How to Connect Multiple Devices to One Ethernet Port

By Jedadiah Casey

Computer networks based on the Ethernet standard use point-to-point connections with Ethernet cables. These point-to-point connections resemble a star-shaped layout, so Ethernet networks are often referred to as "star" networks. Ethernet devices are designed to accept one cable per Ethernet port. You can connect multiple devices to one Ethernet port by connecting a switch, which provides additional Ethernet ports, to share the connection.

Step 1

Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the computer or Ethernet device.

Step 2

Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the "uplink" port on the Ethernet switch.

Step 3

Connect the remaining Ethernet devices to the remaining ports on the switch with Ethernet cables. All data flows through the switch back to the single port of the original Ethernet device, such as a computer or another switch, through the uplink port and cable.

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