Ethernet splitter vs switch: What's the difference and how do you use them?

Passive Ethernet splitters only use two twisted pairs, limiting connections to 10/100 Mbps and requiring a splitter at both ends, which prevents a router from communicating with two devices simultaneously. Active or powered splitters contain switching hardware, accept a single cable, provide multiple RJ45 ports, and support gigabit speeds, though bandwidth is shared between devices. Network switches offer the most flexible solution, handling traffic between multiple devices without the limitations of passive splitters.