Can I get 6 Devises Connected To the Internet From One Wall Ethernet Jack?

RustyFerretStudios · Oct 4, 2015

So I live in an apartment that provides free +- 50 MBS wired internet connection, but I have 6 devises I would like to connect and apartment only has one wall ethernet jack. What could I use to connect all 6 to the internet with minimum cost and minimum loss of bandwidth? I spent an hour or so searching for an answer only to become more confused by the conflicting information and the lack of a scenario the same as mine.

I originally thought an ethernet splitter would do, but then found those to only work for 2 devices and half the bandwidth between them.

Then I was about to buy a ethernet switch, but then I read on a forum that I would need a router in order to get more than 1 IP address.

Then I was about to get a router but another forum said something about needed a modem also even for a wired connection (why would I need a modem for a router but not for just plugging 1 PC straight into the wall port?)

Any help is much appreciated.

USAFRet · Oct 4, 2015

RustyFerretStudios :

A switch is what you are looking for.
Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-SG1016D-1000Mbps-Rackmountable-Capacity/dp/B004ELA0SS

Now...the question is...what is that ethernet port connected to? Something that provides multiple internal IP addresses? Or just one device?

bignastyid · Oct 4, 2015

You just need a router or possibly a switch. The apartment complex should already have the modem on the network so you don't need one. A modem would be needed of you were attaching to your own dsl or cable internet connection.

Mesmurized · Oct 4, 2015

I use an LinkSys WRT54G (an old wireless G router) setup as an Access Point. It expands my single connection TWC cable by creating a home network consisting of 4 wired ethernet clients and multiple wireless clients.

RustyFerretStudios · Oct 4, 2015

USAFRet :

RustyFerretStudios :

A switch is what you are looking for.
Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-SG1016D-1000Mbps-Rackmountable-Capacity/dp/B004ELA0SS

Now...the question is...what is that ethernet port connected to? Something that provides multiple internal IP addresses? Or just one device?

I'm not sure, how would I find out? Is there a way to switch IPs from 1 laptop?

RustyFerretStudios · Oct 4, 2015

bignastyid :

This makes sense. So do you recommend I get a router (such as this: http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-R860-Advanced-8-Port-Router/dp/B003CFATSS/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t ) just in case the port only provides 1 IP address?

USAFRet · Oct 4, 2015

RustyFerretStudios :

Before buying parts, you need to determine what that port does. What is it connected to?

RustyFerretStudios · Oct 4, 2015

USAFRet :

Again, I'm not sure, it's a "Local Area Connection" under the windows 7 network and sharing center and is IPv4 only (no IPv6). I'm not really sure if any of the info I see would help, I tried calling the apartment manager but he has no idea..... the rated speed is "100 Mbs) but the actual speed I get is anywhere from 40 - 60 Mbs.

USAFRet · Oct 4, 2015

RustyFerretStudios :

USAFRet :

Again, I'm not sure, it's a "Local Area Connection" under the windows 7 network and sharing center and is IPv4 only (no IPv6). I'm not really sure if any of the info I see would help, I tried calling the apartment manager but he has no idea..... the rated speed is "100 Mbs) but the actual speed I get is anywhere from 40 - 60 Mbs.

Buy a $15 4 port switch. See if it delivers a connection to multiple devices. If yes, great.
If no, then we can look at something else.

RustyFerretStudios · Oct 4, 2015

USAFRet :

RustyFerretStudios :

Buy a $15 4 port switch. See if it delivers a connection to multiple devices. If yes, great.
If no, then we can look at something else.

Couldn't I just buy a router in order to account for if it's just 1 IP address? I don't have the cash to blindly by equipment that may or may not work for what I need. Or is there a way to calculate the # of IP address available?

USAFRet · Oct 4, 2015

RustyFerretStudios :

USAFRet :

Couldn't I just buy a router in order to account for if it's just 1 IP address? I don't have the cash to blindly by equipment that may or may not work for what I need. Or is there a way to calculate the # of IP address available?

A router may or may not work. Is the upstream device...what is on the other end of that ethernet port....doing DHCP duty? Maybe, maybe not.
If it is, then a router would have to be dumbed down to be just a switch. In which case, a much cheaper switch would do the trick.

I suggested a $15 switch, because if it does not do what you need on day one...you send it back and get your $15 back. Minimal investment risk.

RustyFerretStudios · Oct 4, 2015

The subnet calculator website says I have 6 subnet bits 22 mask bits 64 maximum subnets and 1022 hosts per subnet, does this mean 6 IPs available on the network?

Also I did the ping trick on Command Prompt and it displays 6 static and a lot of dynamic IPs under the interface with my IP address and shows another interface with a second IP address with 1 dynamic and 6 static IPs.

mrmike_49 · Oct 4, 2015

safer just to get a router

USAFRet · Oct 4, 2015

If the apartment manager has no clue of what is what, go above him and ask. Either the property manager, or whoever is paid for that internet connection...the ISP. One of them WILL know what the deal is.

mrmike_49 · Oct 4, 2015

likely only the ISP knows, or the tech that originally set it up, just buy a router and you're good to go!

RustyFerretStudios · Oct 4, 2015

USAFRet :

So the information I provided "

The subnet calculator website says I have 6 subnet bits 22 mask bits 64 maximum subnets and 1022 hosts per subnet, does this mean 6 IPs available on the network?

Also I did the ping trick on Command Prompt and it displays 6 static and a lot of dynamic IPs under the interface with my IP address and shows another interface with a second IP address with 1 dynamic and 6 static IPs."

does not tell me the information I need?

USAFRet · Oct 4, 2015

This further goes into how the system is set up, and how you pay for it.

Is each apartment on its own subnet? Or is the whole building run off a single modem/router?
Do you pay the ISP directly, or is it just included in the rent?

RustyFerretStudios · Oct 4, 2015

USAFRet :

It's 4 apartments with 1 maintenance closet (that I assume contains the internet setup) per building, with 10 buildings in the cul de sac. Wired (and very unreliable wireless) internet is included with the rent.

USAFRet · Oct 4, 2015

Call your ISP and ask.
"Hey...can I connect multiple devices off this ethernet port in my apartment?"

They will say either yes or no.
Cost to find out? $0.

Is there more than one ethernet port in your space?

Can I get 6 Devises Connected To the Internet From One Wall Ethernet Jack?

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