Do you feel that your internet connection is slow even though you are using an Ethernet cable that should be able to reach speeds of up to 1 Gbps? Do you see that your connection status only shows 100 Mbps when your device supports gigabit Ethernet? If yes, then you might run into the same problem as many other users who complain about their Ethernet connection being limited to 100 Mbps.
Several factors can cause your Ethernet connection not to reach its maximum speed, such as cable quality, connector type, hardware settings, drivers, and others. In this article, we will discuss some ways to solve this problem and improve the speed of your Ethernet connection.
Check the Quality and Type of Your Ethernet Cable
One of the first things you should do is check the quality and type of Ethernet cable you are using. There are Ethernet cables that vary in terms of specifications, performance, and maximum length. Several types of Ethernet cables are commonly used, namely:
- Cat 5: This cable can reach speeds of up to 100 Mbps with a maximum length of 100 meters. This cable is rarely used because it is outdated.
- Cat 5e: This cable is an upgraded version of Cat 5 that can reach speeds of up to 1 Gbps with a maximum length of 100 meters. This cable is one of the most popular and inexpensive.
- Cat 6: This cable can reach speeds of up to 10 Gbps with a maximum length of 55 meters or 1 Gbps with a maximum length of 100 meters. These cables are of better quality and more interference-resistant.
- Cat 6a: This cable is an upgraded version of Cat 6 that can reach speeds of up to 10 Gbps with a maximum length of 100 meters. This cable has an additional layer that protects against interference.
To find out the type of Ethernet cable you use, you can see the label listed on the cable itself. Usually, the label will indicate the type of cable, for example, Cat 5e or Cat 6. If the label is missing or unclear, you can try measuring the diameter of the cable. Cat 6 and Cat 6a cables usually have a larger diameter than Cat 5e cables.
If you use an Ethernet cable that doesn’t match the speed you want, you can try replacing the cable with a better cable. For example, if you want to achieve speeds of 1 Gbps, you can use a Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable. If you want to reach speeds of 10 Gbps, you can use a Cat 6 or Cat 6a cable.
In addition, you should also check the quality of the Ethernet cable you are using. Damaged, bent, or cut Ethernet cables can cause connection speeds to decrease or even not work at all. You can try replacing the Ethernet cable that you suspect has a problem with a new or tested cable.
Check Your Ethernet Connector Type and Quality
In addition to the cable, you should also check the type and quality of the Ethernet connector you are using. An Ethernet connector is a part that connects an Ethernet cable to a device, such as a router, switch, or computer. A commonly used Ethernet connector is RJ45, which has eight pins connected by eight wires inside the Ethernet cable.
The type of Ethernet connector you use should match the type of Ethernet cable you are using. For example, if you’re using a Cat 6 or Cat 6a cable, you should use an RJ45 connector that supports speeds of 10 Gbps. If you’re using a Cat 5e cable, you can use an RJ45 connector that supports speeds of 1 Gbps.
You can find out what type of Ethernet connector you are using by looking at the label listed on the connector itself. Typically, the label will indicate the type of connector, such as RJ45 or RJ45 10G. If the label is missing or unclear, you can try measuring the connector width. RJ45 10G connectors usually have a larger width than regular RJ45 connectors.
If you use an Ethernet connector that doesn’t match the speed you want, you can try replacing that connector with a better connector. For example, if you want to achieve speeds of 10 Gbps, you can use the RJ45 10G connector. If you want to achieve a speed of 1 Gbps, you can use a regular RJ45 connector.
In addition, you should also check the quality of the Ethernet connector you are using. Damaged, dirty, or loose Ethernet connectors can cause connection speeds to drop or even not work at all. You can try cleaning the Ethernet connector you suspect has a problem with a soft cloth or alcohol. You can also try tightening the Ethernet connector that you suspect is loose by pressing it until you hear a click.