Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What data speed and distance is etherSPLIT capable of running

EtherSPLIT uses native 10BaseT networking protocols, so 10Mbps half or full-duplex is possible. Because it is using standard Ethernet topology and protocols, its distance limitations are the same as that of standard Ethernet networking (that being around 100-200 meters). etherSPLIT has tested well in the 250 to 300 foot range over category 1 (simple straight wire) cable.

Q. How does etherSPLIT work?

EtherSPLIT employs a patent-pending splitter design that overlays telephone and Ethernet signals. This splitter design is a powerful tool in reducing the cost of delivering Ethernet over existing copper wire. Because most MDUs have only four wire infrastructure (and Ethernet by itself requires four wires), no cost-effective solutions existed to deliver Ethernet AND telephone (which requires two wires). Now etherSPLIT allows for affordable delivery of both over that existing wire. A splitter is used on each end of the system, one on the user end, and one on the hub/switch end.

Q. Can etherSPLIT be used on 100BaseT systems (100 Mbps)?

Currently no. In Ethernet specifications, the wire is a critical component of the system. Typically, etherSPLIT will be install in situations where only Category 1 or Category 3 (loose twisted) wire is installed. For successful 100 Mbps applications, Category 5 wire is required. Additionally, because of this limitation, etherSPLIT will not perform in 10/100 auto negotiating schemes where the NIC (network interface card in the computer) and the hub or switch are BOTH 10/100 auto sensing. This means that etherSPLIT will only work with straight 10Mbps hubs or switches.

Q. Will etherSPLIT work with all 10Mbps Hubs or Switches?

Amazingly enough, NO! In bench testing, we have found several hubs and switches that will not perform satisfactorily. These are typically units that do not conform to IEEE 802.3 specifications which call for peak-to-peak signal voltage on the transmit pairs of minimum 5 volts. Due to minor signal loss in the splitters, and typical losses in cabling, the signal is sometimes not strong enough on the receiving end to function properly. This is a factor of low signal strength combined with cable losses over longer (250-300 feet) distances. Shorter distances of cable will work with sub-standard hubs or switches, but we try to steer away from that. We are currently in the phase of certifying several hubs and switches that we know will work properly and conform to published standards. Most NICs will perform satisfactorily with a good hub or switch. We plan to incorporate etherSPLIT's patent-pending technology into an SNMP switch for ease of installation.

Q. Will etherSPLIT work with PBX and European telephone systems?

Yes. The splitter design passes the telephone line straight through with some filtering that does not affect the telephone system operation. This system has been tested with numerous line conditions and works will in all situations. Some PBX and Key phone systems require four wires. The splitters have been designed to allow for four wire telephone systems, but will require six wires (or three-pair) to allow for Ethernet AND four-wire phone systems to operate.

Q. Does etherSPLIT require a “home run” wiring setup between the hub splitter and the tenant unit?

Yes. Because of the way in which etherSPLIT delivers telephone and data, the wiring setup from the hub splitter and the tenant unit must be “home run”.

Q. Is any Customer Premise Equipment or special NIC or software required on the user's computer?

No, no, and no. The Wall Plate Splitter IS the customer premise equipment, securely fastened inside the wall. Since the Wall Plate Splitter has a standard RJ45 Ethernet Jack (and a standard RJ11 phone jack), from that point on, it is a standard 10BaseT Ethernet network. This can be connected directly to the user's Ethernet port or NIC (which makes it IDEAL for hotel travelers), and no special provisioning is required.

Q. What type of limitations is there on the type of cable we run with etherSPLIT?

We have successfully tested category wire from 1 to 5e, and possibly even category zero (that type of wire you can find no specification for). This includes straight wire cable, which is typically called "station wire" with four single conductors. Included in this category can be alarm wire or control wire. Typically, as long as the wire is encased in a jacket that keeps the wires in close proximity, there will be little problem in running Ethernet and telephone concurrently up to 250-300 feet.

Q. Will etherSPLIT work on barbed wire?

Excellent question. We have our field engineer (get it?) Joe Bob Whar working on this as we speak. The results look promising, but there are several conditions that need to be examined. For instance, is the particular fence material you are referring to twisted or straight, and if twisted, how many twists per foot? The individual barbs in the wire fence material can be considered bridged taps, which often interfere with signaling so this needs further engineering consideration. Also, the number of cows eating grass on the other side of the fence in any given loop, as well as the average line impedance of each cow's head calculated as an average in both dry and wet weather will have a considerable impact. We'll get back to you on our findings.

Q. Will there be any interference on the phone line like there is with DSL circuits, which require external filters on each phone?

No. Line filtering and conditioning is internal to the splitter design. Cross interference between the phone circuit and Ethernet circuit is not an issue in etherSPLIT.

Q. When we install etherSPLIT, will we have any issues regarding Lifeline/911 requirements with the phone circuit?

None at all (as long as you aren’t the exchange carrier or your PBX system resolves those issues). Since etherSPLIT is a passive device, requiring no external power, the issue of losing phone service is non-existent. The actual phone line service passes through the splitter device and does not effect actual phone operation.

Q. Is etherSPLIT compatible with all operating systems like MacIntosh, Windows, Linux, Unix, OS/2 etc.?

Yes. Any system that uses standard Ethernet will work with etherSPLIT.

Q. Is special knowledge required to install etherSPLIT?

The installation scheme for etherSPLIT is straightforward. Working knowledge of Ethernet networking is required, since this is just part of an Ethernet network. A working knowledge of telephone system wiring topologies is also required since you are also interfacing with the telephone system. EtherSPLIT engineers are available to assist you by phone or on site to resolve any issues.

Q. Can I install more than one etherSPLIT Wall Plate Splitter on the same line?

No. Each Wall Plate Splitter requires it’s own line and associated splitter on the closet end. In situations where wiring is looped in series from one room to another (typical in most homes and apartments), you can install only one Wall Plate Splitter. However, you can leave as many other phone line jacks on that same series as you require (with those jacks attached only to the wires carrying the phone signaling).

Q. Is etherSPLIT a good solution for home networking?

Maybe. Referring to the above question, if home wiring is looped through the house, you will generally only be able to have one network outlet. If the wiring is six conductor, or three pair, you can run one phone outlet and up to two different network outlets. But many homes may have what is reffered to as "homerun" wiring, where wire to each room terminates in a central location as it does in apartment complexes or hotels. Then the ability to put one network outlet in each room exists.

Q. Is etherSPLIT a good replacement for DSL? Will I still need a DSLAM on premise to deliver data services?

EtherSPLIT is an affordable alternative to DSL in delivering data services to MDU/MTU locations. Think of etherSPLIT as part of an Ethernet local area network. You don’t need an expensive DSLAM, just some ordinary Ethernet hubs or switches. And you can forget about getting fiberglass insulation in your hair from crawling around an attic installing new wire!

Q. We want to deliver data services to an apartment complex but are unsure of who owns the wire: the property owner or the phone company. How can we determine this?

This boils down to a legal question, and we can't dispense legal advice without getting into big, big trouble. The FCC and most state legislatures have enacted, or have pending, legislation promoting competition by ruling against captive agreements, particularly where building wire is concerned. We suggest you contact an attorney in your state that is versant in telecommunication law, which seems to change month by month. But before you spend your pocket change there, try a couple of "acid tests" that will give you reasonable assurance. First, ask your property owner if there is a written agreement with the phone carrier on ownership of the wire. If none exists, the wire likely falls under "fixtures" of the property, meaning it is owned by the building owner. Another way is to call the phone company and ask who is responsible for fixing a faulty phone circuit within an apartment unit. If they say the property owner (meaning they are only responsible to the demarc), they are essentially telling you they don't own the wire. After you check these avenues, then call your attorney to get a final opinion.