Ethernet Splitter / Switch

[barry1010]

I need to connect two devices to my PC by ethernet - the router and an external hard drive.

The router is next to the external hard drive and both are a distance from the PC. I have one ethernet cable that connects the PC to the router.

Could I use a splitter at the router end and use it to connect the PC and external hard drive to the router?

If so, a link to a suitable ethernet splitter or switch would be helpful.
Additionally, would this affect the broadband speed I get on my PC?

[barry1010]

Thanks all, lots to think about

[bhg481]

Good suggestion from etch; a lot cheaper than mine.

[barry1010]

Would this cable do the job? Remove the current ethernet cable and replace with this
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Togo]

I would have tried it if it were me Bhg, the splitter/combiners are not expensive after all, but I wouldn't like to send Barry up a cul de sac with a "should work" solution. Barry himself is pretty clued up anyway, going by past conversations, and will likely make a choice based on what suits him.

[Togo]

That is just an inline cable Barry one in, one out. They are just showing you both ends.

[bhg481]

Togo - good thinking.

barry - that is a perfectly good cable but I'm surprised you don't have one knocking about as you seem to get one included with new routers etc. I have loads of them.

[barry1010]

Doh - silly me

[barry1010]

Etch, my PC has a network card and is currently used to connect the PC to the WiFi, albeit slowly.
Did you mean replace the card I have?

[Etch]

barry1010 - an ethernet card could be added, using a spare backplane slot, and the WiFi card left in place (and perhaps disabled). But if the latter will be redundant then I would use its slot.