Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

?possible to use Vonage AND computer at same time?

by Feb 27, 2019 3:10PM PST

Using Vonage successfully via ethernet jack. Using desktop successfully via same jack. BUT.... I cannot have them both plugged in at the same time so I either can have a phone for when the dozens of doctors call me (I am homebound and ill) or I can have my computer running with internet. So many apartments here all using the same wifi and jamming it up so my wifi is seldom used.....I really need the ethernet connection!
Purchased a splitter (not phone, but the real ethernet style) which works so far, only as a silly cord extender. Can only plug one or other into it. When both plugged in, my computer ethernet connection dies.
I am so techdumb that I do not know if Vonage uses a completely different type of communication thru that jack and thus messes with the computer attempting to do the same simultaneously.
I have read too many horror stories about Vonage not helping its customers so am coming here first.
Thanks for reading, thanks in advance for any possible assistance.

Post was last edited on February 27, 2019 3:11 PM PST

Discussion is locked

9 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
Answer
You can't "split" Ethernet.
by Forum moderator Feb 27, 2019 3:18PM PST
- Collapse -
thank you , read on.....
by Megrit Feb 27, 2019 3:27PM PST

okay..... i checked out the pics in the link and see the multiple plug- in places. I do not see how it itself plugs into my ethernet jack..... ?

- Collapse -
this is what i currently have that does not work
by Megrit Feb 27, 2019 3:28PM PST
- Collapse -
They called it a splitter which I'm going to
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 27, 2019 3:35PM PST

Have to check my link above. Your product writes "This Ethernet splitter allows all(three) computers to share one Ethernet line ONE AT A TIME, but it doesn't support both computer to connect onto the internet simultaneously." So that's a dead end.

https://www.tp-link.com/us/products/details/cat-5581_TL-SF1005D.html confirms that the Amazon link I gave is just some poor editor that blew it.

As to where it plugs into your jack, that's what Ethernet cables are for. Picture follows:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Uk6%2BX5ZOL._SL1500_.jpg

- Collapse -
thanks!!
by Megrit Feb 27, 2019 3:40PM PST

thank you for the cable info, I do have two i can use. I went to read the specifics of what you are suggesting and its all greek to me. Just wondering if you are still recommending that unit.
thanks so much.

- Collapse -
I did make ONE ASSUMPTION.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 27, 2019 4:25PM PST

You noted you don't use your router's WiFi so I assumed you had the usual ISP supplied modem+router. If you have something else, you have to reveal that otherwise we're good to go.

- Collapse -
no router exists
by Megrit Feb 27, 2019 4:28PM PST

no router. just a massive building with wifi capabiilties for 85 apartments to share and one ethernet jack in one of my rooms.

- Collapse -
That means
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 27, 2019 4:41PM PST

There's a 50-50 shot this will be OK. If it doesn't work then you add a router.

- Collapse -
got it
by Megrit Feb 27, 2019 4:45PM PST

you have been SO INCREDIBLY HELPFUL.

Thank you so very much. With all of the stresses I have been through lately, it is beautiful indeed to have someone reach out and help me with something.

Back to Networking & Wireless forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info