Splitting a cat5 cable into 2 outlets

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	Question by Paul Wee posted 29 Aug 2003
	Splitting a cat5 cable into 2 outlets
I want to use a single cat5 cable to connect to two RJ45 outlets, without having to use two splitters. How do I order the cable colors for both the RJ45 outlets (x2) and connector (x2)?
	Answer by Dmitri Abaimov posted 29 Aug 2003
Dear Paul, I would recommend avoiding splitting the cable if possible. There is a great chance that in few years Gigabit Ethernet will be as much of a commodity as 10/100 is, and it uses all four pairs in the cable. Anyway, if you cannot avoid splitting the cable, then you should take pairs #2 and #3 into one outlet and pairs #1 and #4 into another. The actual pin layout would depend on how do you use the outlets. If both are for data, then #2 and #3 should be connected to pins 1-2 and 3-6, #1 and #4 would then be connected to 1-2 and 3-6 as well. If any of your outlets will be used for analog phones, then one of the pairs should be connected to pins 4-5. Usually it's pair #1. #2 for the second outlet would be logical choice to me. If the outlets are for digital phones, consult with your phone vendor about the pinouts. Sincerely, Dmitri Abaimov, RCDD
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