Does this work like an Ethernet splitter? As in, does it connect to the internet modem and adds five Ethernet ports? Or is it completely different? null

Question

CathyC · Accepted Answer

I too, went back and forth between a splitter and this switch, I opted for this switch since it essentially was adding extra ports. I simply plugged one ethernet cable into it directly from my modem, and it allowed me to directly plug my desktop PC and printer (both I use to work from home) into this splitter and have amazing internet speed with no delays. I have extra ports available, should I ever need those.

Answered by CathyC 6 months ago

Verified Purchase

TPLinkSupport · Answer

Hi Reginia,

If your modem is strictly a modem-only device, and not a modem + router gateway, then connecting a switch to it may potentially only allow for one device to connect. This is because a router is needed to create a LAN (Local Area Network) and to facilitate routing of traffic to multiple devices simultaneously within your network, which a standalone modem cannot do - even if paired with a switch.

If you only have a modem so far, you'll need a router first, then you can connect the switch to the router (if needed) for additional Ethernet ports.

SteverinoCT · Answer

There are five ports total. Anything you connect to it running Ethernet will be able to reach any other device connected on the same network; but you need a router to connect to your modem first.

A straight "modem" takes the incoming cable/fiber signal and converts it to ethernet. A "router/modem" (typically what you get from your ISP) adds the NAT and firewall functionality to allow you to connect multiple devices to your Internet. These router/modems typically will have a built-in switch, multiple ports you can connect to.

*This* switch can be added to that to provide additional ports. In my own case, I have three devices connected to my router/modem's ports, and also a five-port switch, that has four more devices connected to it. One of the switch's ports, of course, goes to the router/modem, so only four available for additional devices.

DavS · Answer

Hi Reginia, this is an Ethernet switch, in port number one the Ethernet cable comes in from your modem/router, ports 2, 3, 4 and 5 are your outputs, so it really adds 4 Ethernet ports, it is suggested to install this near the devices you need it for rather than near the router.

Answered by DavS 4 months ago

Verified Purchase

RoyH · Answer

You can think of it as a splitter, although that's not technically correct.  Add four ports, not five.

“Does this work like an Ethernet splitter? As in, does it connect to the internet modem and adds five Ethernet ports? Or is it completely different?”

1-5 of 5 Answers