Solved How do 2 in 1 ethernet splitter cables work

[Computer0304]

I have a modem router combination unit and a seperate router for my computers. The second router is connected by ethernet ports in the wall that connect together. The second router is connected to the modem router through the LAN on the modem router and is plugged to the WAN port on the second router. But since the modem router would have to use two ethernet cables connected to two ports on the wall otherwise, the ISP somehow got a 2 in 1 ethernet cable so that only one port is used on the wall for both the WAN for the modem router and the connection to the second router.
My questions are the following:
1. How is it possible to send two different signals through one cable without an adapter? At least I dont think there is one because it is literally a cable that splits into two with no box for the adapter.
2. How is it possible for one port to be used as both WAN and LAN when there is most likely no second internal apartment modem most likely because normally a second one would not be needed.
3. Will this affect speeds on the second router and the modem router?

 

[Berton]

A simplified explanation: There are 8 wires, 4 twisted pairs, in an Ethernet cable but usually only 4 wires, 2 twisted pairs, used. The 'splitters' I've looked at used the extra 2 pair with two units, one at each end of the cable to divert the normal signal onto those unused wires then move the signal back to the socket/plug for use.

LAN is the Local Area Network, in a home it usually consists of the computer with adapter, the Ethernet cable and the Router or Router/Modem combo. The WLAN is Wireless Local Area Network or Wi-Fi [Wireless Fidelity] and consists of the computer with adapter and the Wireless part of a Router. The WAN, Wide Area Network, is anything beyond the Router/Modem which would include the Internet and could also include other Networks such as used in businesses between other parts of the companies, other locations.

 

[Computer0304]

Does the splitting affect the speed of the cable? I don't have gigabit internet so it wouldn't really matter but I'm just wondering. Also, could a computer connected to modem router hosting a LAN server for a game be used by one connected to the second router?

 

[Berton]

No, the speeds shouldn't be affected. The reason for the twisting of the pairs is to prevent cross-talk between them.

It should work but I've only set up two Routers with one a wireless repeater of the other but it would be prudent for gaming to have the best equipment you can afford to assure good results. I'd wonder if maybe instead of a second Router whether a Switch would be good. I use an 8-port switch with my 4-port Router to be able to connect a couple of printers and more computers.

Also keep in mind that speeds from the Router to the Internet will be controlled/dictated by others such as your ISP, their ISP, etc., and are faster than a LAN.

 

[Computer0304]

A simplified explanation: There are 8 wires, 4 twisted pairs, in an Ethernet cable but usually only 4 wires, 2 twisted pairs, used. The 'splitters' I've looked at used the extra 2 pair with two units, one at each end of the cable to divert the normal signal onto those unused wires then move the signal back to the socket/plug for use.

LAN is the Local Area Network, in a home it usually consists of the computer with adapter, the Ethernet cable and the Router or Router/Modem combo. The WLAN is Wireless Local Area Network or Wi-Fi [Wireless Fidelity] and consists of the computer with adapter and the Wireless part of a Router. The WAN, Wide Area Network, is anything beyond the Router/Modem which would include the Internet and could also include other Networks such as used in businesses between other parts of the companies, other locations.

So you are saying that the normal Ethernet cables don't make use of the extra wires available but all RJ45 ports are all capable of using the signals in the extra wires only utilized by 2 in 1 cables?

 

[Berton]

It's a limitation in the ports on Routers, Switches, and Hubs as to the wires used, the pair of adapters take advantage of feeding two ports to one cable at the Router with one device then separating them out at the other end with the other device. Cyberguys used to carry them but I haven't checked lately.

 

[TVeblen]

Sorry to disagree, but I don't think the information is accurate. When you get up to Gigabit Ethernet all the old rules do not apply.



I would guess that the splitter is knocking down the transfer rate. It may work, but not at gigabit speeds.

 

[Computer0304]

So I would guess it would be halved, but that doesn't really matter since I only have up to 100 Mbits of Internet speed. Thank you both for the info.