Is Your Ethernet Cable Faulty? Signs to Watch Out For

​Cables are an unwanted but necessary thing, and the source of many computer and network-related problems. While you can't completely ditch cables, some may need to be replaced more often than others, including the Ethernet cables used in your network.

Here are the warning signs to watch out for.

Signs Your Ethernet Cable Needs to Be Replaced

If you’re experiencing painfully slow speeds or completely lost connectivity on your local network, you may want to try replacing any Ethernet cables that may be causing your problems.

Typically, this problem won't cause your connection to completely drop. You'll be able to limp along at a much slower speed, though you may experience increased latency (lag) as well as peaks and valleys in transfer speeds.

Any physical damage to the cable can harm your network experience. This includes any nicks or cracks on the RJ45 connector (the plastic connection end), fraying of the wires, or damage from crushing or bending that leaves permanent marks.

It goes without saying that if your cable needs to be adjusted or "wiggled" to make a connection, it might be time to get a new one. If that works and the new cable doesn't, the Ethernet port itself might be damaged.

Confirm that your Ethernet cable is the problem

A slow Internet connection is a common problem, and it's not limited to Ethernet connections. Unlike a slow local network connection over Ethernet cabling, this indicates a problem with the cabling or network hardware.

When accessing shared folders over a network, copying files from a Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive, or streaming content using a media server like Plex, you’ll notice slow local speeds.

If you want to test your network connection, you can try a tool like NetIO - GUI (free, Windows), LANBtch (free, Windows), or LAN Speed ​​Test (Lite, Windows or Mac). These tools either require two computers connected to the same network or some kind of network share that you can copy from.

An easier way to test your network cables is to simply replace them. Do it slowly, one by one. If you don't notice any difference, you can assume the cable isn't faulty and move on to the next one. As Twitter user Daoist reports, the test results on a new cable can be incredible. These cables are relatively cheap, and you may even have spare cables if you've replaced your router at some point.

Ethernet cables are here to stay

While wireless networks are the king of convenience, Ethernet cables are still the best option if you crave reliability. Wi-Fi connections can be subject to interference, and you may be forced to choose between range (2.4 GHz) and speed (5 GHz), depending on your home or office layout.

For static devices like desktop computers and gaming consoles, Ethernet cables are still highly recommended. Just make sure you buy the right cables to get the best speeds on all your devices.