Ethernet cable is one of the most widely used computer cables in homes, offices, and other locations. Although Ethernet cables are designed to be both rugged and long-lasting, they may still experience faults over time. These faults can range from simple connectivity issues to complete cable failure. Here are some common Ethernet cable problems and possible solutions to try if you’re experiencing them. If your device isn’t detecting the Ethernet cable, try plugging it in directly into your device instead of through a hub or switch.
Ethernet cables are that part of the networking that connects routers, switches, and computers with each other. If anything goes wrong with them, the whole network will collapse. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the common problems of ethernet network cables. Also, you will get to know proven techniques regarding how to address them. So, let’s begin!
Cable loses connection
You can find out connectivity problems by doing a simple test: put ethernet cable into the adapter and if the light doesn’t blink, it indicates that something is not right with the ethernet cable. However, it can also point out something is wrong with your adapter. When connectivity issues appear, the device will let you know by bombarding your screen with messages like “no connection” or “network connection is lost”. To address this issue, you need to check if your ethernet cable has a proper connection with the device or not.
Slow Connections
If you are experiencing slow connection and your cable always runs extremely slowly, it translates into only one thing: your Cat6 Ethernet cable or Cat6a ethernet cable is damaged. If a tear has appeared on the ethernet cable, it can damage internal wires/conductors that can give birth to short circuits. Likewise, avoid bends on cables and if you find any, straighten it with your hands. In case there are too many bends and you are unable to straighten them with your hands, replace existing ethernet network cables with a new one.
The Wiggle Magic
One of the most efficient ways to re-establish your connection is to use this method. If you’re doing it all the time, you’re probably dealing with a bad cable. The cable is secured within the port by a built-in lever. The drop in connection also indicates that the port is malfunctioning.
Sometimes, you can solve the issue by simply wiggling your ethernet network cable. However, if you use this technique so often, it means either there is an issue with the connector or with the ethernet cable. In both cases, the best solution is to change the faulty cable or connector.
If by changing the ethernet cable, your connectivity issue is resolved, it means all is well and good. However, if the problem appears again, it means something is seriously wrong with your network like malfunctioning and you need to sort it out. Else, you will keep wasting money on ethernet cables.
Inspect Network Ecosystem
Networks are composed of many components which are vital to the success of the network. Networks must be monitored with caution to avoid malware, viruses, and other unwanted intrusions. Networks can undergo reliability issues due to hardware failure, software errors, or even human error. Networks are also vulnerable to overloads in web traffic or by a denial-of-service attack. The solution is for networks to monitor themselves.
Testing Connectivity Issues
Internet connectivity issues are a common problem for businesses of all sizes. The exact cause may differ between different offices, but there are some common issues that cause problems for many businesses. Connectivity issues erupt from the faulty cables. To address this issue, all you need is to perform a quick test. Plug the faulty cable into another connector or network device of another connector.
Testing Performance Issues
If the ethernet cable is delivering very low data transfer speed, it means you are tackling performance-based issues. The performance issues have their origin in the faulty cables. As mentioned in the above paras, the solution to fix a faulty cable is to replace it with a new one.
Crosstalk & EMI
These are the two outside interferences that mess with your signal and disrupt whole connectivity. If you are going to run your Cat6 Ethernet cable or Cat6a ethernet cable in harsh environments (places where crosstalk and EMI are higher) such as close to electric wires, always use shielded ethernet cables.
It is due to the reason that shielded ethernet cables have an extra layer or layers of protection in form of the foil sheets. This foil is either wrapped around each individual twisted pair or all four twisted pairs collectively. With this double layer of protection, your ethernet network cables perform exceptionally well in harsh environments.
But here another technique is involved. It is that you always use Cat6 Plenum Pure Copper (also known as solid copper or bare copper) ethernet cables in harsh environments. Pure copper cables have excellent protection against crosstalk and EMI. Furthermore, pure copper cables have top-notch attenuation properties. It means that ethernet cables with pure copper conductors have a very little ratio of losing signal strength – as much as 55% lower than the copper-clad aluminum conductors.
Pure copper or bare copper conductors also have very low DC resistance – the lower the DC resistance, the less energy is transmitted into heat, and signal strength remains intact.
Another issue is that you use the right cable for the right applications. A novice person may use a Cat5e cable for high-speed applications. In such cases, the end result will be very poor data transfer rates. Our expert advises that you use Cat5e ethernet cable for residential use. For commercial purposes (such as high-speed applications and gaming purposes), you use Cat6 or Cat6a ethernet cables. Thus, by picking the right ethernet cable for the right application, you can rid yourself of many problems such as low data transfer rates.
Conclusion:
As we’ve mentioned in the introduction, Ethernet cables can often be tricky to deal with. Here, we’ve provided an overview of the most common problems and their solutions to help you avoid or deal with them. Properly troubleshooting and identifying Ethernet cable issues is important to maintaining a high quality network. If you need help with any of these common Ethernet cable problems, or just want to know more about networking.
Meta title: Common Ethernet Cable Problems and Solutions in 2021
Meta description: Cat6 ethernet cable and Cat6a ethernet cable are the right cables for networks in 2021. They offer high-speed data transfer rates.