The lifespan of cable wires highly depends on the way you use them. However, just like other hardware, these things are prone to tear. After all, nothing lasts forever. Fortunately, replacing the LAN cable is not a difficult task. The real trouble comes when you have to test your broken LAN wire to check if it works or not.
So, if you are facing issues with your network and have doubts regarding your Ethernet cable, then you have landed on the right page.
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5 Ways To Find Out If Your Cable is Broken or Not
In this particular article, we will enlighten you about ways you can find out if your cable is broken or not.
1. Suffering From A Slow Internet Connection
The first and foremost indication of a damaged Ethernet cable is that you will consistently suffer from slow internet speeds. Although a slow internet connection is not the only sign of a broken LAN wire/Ethernet cable, it is one of the crucial hints that you should check your network wiring.
So, whenever you feel like your internet is lagging in speed, check the cable for any scratches or open ends as you might need to replace your LAN wire. If you do not have prior knowledge about these things, try to get your internet services from a provider that offers you the complete package plan with such modem and router included in the plan.
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2. Losing Image and Video Quality
A damaged cable usually causes a significant loss to the image and video quality because you do not get full access to the internet speed.
Discolouration and poor resolution are very common issues users face in such situations. This is yet another sign that your broken LAN wire is not working properly and requires your immediate attention.
3. Cluttering and Wiggling the Wire
If the cable is in pristine condition, then wiggling it will not cause much problem unless it is detached from the port. However, twisting and wiggling an old wire can cause damage, which would eventually make your internet connection slow or dead, in worst scenarios. Therefore, it is best if you avoid wiggling the wires.
Now, you may think that if you do not wrap up the wires correctly, it will create a clutter, which you do not want.
Wire cutters can be easily avoided if you manage the cables with paper pins. Simply hang some paper pins on your computer table and hook the wires individually in them. This would enable you to enjoy a clean environment with no damage to your LAN wire.
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4. Inconsistence Performance of the Network
LAN wires that are in good condition will always deliver consistent performance unless there is an issue from your provider.
However, if you are facing varying performance patterns, then chances are that something is wrong with your Ethernet cable, which is why it is failing to deliver the desired speed and bandwidth. Therefore, check for the consistency in the performance of your connection so that you can make the necessary changes beforehand to your broken LAN wire
5. Check the Wire With a Tester
You can also check the Ethernet cable with a wire. Simply purchase a cable tester from the market and attach it to the cable. Most testers have two sets of eight lights. These lights correspond to the eight pins on the transmitting and receiving end of the cable. The tester will check each and every pin of the cable individually. If all the pins light upon both the ends, then the cable is good.
However, if even one light fails to light up, then you need to dig a little deeper. You’ll need to look for the problem to find out the right solution. You might have to buy a new Ethernet cable in order to make sure that you have a working system to complete your work.
Conclusion
That is all, try the aforementioned techniques. They will help you get an idea of how to test your Ethernet cable whether it is working or not. Also, learn about 6 Ways to Fix Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration
Gravit Sinha is the founder of ValidEdge. Ever since he was a kid, he has been a problem fixer and that passion is what inspired him to start and grow this website! 🙂
