Ethernet cables are critical components of computer networks. Signs that a cable may be faulty include intermittent or slow connections, and having to wiggle the cable to maintain a connection. Issues can stem from physical damage like bent or torn cables, or connectivity problems between the cable and network adapter. Troubleshooting involves checking the cable for physical defects, testing connectivity with another computer or adapter, and using a continuity tester to check for interruptions in the cable. Replacing the cable may fix the problem, but if issues remain, further troubleshooting of network devices is required.

1. How to Check & Solve Ethernet Cable
Problems
Ethernet cables are one of the most important elements of any electric system. If
they don’t work properly, the rest of the network will become nonfunctioning.
Any type of disruption would make a faulty Ethernet Cable’s performance slow.
Today we will be checking out some of the signs that indicate if your cable is
performing up to the standard or not.
It Often Loses Connection
If you plug the cable into the Ethernet adapter and the light doesn't turn on, it
could indicate a problem either with the cable or the adapter. Also, if you are
seeing display messages like ‘network connection is lost’ or ‘no connection’, then
something’s wrong with the system’s ethernet cable. In such cases, make sure
that you’ve connected the cable properly. Otherwise, a bad cable will not work
even if properly connected.
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2. You Always Have Slow Connection
If your connection keeps dropping or runs very slowly, there are chances that you
have a damaged cable. If there is a tear on your cable, it can break down the
internal wire connection and can cause a short circuit. If you find a bent cable, try
straightening it with your hands. In case it is too beat up, you will need to replace
it.
Connection Restored With A Wiggle
Wiggling the cable re-establishes a failed connection. If you do this too often, it
also means that you have a broken connector on your hands. Ethernet cables have
a built-in plastic lever that secures the cable into place within the Ethernet
adapter port. If this lever breaks, the connection will drop.
Do You Keep Replacing Them?
This is the ultimate sign that you need to check your network ecosystem. If
replacing the ethernet cable eliminates the problem, then it’s well and good. But if
the same problem persists with the new cable, the problem relates to the
network. There could be some malfunction happening.
In such cases, there are three types of network cable issues you should look for:
Testing Connectivity Issues
These issues are major because of a faulty cable. Consider taking a quick test to
check the connectivity. To check, try plugging the suspected cable into the
network device or network connector of another computer. Typically, the
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3. jack you plug the cable into is part of a network adapter. It provides the interface
between a computer/ network device and the network cable.
These adapters have one or two LED lights which state that an established
connection exists and transmission is happening on the line. After you plug the
cable into the network adapter, the link LED should be on to indicate a connection.
If it doesn't light up or flash, there might be a problem with the cable or its
connector or both of them.
Testing Performance Issues
If your connection is failing or transmitting data at much slower speeds, you have
performance-related issues. This generally happens due to a damaged or bent
cable. Usually, you can straighten a bent cable to solve the problem. And if the
problem persists, you might have to replace the damaged cable.
To troubleshoot, visually scan the length of the cable and look for sharp bends,
kinks, or other physical faults in the cable. If you find a sharp bend or kink in the
cable, straighten the cable and check if the problem is solved.
Before replacing it make sure to shake the cable lightly at the connector side to
see if the connection can be re-established. If so, then the problem is with the
connector. Which also means that you need to repair or replace the entire cable.
Testing Continuity Issues
If there are any faulty connectors or bends in a cable, continuity issues can occur.
They can also occur by a cut or a sliced cable, any kind of penetration by objects
like a nail, staple, screw, etc., or electromagnetic interference. If you can visually
scan the cable length, check for any of these causes. If not, test it with a continuity
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4. tester. An electronic device is specially made for this purpose. Such a device can
help detect problems caused by EMI, or radio frequency interference.
Still, Got Problems?
Even after doing all this if your network keeps failing, it is very likely that issues are
with local network configuration, one or more of the network connectivity
devices. Like adapters, switches, routers, and so on. Such faults will require a
higher level of troubleshooting.
If you are looking to buy new ethernet cables, you can navigate to our ethernet
networking cables page from here. From Cat 5E cable, Cat6A cable to Cat 8 cable,
we have all the cables to fulfill your requirements.
An Original Article Published Here:
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