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[KG0BA]

I have a Router upstairs and a single Ethernet Cable running from the upstairs to the Shack downstairs. Is there some kind of Ethernet hub that I can plug that one single Ethernet Cable into to access the router from the downstairs shack?

I need this additional access, without running another dedicated Ethernet cable, because I currently have a police scanner operating in the shack, and it's currently plugged into the router upstairs via the Ethernet Cable run. I intend to use that one Ethernet cable that is already plugged into the existing scanner, and would like to be able to plug that existing Ethernet cable into a hub, then use hub that would permit me to plug the existing police scanner, and a new secondary scanner, into the hub, and have the hub act as an extension of the router.

I will be adding a secondary scanner. Both scanners have to have their own IP addresses and port assignments, in order to distinguish the two scanners from one another in order to publish them to the internet for remote access to the individual scanners. I'm using a program that provides internet access to the scanners so you can monitor them remotely via any device that allows internet access.

If anyone knows of an internet link to a device I can purchase that would accomplish the extension of the router to basement shack using the existing Ethernet cable I already have in place, one that would basically act the same as if I had the scanners both individually plugged into the router, then please advise. There are wireless devices available to accomplish this, but I prefer to have hard wired connections to the scanners.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[N6MST]

Google "POE switch"

[KD0REQ]

any office store has ethernet switches. I have several Netgear units at home, the metal case ones. pretty solid. the 4 port job used to be around $40, now it's $60. I also have a cheaper Trend Micro that's working fine.

[N2IW]

What you want is a typical situation. The device you need is an Ethernet switch. An ethernet hub will also work, but performance is not as good and it's hard to find these days. Switches are so cheap these days, there is no reason to run a hub anymore.

Buy a 8 port switch (in case you want to add more devices), plug everything into it and you are done.

[W9IQ]

A simple, unmanaged Ethernet switch is all you need. No need for POE (power over Ethernet) as this will add unnecessary cost with no benefit for your situation.

Here is an example of a nice $16 1 gigabit NETGEAR switch  that would do the job. Your existing Ethernet cable to downstairs plugs into any one of the ports and now you have four ports available in the shack.

- Glenn W9IQ

[N6MST]

No need for POE (power over Ethernet) as this will add unnecessary cost with no benefit for your situation.

W9IQ is correct, my POE suggestion is unnecessary and more complicated. The switch he linked is perfect for what you want.

[G4AON]

Unfortunately the original poster hasn’t come back…

Another option is to use a WiFi range extender that has an RJ45 Ethernet socket. Those with a “wire-free” shack can use them to connect Ethernet devices, in my case an Elecraft K4D that currently only uses wired Ethernet for updates.

Windows 10 computers can also share connections via WiFi or Ethernet, including acting as WiFi to WiFi range extenders.

Quite a few options.

73 Dave