Do Ethernet Splitters Reduce Speed? What You Need to Know

Have you ever needed more Ethernet ports and thought, “Can I just use a splitter?” It sounds like a smart and easy idea. But here’s the truth: Do Ethernet splitters reduce speed? Yes, in most cases, they do.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything about Ethernet splitters, whether they slow down your internet, and what options are better.

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Do Ethernet Switches Reduce Speed

First, let’s clear up the confusion between splitters and switches. Many people mix them up.

An Ethernet switch is a powered device that connects multiple devices to one Ethernet line. It doesn’t cut your speed. In fact, it helps keep your network running smoothly. A switch can manage the traffic from each device so that they don’t clash.

So, do Ethernet switches reduce speed? No, they actually help maintain or boost your speed if you’re using good-quality equipment and cables.

You can learn more from this detailed guide on Ethernet switches.

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High Speed Ethernet Splitter – What’s the Truth?

The name high-speed Ethernet splitter might sound perfect, but it’s a bit misleading. Here’s why.

An Ethernet splitter works by splitting one Ethernet cable into two connections. However, it only uses 4 of the 8 wires inside the cable for each connection. That means each connection is limited to 100 Mbps. Even if your internet is faster, the splitter slows it down.

So if you’re expecting to stream 4K videos or play online games using a splitter, you might be disappointed.

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Ethernet Splitter vs Switch

Let’s compare the two.

Ethernet splitter

• No power needed
  
• Limited to 100 Mbps
  
• Works only in pairs (one on each end of the cable)
  
• Can connect only two devices
  
• Good for printers or basic browsing
  

Ethernet switch

• Needs power
  
• Handles speeds up to 1 Gbps or more
  
• Connects more than two devices
  
• Best for smart TVs, gaming consoles, and PCs
  

A switch is clearly better if you want to avoid speed drops.

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Does Splitter Reduce Internet Speed in Real Life?

Yes, it does. Especially if your internet is faster than 100 Mbps.

For example:

Jake had 300 Mbps internet. He wanted to connect both his TV and laptop to Ethernet. He used a splitter. Suddenly, videos on his TV buffered, and his laptop got slow. Why? The splitter could only carry 100 Mbps. The rest of the speed was lost.

So, does a splitter reduce internet speed? Yes. You will feel the slowdown if you have a fast plan.

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Best Ethernet Splitter for Light Use

If you still want to try a splitter, make sure it’s a good one. Here’s what to check:

• It should be strong and well-made
  
• It should shield against outside signals
  
• It must come in a pair (one for each end)
  
• It must clearly mark which device goes where
  

But remember, even the best Ethernet splitter won’t give you fast speeds if your plan is more than 100 Mbps.

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Best Ethernet Splitter 1 to 2 – How to Use It Right

A 1 to 2 Ethernet splitter is simple, but it only works in a certain way. Here’s how to set it up step-by-step:

1. Place one splitter near your router
   
2. Place the other near your two devices
   
3. Run a single Ethernet cable between the two splitters
   
4. Connect your devices
   
5. Test your speed to make sure it works
   

Visit Speedtest.net to check how fast your internet is running after setup.

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Gigabit Ethernet Splitter – Does It Really Exist?

You may see something called a Gigabit Ethernet splitter online. Be careful. These often don’t really support gigabit speeds.

A gigabit connection uses all 8 wires in the cable. But splitters divide that into 4 wires per device. That means you can’t get more than 100 Mbps per device. So, calling it “gigabit” is just marketing talk in most cases.

If you want real 1 Gbps speeds, use a Gigabit Ethernet switch instead.

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Final Summary

Let’s keep it simple:

• Do Ethernet splitters reduce speed? Yes, especially on fast connections
  
• Do Ethernet switches reduce speed? No, they help keep it fast
  
• Splitters are good only for basic needs
  
• Switches are better for heavy use, like gaming or streaming
  
• There’s no such thing as a true Gigabit Ethernet splitter
  

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Top Asked Questions