Ethernet Splitter?

[Blazer5913]

I am in a college dorm setup in which I only have one ethernet port. I need to connect my MBP and my Xbox 360, both wired not wireless, to the internet. Maybe I am missing something, but does a simple splitter or hub kind of thing exist where I plug my ethernet cable into one end, and it gives me two outgoing ethernet ports? Therefore, almost splitting up the single connection of the ethernet port? Hopefully so, and if there is, any recommendations? Going to best buy tomorrow... Thanks again

 

[runplaysleeprun]

Any cheapo router will do the trick. It takes one connection coming in and splits it to normally 4. you can also get a wireless router that will take that same internet connection and make it wireless, as well as 4 ports.

edit: saw you didn't need wireless, so just get a regular router. also, I would recomened buying it online, you'll more than likely get a better price than best buy. but if time/hassle of buying online matter to you, by all means, best buy will have what you need.

 

[frankblundt]

presuming that what you plug into to connect to the network gets you straight onto the LAN (ie you don't need a modem) then you probably don't need a router either, just a normal hub. they come in all sizes but the small cheap ones usually have 4 ports out and one to uplink.

As long as your connection to the network is happy to give you multiple IP addresses, the hub will work fine. If it's restricted to just one IP address, then you need a router to create your own internal sub-network off the one external IP

 

[Blazer5913]

Yeah, i wasn't thinking along the lines of a router, just a simple "splitter". I think I'll pick one up tomorrow and see how it goes. If not, maybe look into a router, but just seems like way more work and money that it needs to be...

 

[Markleshark]

I use a Switch. Cheap as chips, does the exact job. I have my net going in, then out to Xbox, Xbox 360 and me Mac, got it for ab out a tenner I think.

Google

 

[Razorhog]

Get a little 4 or 5 port switch, not a hub. Hubs are old school

 

[Blazer5913]

Thanks alot for the input... So going to Best Buy today, I'll look for a 4or5 port switch for the ethernet cable... Hopefully all goes well... anything else before I go?

 

[Markleshark]

Buy Belkin.

But nay, ye needs nothing more. Note tho, you'll need a Patch cable to go from switch to computer/360/whatever. Thats Cat 5. Cat 5 Crossover will not work.

 

[SmurfBoxMasta]

Thanks alot for the input... So going to Best Buy today, I'll look for a 4or5 port switch for the ethernet cable... Hopefully all goes well... anything else before I go?

Yea, DONT go to BustBuy, they suk! anywhere else but there if possible.....

 

[runplaysleeprun]

Of note, i've got a sealed Linksys 5-port 10/100 switch sitting next to me doing absolutely nothing. If you'd like to buy it, its for sale. model number SD205

 

[jtown]

I'm amazed nobody has mentioned the network access restrictions in many (most?) dorms. Colleges don't let just anybody hook up any old device to their networks. Especially in dorms. They are often configured to support one specific device per port (determined by MAC address). If that's the case, a switch won't work. A router can get around this by cloning the MAC address of your computer but routers are often forbidden and, on networks where they're forbidden, the IT staff usually scans for the devices regularly and unplugs or confisacates the offending devices.

Your school's specific policies were laid out in the paperwork they sent you ages ago. Dig it out and read it or talk to your RA. He/she can tell you what is allowed or point you in the direction of the department that can advise you.