The average home user barely pays attention to the cables that connect computers and other devices to their router. However, it is important to take care of your cables because they are what keep your internet functioning.
One of the most common issues with Wi-Fi is packet loss which can be caused by a bad Ethernet cable. A bad Ethernet cable will cause problems with the connection of your device to the Wi-Fi network, wifi speed, or both. It’s also possible for a bad Ethernet cable to interfere with your cordless phone, immobilize video game consoles, or even affect how you can use IoT devices in your home.
Here are some things you need to know about the importance of good cables and how they affect your internet connection.
What is packet loss?
Packet loss can occur when you have a bad Ethernet cable or the Ethernet port on your device is damaged. Packet loss means that there is a problem with the connection between your router and modem. When this happens, data packets are not transferred properly. This results in internet speed issues and possible downtime.
Why does a bad Ethernet cable cause packet loss?
A bad Ethernet cable can cause packet loss because the wires inside are exposed. When the wires inside of your Ethernet cable come into contact with a grounded surface, it creates an electrical current. This current is what causes the interference and causes a bad connection which results in packet loss.
Why is a good cable important?
The average homeowner does not usually pay much attention to the cables that connect their computers and other devices to their router. The reason for this is that they are used to seeing them and they think that “as long as it’s plugged in, everything should be fine.” However, what many people don’t know is that these cables can have an effect on how your internet functions.
One of the most common issues with Wi-Fi is packet loss which can be caused by a bad Ethernet cable. A bad Ethernet cable will cause problems with the connection of your device to the Wi-Fi network, wifi speed, or both. It’s also possible for a bad Ethernet cable to interfere with your cordless phone, immobilize video game consoles, or even affect how you can use IoT devices in your home.
If you want to protect yourself from these issues, then you need to invest in good cables. This way you’ll prevent any internet problems that your equipment may face. But what makes a good cable? Well, there are multiple features of a good cable including:
How do you know if your cable is bad?
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if your cable is bad. However, there are some signs that you can look out for to determine if it needs to be replaced.
If you notice any of the following problems:
-Wi-fi speed and connection issues
-Packet loss
-Cordless phone interference
-Video game console interference
-IoT device interference
It’s time for a new cable. Plus, these problems could be caused by multiple things like a poor Wi-Fi signal or back wire interference. A bad cable will not solve those problems!
What can happen when you have a bad Ethernet cable?
When you have a bad Ethernet cable, your Wi-Fi connection will be spotty and slow. This is because the Wi-Fi signal needs to be transmitted through the Ethernet cable and if there is any interference with that transmission by a faulty or damaged cord, then you will start to notice problems with your connection.
The first thing you’ll notice is that your wifi speed begins to decrease and instead of connecting at 50mbps, it might only reach 10mbps. However, even if you don’t notice any difference in the speed of your internet connection, there might still be interference as mentioned earlier which can cause things like packet loss. Packet loss causes data packets to fail during transmission which causes some data to not reach its destination and some data packets to arrive out of sequence which leads to an incomplete information transfer.
This can lead to a lot of problems including a weakened network security system, a weaker internet connection, slower loading times for websites or apps, or even malfunctions in connected devices such as TV’s or video game consoles.
What to look for in a good Ethernet cable
A cable is either good or bad for your internet connection depending on the materials it is made of, how many twists and bends are in the cord, and how fast it transmits data.
If you’re looking to purchase a new Ethernet cable, be sure to buy one with a jacket that is made of plastic. This jacket will provide the most protection possible against interference from other electronic devices in your home.
The twist ratio of an Ethernet cable has many implications when it comes to the performance of your Wi-Fi network. If you notice that there are more than two twists in an Ethernet cable, this means that the cable has been bent too much and may not offer exceptional performance when used for Wi-Fi devices.
When purchasing an Ethernet cable with a long reach (i.e., over 15 feet) be aware that they can take more time for data to transmit because there is more distance between the router and device. However, these cables are still useful in some cases, like when you need to connect devices on different floors in your home or office building.
Is there anything else to be aware of with cables and internet?
The next thing to be aware of is how much cable you need. Depending on your situation, you may need a longer cable. If there is a certain area in your home where your devices are located and you want to maximize the speed of the Wi-Fi connection, then you might want to invest in some extra cables.
It’s also important to know that some homes have their modem in one room and they want the router to be in another room. This can cause problems with how well the connection gets through because there may not be enough cable space.
When it comes to Ethernet cables, you’ll also want to make sure that they are installed properly so that there’s no interference with other electronics or devices in your home. Ensuring these cables are properly grounded will help reduce interference without any downtime for your internet connection or other electronics.
Conclusion
When it comes to the quality of your internet connection, there are a lot of factors to be aware of. But one thing you might not have considered is the quality of your Ethernet cable. A good cable is important for connecting to your internet or any other network, but what exactly should you look for?
The first thing to do is make sure that the cable is not too long. The longer it is, the more susceptible it is to interference. The next thing to check is the shielding. This refers to the material around the wire that protects it from electromagnetic signals. If the shielding isn’t sufficient, you’ll have problems with interference.
The other thing to look for is whether or not your cable is tinned. Tinned cable has a tinned copper conductor surrounded by insulation, which helps prevent it from rusting and other problems.
If your cable fails any of these tests, it might not be the best choice for you!
