There is a wide variety of network switches out there with some costing many hundreds of dollars to buy, but for the purpose of joining Ethernet cables, a simple, inexpensive Ethernet switch will do the job just perfectly.

The same steps as I described above apply, but instead of twisting the wires together and hoping the electrical tape holds them together in place, you would solder the wires together instead. Once this has been done on both lengths of cable and you have a decent amount of wire to work with, you will need to twist both sets of inner wires together so it looks as if it is a single length.

Yes, Ethernet couplers are ideal given how simple they are to use and that they only cost a few dollars to buy, but they aren’t the best solution out there. This method will mean that your make-shift length of Ethernet cable is likely to last a little longer, but I wouldn’t recommend attempting this unless you really know what you are doing.

Something to note with using a coupler is that both ends of the Ethernet cables must already be terminated. Repeat this process with the one length of cable and you’ll find the coupler sits in between both lengths. That being said, you can always plug the switch into an extension cord to give you more flexibility around where you place your switch. Terminate Your Own Lengths of Cable The final step would be to connect the other ends of each cable into wherever they need to go, be it a router, a network switch, or the end device like a PC. It’s no good using a switch when you have no choice but to position close to a power outlet only to find the existing lengths of Ethernet cable you have won’t reach it.To remove the cables from the coupler, hold down the tab at the end of the cable whilst pulling it out. Joining Ethernet cable with an RJ45 is likely to affect the signal that passes across both lengths of cable, so I see using them as being ideal for a temporary workaround, but not a permanent solution. Twist the Wires Together The solution I would always recommend, and what I personally do within my own home network, is to terminate your own lengths of Ethernet cable. One of the better, longer-term solutions to join Ethernet cables together is to indirectly join them by placing a network switch in between them.

Unmanaged switches are plug and play devices, so all you need to do is provide it with power and it will start working straight away. Another budget way of joining Ethernet cables together is by stripping the wire and twisting the inner wires together. Given that the switch will undoubtedly need AC power, you need to consider where it is going to be placed in relation to a power outlet. I consider this option to be suitable to get you out of a pinch whilst you organise a more permanent solution. This will require a few tools and a bit of investment in time and in the monetary sense but is the best option out there in my opinion.Switches will often have LED lights to indicate when a device has been successfully connected and is transmitting data, so it will be easy to tell if it is working or not. It may cost a little bit to buy one, but it is incredibly easy to get hold of Ethernet cable that is already terminated and comes in a variety of different lengths and colors. If you don’t hear anything but are using enough force, you will be able to see whether the crimp has been successful by taking a look at where the wires meet the connector. You also won’t be able to remove the connector if you try and gently pull it off. Any cable that you don’t use remains coiled up within the box, so it can be easily stored away and only bought out again when you need to create a new length of cable. It definitely isn’t a good idea to try and use this long term, especially when you consider the wires are only twisted together and they are likely to become disconnected if they are moved.