port doubling

I have a one port speedtouch adsl router, but wish to use it with 2 pc's wired with cat5.
If I plug each PC individually it gets an IP ok from the router, so I figured I could buy a simple port doubler, as i found here in maplin:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/images/300/pu96e_new.jpg

However if I plug both cables into this the ethernet light goes out on the router and nothing works. If I unplug one of the cables then the other PC will connect fine.

Is it not possible to use such a device ?

No, it will not work. Buy an ADSL router with more than one Ethernet port.

You can get refurbished ADSL routers from http://www.dsldepot.co.uk

Re: "Is it not possible to use such a device ?

From the Maplin website:

Q) Can this be used to connect two cables ......
A) Provided only one was used at any one time for the network connection.

Sorry, what you need is a hub or (better still) a switch.

I am not recommending that particular device or supplier, but it would do the job.

No doubt, there are others available cheaper as you only need a 3 port device (one must be uplink compatible to connect to your existing router)

You will need three patch cables in total.

Edit: or go with John2007's advice which is equally valid. (Typed about the same time as mine)

Edited by Sandgrounder (Wed 24-Oct-07 21:06:38)

I guess I should have read that FAQ

thanks guys.