If you’ve explored the various Ethernet cable types available to you, it’s likely you already know that an Ethernet connection provides a faster, more consistent way to surf the internet. That’s the hope, anyway. Like all other pieces of technology, Ethernet cables don’t last forever. While you probably hoped that connecting the proper Ethernet cable types to your USB 2.0 compliant devices would allow for maximum transmission rates of 480 Mbps, you won’t achieve the fast connections you want if your Ethernet connection is lacking. But how can you tell when your network Ethernet cable needs to be replaced? There are some common signs to look for.

If you’re not always able to connect to the internet, have a notoriously slow connection, or the connection drops, the Ethernet cable could be to blame. If you’ve ruled out the possibility of the cable becoming unplugged somewhere, there could be damage within the Ethernet cable itself that’s inhibiting you from getting online. When your connection is intermittently slow, that can indicate that your cable is on the fritz, while consistent slowness may point to a cable that’s already damaged beyond repair.

Another way to tell that your cable might need to be replaced is whether you can “wiggle” it back to its former glory. It may sound strange, but if a wiggling motion is able to restore your failed Ethernet connection, that can be a helpful clue. It can indicate that your cable connector or internal wire is broken, which means the connection to the internet will always be unpredictable. Even a small movement can disrupt the connection, which can make it extremely difficult to work or play online. Keep in mind that wiggling a damaged cable can worsen the existing damage, so you shouldn’t test this theory to excess. But if you notice a big difference when you wiggle the cable, you may want to explore the different Ethernet cable types available to you for replacement.

There’s a final, easy way to assess whether your Ethernet cable needs to be replaced: if the problems disappear when you use a different Ethernet cable. It may sound quite obvious, but you’d be surprised by the number of people who haven’t tried a different connector to see whether the problem is actually a cable-related issue. If the problem persists, you’ll have a better idea of what isn’t causing it. And if your connection miraculously improves, you’ll have the information you need to purchase a new cable that’ll satisfy your internet needs.

Now that you have a better idea of whether your Ethernet cable needs to be replaced, you can check out our selection of cables that will provide faster, more reliable connections. For more information, contact us today.