Can I use an RJ45 splitter to feed my router & NAS from Superhub 2?

[witters]

I have decided to move my Airport extreme into my lounge. I want to keep the superhub 2 in the dining room together with my NAS. I am going to run an ethernet cable from the superhub 2 to the lounge. My question is; can I split the output from the superhub 2 to feed the NAS in the dining and the Airport in the lounge. I don't want to move the NAS due to fan noise.

TIA

 

[noiseboy72]

Yes and no...

You cannot split an Ethernet cable with just 1 Y split, but if you are only running a 10/100 network, you can use a pair of splitters and run 2 Ethernet ports down 1 cable. This is called a cable economiser

This is because there are 4 pairs of conductors in an Ethernet cable and 10/100 only needs 2 pairs. If you are running Gigabit networks, then this will not work, as this uses all cores.

A better bet would be a small Ethernet Switch. This is an electronic device, that routes the Ethernet signal to your equipment. It has a single connection from your router and then 5,12 or more outputs for you to connect to. The switches can be had for less than £20. Here's one that I have. TP-Link TL-SG1005D 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Desktop Switch: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

That being said, your Superhub has 4 outputs anyway, so can you not just run separate cables?

 

[witters]

Many thanks noiseboy72.
I am using the superhub 2 in modem mode so the ethernet ports are disabled. It's feeding the latest Apple Airport Extreme. I have a 100 mbs connection which is great connected via wireless n but terrible on g. Looks like the Ethernet switch is the way to go. Am I correct in assuming I can then run one output of the switch to my router in the lounge, and one to my NAS in the dining room?

 

[noiseboy72]

You are correct. The Airport is also a router and switch, so can you not use the outputs from this?

 

[witters]

No because it will be in a different room and I want to use the ethernet ports on the Apple into my Sky box and BD player.