end of each wire into an RJ45 connector making sure to observe the proper color coding for Ethernet wiring.

Step 3: Repeat Step 2 for the other end of the Ethernet cable

Repeat Step 2 for the remaining end of the Ethernet cable. Once both ends of the cable are wired, test the connection by plugging both ends of the cable into a working Ethernet port and confirming that both devices connected to each end can access the network.

Step 4: Installing the plastic housing or case

Once you have confirmed that the connected devices can access the network, you can install the plastic housing or case over the cable and RJ45 connectors. This is an optional step but can help keep the connections safe from damage and also make the splitter look more professional.

Step 5: Finishing your Ethernet splitter

Once your plastic housing or case is installed, your Ethernet splitter is complete! Simply plug one end of the splitter into the Ethernet port and connect the other end of the splitter to the devices that need to share the connection.

Conclusion:

Creating your own Ethernet splitter can be a simple yet satisfying project for those who need multiple devices to share a single Ethernet connection. By following the above steps, you can create your own splitter using just a few basic tools and materials. Always remember to observe proper color coding when wiring Ethernet cables and test your connections before using them. Happy building!

The Basics of Ethernet Splitters

Ethernet splitters are used to expand the number of available Ethernet ports on a router. They work by dividing a single Ethernet connection into multiple ones. They can be particularly useful in home networks where several devices need an Internet connection, but the router only has one or two Ethernet ports. Creating an Ethernet splitter may seem difficult, but it’s actually quite simple with the right tools and know-how.

Materials Required

Before getting started with creating an Ethernet splitter, it’s important that you have all the necessary materials. Here is a list of things that you will need to create your Ethernet splitter:

1. Ethernet cable

You will need at least one Ethernet cable to use as the main cable that will be divided into multiple Ethernet connections. If you have a spare Ethernet cable lying around, it will work fine.

2. RJ45 connectors

You will need as many RJ45 connectors as the number of Ethernet connections you want to create. For example, if you want to create two Ethernet connections, you will need two RJ45 connectors.

3. Wire cutter/stripper

A wire cutter/stripper is a tool that is used to cut and strip wires. You will need this tool to cut the Ethernet cable to the required length and strip the outer insulation to expose the internal wires.

4. Electrical tape

You may need electrical tape to secure the Ethernet cable and RJ45 connectors in place.

5. Crimping tool

A crimping tool is needed to fix the RJ45 connectors onto the Ethernet cables.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create an Ethernet Splitter

Now that you have all the necessary materials, let’s get started with creating an Ethernet splitter. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create an Ethernet splitter:

1. Cut and strip the Ethernet cable

Use the wire cutter/stripper to cut the Ethernet cable to the desired length. Strip the outer insulation to expose the internal wires.

2. Arrange the wires

Arrange the internal wires in the Ethernet cable according to the standard color coding scheme.

3. Insert the wires into the RJ45 connector

Insert the wires into the corresponding slots in the RJ45 connector.

4. Crimp the connector

Use the crimping tool to fix the RJ45 connectors onto the Ethernet cable.

5. Repeat the process for the second Ethernet connection

Repeat the above process to create the second Ethernet connection.

6. Secure the connections

Use electrical tape to secure the Ethernet cable and the RJ45 connectors in place.

7. Test the splitter

Connect the splitter to the router and the devices that need an Internet connection. Test each connection to ensure that they are working correctly.

8. Expand the splitter if required

If you need to create more Ethernet connections, you can repeat the same process to create more splitters.

9. Use a switch instead of a splitter if required

If you need to create more than two Ethernet connections, it’s recommended that you use a switch instead of a splitter. A switch can support multiple Ethernet connections, whereas a splitter can only support two Ethernet connections.

10. Consider buying a pre-made splitter

If you’re not confident in your ability to create an Ethernet splitter, you can consider buying a pre-made splitter. They are readily available online and at most electronic stores.

In conclusion, ethernet splitters can be a cost-effective way to divide a single Ethernet connection to multiple ones. With the right tools and a simple step-by-step guide like the one provided here, creating an Ethernet splitter is simple and easy. It’s important to remember that a splitter can only support two Ethernet connections. If you need more connections, you’ll need to use a switch instead of a splitter. Regardless of your Ethernet connection needs, creating an Ethernet splitter can save you money and provide you with more flexibility in your home network setup.

Materials Needed

When making an Ethernet splitter, you will need the following materials to get started:

1. Two RJ45 Ethernet connectors: These connectors are the most crucial components of your splitter. They allow you to connect your Ethernet cables to the splitter.
2. An Ethernet cable: You need a standard Ethernet cable to connect your splitter to the network. Make sure that the cable is long enough to reach your devices.
3. A splitter board: The splitter board is a small circuit board that features two Ethernet connectors, separated by four twisted pairs of wires.
4. A crimping tool: This is a specialized tool that you’ll require to connect your Ethernet cables to the RJ45 connectors. It’s essential to have a crimping tool that can crimp both RJ45 and stranded wires.
5. A wire stripper: The wire stripper is useful for stripping away the protective covering on the Ethernet cable wires before you crimp the cable to the connectors.

Steps to Build an Ethernet Splitter

Building an Ethernet splitter is quite simple if you have all the materials ready. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Cut the Ethernet Cable

The first thing you need to do is cut the Ethernet cable into two equal parts. Use the wire stripper to strip away about 1 or 2 inches of protective covering from each cut piece of the Ethernet cable.

Step 2: Prepare the RJ45 Connectors

Insert each end of the Ethernet cable into each RJ45 connector. Make sure you follow the color coding indicated on the connector. Use the crimping tool to crimp the connectors onto the Ethernet cable.

Step 3: Connect the Ethernet Cable to the Splitter Board

Insert the two Ethernet connectors into the two ports on the splitter board. Ensure that the colors of the wires match on both connectors.

Step 4: Test the Ethernet Splitter

Now, plug one end of the Ethernet splitter into your router or modem and the other two ends into different devices, such as computers, laptops or gaming consoles. Once you’ve connected the devices, turn them on, and test the Ethernet splitter to ensure that it works as expected.

Step 5: Assemble and Secure the Ethernet Splitter

After you have tested your Ethernet splitter and confirmed that it works fine, you can put it together. You have two options: either mount it on a small board or put it in a plastic case. Make sure to secure the wires in the correct positions, and avoid mixing them up.

Conclusion

Creating an Ethernet splitter is easy and can save you money. All you need are the right materials, and to follow the steps outlined above. By creating an Ethernet splitter, you can easily connect multiple devices to your network without having to purchase a switch or router with more ports. Building one is a great way to expand your home or office network and enjoy faster internet speeds.

Happy Splitting!

That’s it! You’re now an expert on creating your own ethernet splitter. Hopefully, this article has been helpful to you. I hope that you’ve learned something new today. If you have any suggestions or questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and please do visit us again soon for more articles on tech and DIY hacks!