Problems with your Ethernet network cable? Check these aspects

One of the primary ways to connect to the local area network and the Internet is through the Ethernet network cable using the RJ-45 connector. Sometimes we may have issues with the Ethernet network cable itself because it may be damaged or the RJ-45 connector is not crimped properly. If we rule out software issues in our operating system, as well as hardware issues (the network card is working fine, as well as the switch or router), we can only look at the cabling. Today in RedesZone we will give you all the keys to find the problem with your Ethernet network cable, and how to solve it.

Without a doubt, the best way to take advantage of the full potential of our Internet connection is to use an Ethernet network cable. Often times, WiFi networks do not offer all the bandwidth that we can take advantage of. Some of the reasons for using the Ethernet network cable are:

• A router that cannot offer the speed contracted by WiFi.
• Do not have a WiFi device capable of supporting this speed.
• Interference with the WiFi networks of other neighbors.

On the contrary, if we choose the right Ethernet network cable, we can always get the most out of our connection. The only downside is that we will have to wire our whole house, this in new houses is not a problem as all rooms have network outlets, however, if we have a house or office that does not have all of them. wired zones, we'll have to do it ourselves.

Network and shielded cable categories

The category of an Ethernet network cable will determine the maximum speed that the cable can achieve. Here is a table with the most used categories currently:

The most common today is to use Cat5e cables, as this type of cable is the one that is completely free in routers, switches and other types of devices such as Wi-Fi Mesh systems. However, today for the price and performance it is highly recommended to use Cat 6 category cables. In addition, today homes that are already wired do so with this type of Ethernet network cable.

Currently, virtually all network cards built into PC motherboards have a gigabit network card (10/100/1000), also those of modern fiber routers and laptops, it is necessary to ensure that the cabling is in good condition. One way to check if we have contracted a connection greater than 100MB is to do a speed test here :

If we don't exceed 100Mbps or if we have CAT 5 network cable, or if we don't have Gigabit Ethernet network card in our router PC or laptop.

When we talk about network cable we are talking about two clearly differentiated parts:

1. RJ45 connector, which we have at each end.
2. The cable itself.

In addition to categories, cables are classified according to whether they are shielded or not. The shield is a shield that protects the cables under their plastic sheath. Its objective is to maintain the stability and quality of the transmission speed of our network. What should be avoided is electromagnetic interference with transformers, motors and electrical cables. Depending on the shielding, network cables can be classified into the following classes:

• UTP cable  ( unshielded twisted pair or unshielded twisted pair ). This is the network cable that is always found free in routers, switches or mesh Wi-Fi systems, they have no shielding or shielding. It is the cheapest and the most flexible of all.
• Laminated twisted pair cable  (FTP) or shielded twisted pair: contains twisted pairs surrounded by a protective aluminum sheath. Pairs are not individually shielded and benefit from comprehensive protection that encompasses them all.
• Shielded twisted pair cable (STP) or single shielded twisted pair : contains each of the twisted pairs of the cable covered with an aluminum protective sheath.
• SSTP cable ( Shielded Twisted Pair or Shielded Twisted Pair ) , in this case we have double shielding. On the one hand, each individual twisted pair is covered with its protective layer and then has additional protection that covers all the pairs. These are the ones that avoid electromagnetic interference the best and also the most expensive.

In RedesZone we have a complete tutorial on the Ethernet network cable for use at home and in the office.

How to distinguish the network cable we have

To distinguish what kind of network cable we have from an Ethernet network cable, we can do it in two ways. The first is to look in the package where this cable came from, its specifications, however, this is not always possible, because when we buy one we usually use it and get rid of the box.

Then there is no second alternative with which we can easily find all the data from our network cable. That way it's just a matter of looking at the plastic outer layer that covers the entire cable. Now we are going to put some practical examples so that you can see if you can distinguish the category of a network cable and more. Here is the first:

In this case we have a CAT 7 Ethernet network cable and SSTP shield.

Now let's move on to the second:

The second is CAT 5E and is UTP type which has no type of shielding.

Will a better quality cable improve performance?

Currently, the minimum recommended is to buy a CAT 6 cable . While it is true that we could use one of the CAT 5Es, some issues might arise if we use multigigabit speeds in our home network, considering the price we have to go for Cat 6 cables. We also have to mention that there are cables of a more basic range that can be distinguished because their RJ45 connectors are plastic, and generally UTP category. Then we have the highest qualities with a metal connector and usually with shielding to avoid interference.

All network cables that we can buy are certified Cat 5E, Cat 6 or Cat 7, moreover, they must pass a series of rigorous checks to obtain the corresponding certification. That is, as long as the cable has the certifications, it does not matter whether it is cheaper than another with similar characteristics, in principle there should be no difference, especially in the sections of short cable. If we are going to make an installation with network cable in an office, then we must make sure that the cabling is of quality and of a recognized brand.

Another thing to keep in mind is that CAT 7 cables are not used in the home environment, however, as we already have Multigigabit equipment and even 10G networks, if you are a network enthusiast, a very good choice would always be to wire with this category of cable. This cable is much more expensive than Cat 6, in addition it is thicker and you will need compatible RJ-45s and a crimping tool compatible with Cat 7 cables. Finally, Cat 7 cables come in pairs. shielded and also have a metal jacket to protect it even more, this makes the cable much stiffer than Cat 6.

As to whether the quality of a network cable of the same category, but different brands, is noticeable, the answer is that it should not, since they have passed the corresponding certifications. Basically, you won't get higher speed or latency. The only exception is that this cable was not in good condition. However, there are times when these quality cables are needed if you are going to make conduits and the distance is very large, in these cases we have to be careful with the certification tests, as it can be the difference between having a network. fast or not. .

Network cable problems and possible solutions

When we talk about network cables, we can find ourselves in several situations, before starting with the problems and possible solutions, we must rule out the software problems of our equipment, but also the hardware problems.

Does not sync

The main reasons are:

• One of the connectors (or both) is badly crimped, there is no electrical communication between the communication source and the destination.
• The network cable is too long, the signal is very weak and does not establish a physical link.
• The cable goes through electrical conduits and there is not enough signal, typical of UTP cabling if you run it through these conduits.

Sync at 10 Mbps instead of 1 Gbps or more

The main reasons are:

• One of the connectors (or both) is badly crimped, you have to use a tester to check which PIN has no communication. It is possible that one or more are concerned, it will be necessary to look at which connector is the one which is "open".
• The network cable is too long, today we have switches that can carry the signal up to 250m in length, logically we need quality cabling.
• The cable runs through electrical conduits and there is not enough signal to synchronize at a higher speed.

Synchronize at 1Gbps but sometimes at 100Mbps

• Network cable is too long, network wobbles and will snap due to length, install a switch in the middle or change the wiring to higher grade wiring so that the signal is not attenuated as much.
• The cable runs through electrical conduits, and when too much electrical power is required, it disturbs the network cable signal. It is recommended to purchase shielded cables, or Cat 7 already shielded.

Network cables that we can buy

Cablematic is a well-known website for network cables, fiber optic cables, and network accessories . On this website you can find a large number of models and coils of network cable. At Amazon, we also have quality network cables, such as the following:

If you need a basic Cat 6 network cable, this network cable from AmazonBasics will work great for you in a home environment: