Splitting an ethernet cable?

[xRorz]

Not sure if this is the correct sub for this question but I'll go ahead anyway.

This may seem like a dumb question but I read somewhere that I can't do this.

I have my computer and PS4 in my room and have a single ethernet cable running from downstairs (where my router is) to my room and I can only use one or the other at any given time. Is it possible to buy something which I can plug the ethernet into which then connects to 2 separate ethernets and use them at the same time? If so, will this affect performance? It's a CAT5 I believe. Thanks.

 

[USAFRet]

A 'switch'. Like this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A128S24

 

[xRorz]

A 'switch'. Like this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A128S24

Ahh ok thanks. Can only one be working at any time?

 

[reedo_43]

No, up to 4 devices with that particular switch. Cable from downstairs into 1 port. Then you will need 2 additional cables for you pc and your console.

 

[USAFRet]

A 'switch'. Like this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A128S24

Ahh ok thanks. Can only one be working at any time?

4 devices at the same time.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

Along time ago when 100mb hubs & switches were rare and 10 mb hubs & switches were common you could get a Y splitter to enable two devices to run off one ethernet cable (you needed one Y at each end )

We scrapped them when we upgraded to 100mb switches as they would not work with Y splitters

Nowdays a 4 or 8 port switch is fairly cheap to buy

Note a 4 port switch supports 3 devices

Regards
Mike Barnes