Why Is My Network So Slow? Understanding Your Ethernet Cable

Nothing is more frustrating than slow network speed. You might encounter slow sluggish speed of the network. And you keep thinking is it the Ethernet Cable or the equipment is old enough to cause speed problems? The most common factors of slow speed are the ethernet cable issue or the specifications of speed and other related factors. You might be using a cable whose speed does not match your server speed. 

For Cat5e riser cable over longer runs creates distortion or slow speed due to interference or the cable is installed near power lines. If you have ignored the installation procedure of ethernet cables you might get frequent errors. 

This blog will help you understand the possible factors that you should look for to stabilize the network performance. The choice of the bulk ethernet cable is according to the server speed. 

Understanding Ethernet Cable

According to the bulk ethernet cable category, there are 3 types of cables with different specs, conductor types, and different outer jacket ratings. This is a lot to digest when you need to deploy the perfect network cables for your home or business needs. 

The 3 common types of frequently used Bulk ethernet cables are 

• Bulk Cat5e Ethernet Cable
• Bulk Cat6 Ethernet Cable
• Bulk Cat6a Ethernet Cable

You might also know about Cat7 and Cat8 ethernet cables but they are more likely to be used for industrial settings due to their high price and shielded structure. So let’s stick this debate around the 3 frequently used ethernet cables Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a. 

Starting with the cat5e riser cable the cost-effective choice for maximum users who are willing to compromise on performance and speed. As the cable upon maximum length might lose speed due to attenuation, EMI, and throughput of the cable. The speed cat5e riser cable can accommodate 100 Mbps and 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) respectively. Due to signal loss, the ideal length to install bulk ethernet cable is 100 meters (328ft). 

The second type is the most convenient and more relaxing due to its higher speed and ability to tolerate high conductivity. The copper conductor in any ethernet cable makes it a viable choice and therefore you can use it for longer runs. Cat6 ethernet cable speed specs are 1/10 GbE over longer and shorter distances. 23 AWG conductor size evaluates that the cable will deliver the best results regarding the transmission of data. 

The third category is augmented category 6 cables i.e (Cat6a Ethernet Cable), a very advanced ethernet cable to support 10 Gbps at any distance. The fine solution for fast networking. But which cable do you want? 

Factors Affecting The Network Speed

Because you know some factors may affect your ethernet cable speed or ultimately the network to slow down. This gesture is not positive when you are experiencing lag, latency, or connection errors. So you only need to check the following things with your Cat5e riser 1000ft cable. 

• Cable Length — the most common issue that you may encounter is the length of the cable. The reason for this is the cable is no longer working fine due to increased length. 
• Cable Quality — if you are using an older cable it might affect your network performance. The conductors are not in their right condition or might get too rusty to pass the current. 
• Networking Devices — Old networking equipment might be the cause of slow internet speed. It is said that when you are upgrading the Bulk Ethernet Cable from Cat5e riser to cat6 ethernet cable you might have to upgrade your equipment. 
• Interference — EMI or RFI both are a headache if happen nearby ethernet cables. The main reason you are experiencing slow internet speed. 
• Wrong Installation — Do not use low-voltage cables near high-voltage power cables the very next moment you will feel the distortion in data sending and receiving. 
• Poor Choice of Network Cable — it’s a vice-versa kind of thing. You can simply check the server speed and decide to buy the cable. High-speed server will not cater to Cat5e riser 1000ft cable and slow server speed will not potentially work for Cat6 Ethernet Cable. 

These are the factors that can break down the internet speed and to get the maximum speed you need to troubleshoot the networking connections to find the faulty connection. If you follow the cable management rules, troubleshooting the networking cables is just a piece of cake. 

Troubleshooting Slow Network Speeds

The only effective way to single out the problem is through troubleshooting the ethernet cable. Why is this necessary? To point out the main cause of slow networks. Troubleshooting is defined as locating the problem and correcting it in your network. There are some steps for troubleshooting. 

• Check the cable for physical damage (Cat5e riser). It might be the cause of tripping over the cable or so.
• Test the connection with a different cable (Cat6 Cable)
• Time to alter the cabling infrastructure
• Reduce interference

Final Thought

Understanding the need and the cable are both compulsory if you want a stable network connection. A cable like a Cat5e riser is just a normal cable with maximum speed and 350 MHz bandwidth. Do you know what makes the network suffer the EMI, CCA cable over longer runs, using UTP cable instead of Shielded cables, and ignoring the installation precautions? 

Once you are done selecting the cable cross-check that the server speed is according to the Cable speed so that there will be no speed or performance compromising.