Can a splitter be used on Cat5 cable?

Answer 1

Cat 5 cable has many uses. In some applications it can be split. In others, it can't.

When being used as a network cable, only two of the four pairs are used. Adapters at each end of the cable allow it to be used for two separate network connections, each using two pairs. Note that each network connection is not split to two separate points.

When used as a telephone extension, the cables can be split and linked to multiple locations as is common practice with telephone wiring.

For other high speed data applications such as HDMI or VGA over CAT5, the requirement is always to use a single source and a single receiver. Splitting the cable to take to two separate receivers will corrupt the signal and prevent either receiver working.

Understanding how the cable is being used is key to deciding whether or not it can be split.