Can You Connect Two Ethernet Cables to One Router?

Short answer: yes

You can connect two, three or more Ethernet cables to one router at the same time. Most home routers have a built-in switch with several LAN ports, commonly four, and each port can hold its own cable and device. A PC, a console and a smart TV can all be wired in together.

The one thing to watch is which port you use. Cables going to your own devices belong in the LAN ports. The port labelled WAN or Internet is for the cable from your modem. See the WAN port on a router if you are unsure.

Does using two Ethernet cables reduce speed?

Generally no, not because of the number of cables. Each LAN port has its own link to the router’s internal switch, so plugging in a second device does not by itself cut the first device’s speed.

What does matter:

• Your total internet speed is shared. If two devices are both downloading heavily, they split your internet plan’s bandwidth.
• The router’s capability. A very basic router may handle several busy ports less smoothly, but this is uncommon at home.
• Port and cable speed. A Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) port or a damaged cable can limit one device. Cat5e or Cat6 is typically fine for Gigabit speeds.
• Local transfers are separate. Copying files between two wired devices on the same router usually does not use your internet connection at all.

Can I increase the number of Ethernet ports?

Yes. See LAN ports on a router for more detail. The usual options:

1. Add an unmanaged switch. Run a cable from one router LAN port to the switch and plug devices into the switch. This is the simplest and most common fix.
2. Add an access point or second router. Connect it by cable to extend the wired and wireless network. It often needs to be set to access point mode first.
3. Buy a router with more ports.

Can you connect a second router by Ethernet?

Yes, and there are two broad ways:

• As an access point or switch. Plug a LAN port on the main router into a LAN port on the second router, with the second router’s DHCP server turned off or in access point mode. This keeps everything on one network, which is usually the best choice for coverage.
• As a separate network behind the first. Plug the main router’s LAN port into the second router’s WAN port. This creates a second network, sometimes called double NAT, which can cause trouble with some games or remote access. Our article on whether multiple routers affect internet speed goes further.

Setup steps differ between brands, so follow your router’s guide.

Can you use two Ethernet splitters?

A cheap passive splitter can let two devices share one cable in some cases, but it typically needs a splitter at each end and the devices usually cannot get full Gigabit speeds. In practice it is unreliable. A small switch is a safer and not much more expensive way to turn one cable into several connections.

Two cables from the same device

Connecting two cables from the same computer to the same router does not normally double your speed. Without special setup, such as link aggregation on supported hardware, the device generally just uses one connection. Plugging both ends into the same router can in some setups also create a network loop, so avoid looping a switch back into itself.

When it doesn’t work

If a second cable does not give a connection, check the cable, try another LAN port, and make sure it is not in the WAN port. Our guide to a Netgear router not recognizing an Ethernet cable lists further checks. If the device is a long way from the router, see router too far for Ethernet.