Network wiring: can I split it?

Q I have a wired network in my house serving three computers which I have to modify to suit my changed circumstances. Can I buy a two-way adapter for the network cable so that one cable from my Linksys broadband modem can be split to feed two computers? The idea is to use an existing cable and not to have another one running alongside it: my wife hates cables.
Paul Lucas

A It’s not possible to split a network cable in this way. Think of a phone cable: you can split one, but if you do, everyone who picks up an extension on the split cable can listen in and talk on the same conversation. The same applies to computers, but this kind of crosstalk is disastrous for them - unlike humans they can’t distinguish between different ‘voices’ and everything falls to pieces.

The answer is to use what’s called a network hub. If two of the computers are far from the router, connect the long wire from the router to a hub, then connect both of the computers to the hub as well (hubs generally have four or eight ports, allowing several computers to be connected). That way, both of the far-away computers can happily talk to the modem.

One alternative is a wireless network, which will do away with your cables (almost) altogether, but you might need to buy a new router and other new equipment. Then there’s the Homeplug standard, which allows computers to connect using the mains wiring in your home - you would plug your router into one Homeplug device, and each computer into another, and they will communicate just as they do on your current network. That does away with cables too. Hubs cost around £10-£20 online or in computer shops, while Homeplug devices (you’ll need three or four for your setup) are around £40-£60 each.