You can “split” cat 5 cable and it will work as stated many times above. that cable for anything but 10/100 base T. again uses the extra pairs for the power.

Can you split a Cat 5 connection?

The Networx™ CAT5e Splitter is ideal for splitting a high speed DSL and cable modem and Ethernet port. … Networx™ CAT5e Splitter allows you to run 2 active connections over a single cat5e cable by splitting the pairs into 2 separate connections.

Which is better CAT 5 or Cat6?

What are the Advantages of a Cat6 Ethernet Cable? Compared to Cat5/5e cables, Cat6 cables have stricter performance specifications and significant higher data transfer speeds at greater distances. They are more tightly wound than Cat5 cables, and the cable conductors and cable sheath are thicker as well.