Cat 5 Multi Tap Extension Cord

Camdo · Sep 28, 2013

For internet use, I want to wire 4 rooms of an apartment in a simple “star” configuration, with each leg about 20 feet. No router or switch. Using cat 5 milticonductor, just connect all wires of the same color together at the hub. At any one time, only the modem internet feed and one computer would be connected.

My question is will this work? I am concerned with signal reflectance or degradation from the unused legs.

USAFRet · Sep 28, 2013

I can't imagine this working any better than adding a simple $15 switch in the middle of things.

rsmith13 · Sep 28, 2013

It won't work without a switch (or hub).

Camdo · Sep 28, 2013

USAFRet :

Thanks for responding USAFRet.
Since this is a rented apartment, it must be a very simple pasive setup. The hub is in the attic and not a place where tennants should go.

USAFRet · Sep 28, 2013

Camdo :

So a Cat5 down from the hub, to a switch, and then to your devices. Simply trying to 'split' the wire from the hub won't really work.

How is data passed into your apartment? Ethernet plug(s) at the wall?

makkem · Sep 28, 2013

Hi
This may work and I repeat may but you are very liable to give yourself a mess of problems and slowdowns,for instance each connected computer that is not being used would need to be switched off entirely or the NICs would conflict.
Much much better as the other commenters state would be to use a switch ,I dont know why you are so reluctant to use a switch given how cheap they are.

Camdo · Sep 28, 2013

USAFRet :

The coax from the pole runs to a 4 way splitter, each leg runs to a room of the apartment. The tennant can chose any room for the TV and modem. The idea is that the tennant can connect the internet port of the modem to the wall receptacle of this "star extension" and thus locate the computer in another room. The rooms have already been finished and all the wires lead to the attic. So I am stuck with what I have.

Camdo · Sep 28, 2013

makkem :

Only one computer would be connected at any one time.

USAFRet · Sep 28, 2013

Camdo :

So:
You'll have a modem in your apartment. Run a router off that, and either WiFi, or string some ethernet around the corners to each place where you need it.

Trying to splice 5 Cat5 cables into one will not work as you expect.
If this is a typical 'modem', it serves up one and only one IP address. For multiple devices, you need a router which will do the internal DHCP.

Camdo · Sep 28, 2013

USAFRet :

Camdo :

So:
You'll have a modem in your apartment. Run a router off that, and either WiFi, or string some ethernet around the corners to each place where you need it.

Trying to splice 5 Cat5 cables into one will not work as you expect.
If this is a typical 'modem', it serves up one and only one IP address. For multiple devices, you need a router which will do the internal DHCP.

I understand that this will not work with multiple devices. The question is really about transmission degradation from signal reflectance off the ends of the unused legs. Since the legs are short (20 feet each) I am thinking that it will not be a problem.

USAFRet · Sep 28, 2013

Camdo :

I'm still not getting the reluctance to put in a router or switch. That will work, guaranteed.

Camdo · Sep 28, 2013

USAFRet :

The wires terminate in the attic. If the router does not work, the landlord (me) has to fix it. That is too much attention for apartment rental buisness. A switch will not work because the input may be from any room and output to any other room, and there is not access to physically flip the switch.

RealBeast · Sep 28, 2013

A switch is passive, it will require no "flipping." You will just need to have it connected to an AC power source.

USAFRet · Sep 28, 2013

Camdo :

This kind of switch:

Not this kind of switch:

USAFRet · Sep 28, 2013

I think we have to back up a step or two and completely redesign what you are trying to do.

Camdo · Sep 28, 2013

RealBeast :

How is the switch switched?

RealBeast · Sep 28, 2013

By simply attaching a device to the Ethernet port in the room if all ports are connected to the switch. The one that is in the picture by USAFRet is a good model to use in an attic. (The Netgear, not the Leviton).

But as USAFRet suggested, you should have a working plan before implementing anything. The modem Ethernet cable will connect to one room port that is attached at the other end to the switch, while the computer will connect to the Ethernet port in any other room (all of which are also connected to the switch above), correct?

makkem · Sep 28, 2013

Camdo :

I think you are getting confused,a network switch is a type of hub basically it switches the ethernet packages(or bits of information) from an input to a correct output so you can have multiple computers attached to one router or modem,they are a sort of intelligent hub.
Imagine it as a power strip for ethernet cables.

USAFRet · Sep 28, 2013

Initially, I thought you were talking about 1 apartment, trying to splice Cat5 to run to individual rooms.
That will not work.

Now it seems that we are trying to run ethernet to multiple apartments, on individual accounts.
That will really not work.

Can this be done? Sure. But not the way you're trying to do it.
And it will cost more than a couple of duct taped ethernet wires.

Design first. Then build to that design schematic.

Camdo · Sep 28, 2013

We are getting away from the origonal question in post #1. Anything requiring AC power is not passive in my requirements. I think I will make a mock up and see what happens.
I will post the results of my test.

Thanks to all for your responses.

USAFRet · Sep 28, 2013

Camdo :

We're getting away from the original question, because it seems the actual requirements would seem to dictate a different solution than what you proposed.

As said, I think this design needs to be restarted. It is not necessarily a complex design, but it will be if you start down the wrong road.

Make a schematic of what is needed, and we can see where to go from there.

Cat 5 Multi Tap Extension Cord

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