A hardware splitter allows you to use one connection as two. There are a few different types of splitters available, each with a useful application. A network splitter allows you to split a single cable run into two Internet connections. Computer AB boxes, also known as computer splitters, KVM splitters or KVM switches, allow two or more computers to share the same keyboard, monitor and mouse. An LPT Port AB box allows two or more devices to share one parallel printer port.

Understand how you can save money by researching the pricing and costs of network splitters and other useful hardware splitters:

1. Allow two of your office computers to share a single ethernet cable run with a network cable splitter.
2. Save money and buy a KVM splitter for your office server.
3. Share an office printer with a LPT or USB hardware splitter.
   

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Purchase a networking splitter for last minute additions to your office network

Networking splitters must be bought in pairs--one for the user side, and one for the hub or switch. They allow network administrators to make last minute additions to the network. With a network splitter, one Cat5E cable run is 'split' to allow two computers to connect onto the network. This additional functionality requires an extra port on the hub/switch or router, and four patch cables--two for each end.

I recommend: Pick up a network splitter kit at LANShack.com for under $40. The kit includes a pair of pigtail splitters, and four patch cables. Large orders are discounted at a rate based on quantity. Individual network splitters can be purchased at SF Cable for between $4 and $7 apiece. They offer volume discounts either by phone, or by form. Click on the "Volume Discount" tab on their website for details.

Order a KVM splitter so your server can share peripherals with another office PC

For small offices that operate with a single server, a KVM splitter can be extremely useful. You can save money by not purchasing separate peripherals for the server. Just use a computer splitter to allow the server and another computer in the office to share a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

I recommend: You can buy a 2-port KVM switch from TigerDirect for as little as $15. More expensive switches add support for audio, additional USB ports, or digital video. You can also purchase computer splitters with multiple ports, so more than two computers can share a single set of peripherals. Newegg has an extensive selection of everything from 2 to 42 port KVM switches. A 42 port KVM switch can run you around $3000, but allows you to handle an entire server bay from one set of peripherals.

Allow more than one computer to share an office printer using a USB or LPT hardware splitter

There are multiple ways of sharing a printer in your office. Nowadays, most printers come with networking capability, either wired or wireless. However, older printers lack that functionality. You can easily share a USB printer, or even a printer that uses the older parallel port, using a USB or LPT hardware splitter. These can also be called USB or LTP switches.

I recommend: General Nanosystems has a 4-port parallel printer switch for around $60. You can find both USB and parallel port switches on Amazon.com for under $30.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Hardware splitters are very useful for maximizing your office resources, but there is a caveat. You should always check the warranty of the device you are planning to share to make sure that it is not voided by the use of a splitter device.

Network splitters can help your business or home office more efficient by creating a system where your computers work together. What are network splitters? They're cables or devices that "split" 1 connection into 2 or more; hence, the name. Whether you call them networking splitters, computer splitters or something else entirely, the point remains: they can help you run a more efficient business.

Installation of a network splitter is fairly easy. The difficult part is making sure you have the right equipment. Information about network splitters includes myriad types of hardware splitters, so this guide will stick to the basics. You'll learn about:

1. Several varieties of computer splitters, including network and KVM splitters, and how they help your business.

2. Finding the best deals on hardware before you spend money.

3. How to attach and install your computer splitter and make your network more efficient, all while cutting down on that snarl of wires.

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Increase your efficiency with networking splitters

If you're looking to connect several computers to the Internet, you need an ethernet splitter, also known as a hub or a router. You connect this to your Internet port, then plug your computers into the router, splitting one connection into many; similarly, if you need to operate several computers from a single keyboard, mouse or monitor, then KVM splitters are your best bet. With either one, you increase your productivity and cut down on redundancy at the same time.

I recommend: Purchase splitters at BizRate, or look into other vendors to get an idea of a price range for equipment. Register for free with GlobalSpec and search hundreds of companies for your network splitter needs.

Choose from several network splitter supplier options

Running your own business means that you're always watching your costs. You have lots of options for network splitters; shop around and see what kind of deals you can get. If your business is sizable and your needs are large, you could end up saving a considerable amount of money just by purchasing the right hardware splitters.

I recommend: Large distributors and retailers like 3Com and CompUSA have good selections of computer hardware, along with employees who can help you determine what you need. Also try smaller, more specialized stores like Radio Shack.

Make the connections yourself by using your available network splitter information

When you get right down to it, most of the actual connecting is pretty easy. Simply locate the correct ports on your computers and other peripheral devices and plug them in, using the instruction manuals if necessary. Pay attention to the ports on your hub/router, which are labeled for your convenience, and use the troubleshooting guides--many problems with your hardware can be solved by simply checking the right section. Arrange your system beforehand to make sure your cables and hubs will reach and are out of the way.

I recommend: HomeNetHelp.com gives you several ideas for setting up your own network, and PureNetworks allows a free download of network training materials. HP offers training sessions--sign up for free notification of open classes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out what the advantages and disadvantages are to the various kinds of options you have for network splitters and connections. That way, you have a solid base of knowledge for what you need.

There are a number of different types of hardware splitters. KVM splitters or switches allow multiple computers to share the same set of peripherals. Other computer splitters include LPT port switches, which allow printer sharing, as well as USB switches, which allow the sharing of any type of USB peripheral. A network splitter is not really a switch. It is simply a means by which you can split one cable run into two internet connections. You can pick these up for under $20, or make them yourself.

The following network splitters education and training links will familiarize you with the necessary equipment to acquire or pitfalls to avoid when working with network splitters:

1. Familiarize yourself with the different types of network splitters and find training on how to install them.
2. Use the Internet as a troubleshooting tool for solving or preparing yourself for potential network splitter issues.
3. Read online tutorials to learn how to make your own networking splitters.

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Consult online diagrams and installation tutorials about network splitters

Network splitters allow a network administrator to get a new employee on the office network quickly. Wiring diagrams and installation tutorials will provide you with the basic training you need to get started.

I recommend: The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System provides an excellent guide to network splitters and couplers, including wiring diagrams and standards info. LANShack.com has application and installation instructions available on their website.

Use the Internet as a tool to train yourself on how to troubleshoot problems with network splitters

Even the best of computer technicians doesn't know how to solve every computer problem they come across. Knowing where to go to find the answers to what you don't know is just as important. Online tech forums, troubleshooting guides, even Google can be your friend when preparing yourself for any problems you may run into in working with network splitters.

I recommend: Use the CBS Interactive user forums as a training tool, searching them for common questions about network splitters. Post your own questions if you don't find what you need already listed. Fluke has a basic ethernet troubleshooting guide with five time and money-saving steps that you can use to train yourself.

Learn how to create your own networking splitter by consulting online tutorials

Information about network splitters and how to make them yourself is easy enough to find on the Internet. If you're the enterprising type, you can easily expand your small office network with just a few pieces of network and wiring equipment.

I recommend: Find out how to make your own ethernet splitter at Instructables. eHow also has a relatively easy to follow network cable splitter tutorial.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Because network splitters training is highly specialized, you won't find any courses dealing with it specifically. However, network cable training programs may include a component on network splitters.

The devices known as "network splitters" help to build extensive cable based networks that help many businesses operate with more of an online presence or send data between workstations via an intranet. Network splitters are simply the cable adapters for enabling more than one computer to link up to a cabled network. Knowing about some of the key terms for types, parts and uses of a network splitter will help beginning IT buyers or other business decisions makers when they are looking at bridging the gaps in their network setups.

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Hub

A network hub is the piece of hardware that acts as the gateway for a broadband signal and distributes it to other pieces of hardware. The hub is sometimes also called a 'repeater' as it passes along packets of information from the web.

I recommend: See more on the hub at Help With PCs.

Ethernet

Ethernet is a cabled system for networking that includes network splitters and other hardware, including network cards in computers to allow them to use ethernet connections. Cabled setups are often referred to as a LAN or local area network.

I recommend: See more on ethernet systems at WiseGeek.

Peripherals

Peripheral devices are anything that hooks up to a computer, including mouse, keyboard, camera, speaker, or external drive devices. Peripherals have a big role in computer networks and anyone looking to use network splitters to help set up a LAN or similar system needs to think about how to provide for convenience with the right peripherals.

I recommend: Get more info on peripherals at Build Your Own Cheap Computer.

KVM

A KVM network splitter or switch is a device that allows multiple computers to use the same peripheral devices. This kind of network splitter is popular when a business could utilize it to let one user work on multiple computers at once, for example, to extract a wider range of data.

I recommend: Get examples of this KVM technology at KVM Switches Online.

Cat-5

If you are using cables and network splitters to set up an ethernet network or LAN, you may very well be using cat-5 cable. Cat-5 cable is now the standard variety for optimal networking.

I recommend: Read up on cat-5 cable at Webopedia.

USB

USB or Universal Serial Bus is now a standard means of hooking up computers, peripherals and more. A network splitter could use easy USB technology to 'plug into' a network.

I recommend: See more on USB at this Tech Faq.