Using CAT5's unused pairs 2

[ronspree]

I would like to add another PC to a wired CAT5 LAN connection to a point approximately 70 meters away in wire length. Physical restrictions such as small conduit piping and fixed wall panelling makes it extremely difficult to physically add another LAN cable.
Other than adding a switch, or a wireless access point at the remote location, is it possible to use the remaining twisted pair cables (nos. 4,5,7 & 8) in the existing LAN cable, and do the necessary connections to the new computer's 1,2,3,6 LAN connection?

 

[jimbopalmer]

4 port switch is a good choice, by comparison

I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[countrypaul]

There are simple splitters available that allow you to run two ethernet connections over 1 cat5 cable. They simply plug into the rj45 socket at each end and presen tyou with two rj45 sockets. I think they cost around GBP10 each from Misco or the like.

 

[ronspree]

Thanks guys.

 

[franklin97355]

Just remember, you probably will get only 10mbs on these connections.

 

[atcom]

Ron,

If you're familiar with cabling you can split off the unused pairs easily. There will be no impact in the performance of 100mbps communications, but gigabit will never run across it!

Simply split out the 4,5,7,8 pairs like you said on both ends (this would be the blue and brown pairs). Connect the blue to pins 1,2 and the brown to pins 3,6 and you're done.

 

[ronspree]

Hey atcom,

Thank you very much. My job with that cable has been left hanging because of this unkown performance factor. I shall do this as soon as I have time to do so. Thank you again so much.

Ron

 

[ImpetusEra]

I'd just stick a switch in. If again in the future you need another line then you've got nothing to work with right off.

 

[cyberspace]

I would also have thought that a switch would be a much easier option!

Won't the PC's need to be within inches of eachother for that to work?

Still, thats not a bad tip atcom provided...perhaps I shall mess about with that at home and see if I can get it to work!

 

[vipergg]

A switch is a repeater , you could extend the network another 300 feet with a switch .

 

[ronspree]

It works! I dont see any performance degradation. Not yet at least. Thanks guys.

 

[baracuda]

I have a very similiar situation: I would like to use one cat 5 to connect two computers to the internet. I administer a hubbed network which is almost max'd out (its time to purchase a switch, yes, but budget constraints prevent that right now). A PC is already using the cat 5 cable for the location and the user wants to be able to also connect with her laptop. It is not feasible for her to switch the cable physically from one machine to the other. Unlike Ronspree, I don't know anything about splicing the unused portion of the cat 5. I am interested in the splitter that countrypaul recommended that plugs into the rj45. I could really use more info about the splitter. I suppose another work around would be to add a second nic to the pc and use a cross-over cable to the laptop. Has anyone ever tried this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[franklin97355]

Get a $20 switch and save all the hassle

 

[baracuda]

thanks - I guess I made things more complicated than they had to be.

 

[atcom]

Those splitters are alright, but last time I looked they were about $25 a piece - and you need 2.

 

[ronspree]

I already have the crimper (if that's what its called) for the RJ45, so the curious side of me just had to do it. I also wanted to maximize the use of the already existing switch (the source). It cost around $2.60 (3 terminal boxes because one was already existing, 3 RJ45 connectors, 1 meter CAT5 cable) and required about 90 minutes of pure concentration. Yes, you need to split both sides.

About the $20 switches, I learned my lesson when I used a ???????? 5-port ($14). It performed badly and had to live with it because I didn't want to admit my error. Then after a few months, a lightning strike put it out of its misery (along with the 3 LAN cards and the modem! HA! I was actually slightly happy. I replaced it with a Dlink 8-port ($32) and I'm very happy with its performance.

But the real reason for going for the hassle-full way of splitting the single CAT5 was curiosity. And that the main switch hub had vacant ports. I was thingking that the less components, the better.