The wrong Ethernet cable can reduce your connection speed. For example, avoid using a CAT 5 cable if your internet speed is 200Mbps or more.

A damaged Ethernet cable can also cause slow speeds. A broken clip, for instance, stops the contacts from fully connecting to the Ethernet port.

To check everything, I will show you how to find the category of your Ethernet cable to see if it is the right one. Then, I will guide you in fixing possible Ethernet connection problems.

Start by checking your cable’s category.

Look at your Ethernet cable to find the category number. You should see it printed on the outer cover.

The category number shows the cable’s design and maximum speed for a certain distance. A higher number means a newer design and better data transfer over that distance.

For example, a CAT 3 cable is ancient and extremely slow. A CAT 8 cable is new and much faster than most home internet connections.

Below is a list of speeds for each category.

The chart indicates that you should not use a CAT 5 cable between your modem or fiber ONT and router if your internet speed exceeds 100Mbps.

For speeds above 101Mbps, choose a CAT 5e or a newer version.

For internet speeds up to 10,000Mbps (10Gbps), a CAT 6a or a newer cable works best.

The chart shows that only a 49-foot CAT 7 cable can support the full speed of Ziply Fiber’s 50Gbps plan, but no known Ethernet port can handle that speed.

Fixing Ethernet Issues

If you are using the correct cable, check for possible issues with its length, connectors, or other factors.

Measure the Cable Length

Ethernet cables work best up to 328 feet. For instance, a CAT 6 cable can reach 1Gbps, while a CAT 6a cable supports 10Gbps at 328 feet.

However, CAT 7 and CAT 8 cables allow much higher speeds but only at shorter distances.

You will not notice speed differences between short and long cables if they stay within the specified limit.

However, cables beyond the recommended length will lose signal, reducing speed. A CAT 7 cable, for example, will only provide a 10Gbps connection if it is over 164 feet long.

Short cables are better because data travels faster over shorter distances. It is similar to a car moving at 50 MPH, reaching a 10-mile destination faster than one covering 100 miles at the same speed.

With Ethernet, the time difference is in nanoseconds. Electricity moves at 70% of light speed through copper, making the argument irrelevant.

Cable length only affects speed when it exceeds the specification’s limit.

Still, using a 50-foot cable for devices placed next to each other is unnecessary. Managing the extra length would be difficult.

Check the Cable for Any Issues

An Ethernet cable contains multiple twisted copper wire pairs. These wires are wrapped in foil and covered with a strong PVC layer.

If the copper wires get damaged, the connection may become slow or stop working.

Pets like cats and dogs often chew on cables, and young children may pull on them out of curiosity. Keep cables away from their reach to prevent damage.

If your Ethernet cables run outside, under the house, or in the attic, inspect them for any signs of wear.

Just like phones and TV cables, they can be affected by the environment or accidents. A small cut from a tool or a rodent bite can slow down your connection.

Check the Cable’s Connectors

Each Ethernet cable has RJ45 connectors at both ends. These connectors contain eight contacts that align with those inside an Ethernet port.

If the contacts are dirty, rusted, or damaged, the connection will not be stable, leading to slower speeds.

Why Do Some Ethernet Cables Have Gold?

Some Ethernet cables contain gold to prevent corrosion and improve electrical conductivity. Consider this factor when selecting a new Ethernet cable.

A small clip on the connector locks it into the Ethernet port. A broken clip can cause the connector to shift, creating a loose connection.

A loose connection can lower internet speed or disconnect the cable.

Check Your Ethernet Port Type

Most modern devices use one of five Ethernet port types: Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, 5 Gigabit Ethernet, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

Gigabit Ethernet is the most common port in computers, gaming consoles, media devices, routers, modems, and gateways.

However, with faster internet services becoming popular, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet is now more common in modems, routers, and gateways.

A 5 Gigabit Ethernet port is uncommon. However, 10 Gigabit Ethernet is standard in fiber links, gateways, and modern Wi-Fi 7 routers like the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S.

You’ll never get the highest speed of a port because network overhead takes up bandwidth. Network overhead includes data that helps transfer your information.

I use 6% as an estimate for actual speeds, but the percentage changes depending on the transfer protocol. It may be higher or lower.

Ethernet ports and cables work together. If you connect a CAT 6 cable to a Gigabit Ethernet port, you will likely get around 940Mbps, up to 980Mbps if lucky.

If you connect the same cable to a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, the speed remains around 940Mbps because the cable becomes the limitation.

A CAT 6a cable or newer works best for multi-gig ports.

A device with a Fast Ethernet port has a speed limit, but you can bypass it with a USB-to-Ethernet adapter that supports gigabit speeds.

A USB-A 2.0 port allows up to 480Mbps, better than Fast Ethernet. However, a USB-A 3.x or USB-C 3.x port is better since it supports 5Gbps or 10Gbps, depending on the setup.

Always check your Ethernet ports, as they impact connections with devices and the internet. A CAT 6a cable will not give you 10Gbps if the port only supports 1Gbps.

What Type of USB Port Do You Have?

Computers usually have two types of USB ports. The “A” port is rectangular, older, and more common.

USB 2.0 ports are black and have a pitchfork-like symbol. USB 3.x ports are blue and have an SS pitchfork symbol.

The “C” port is minor and oval and supports 5 Gbps or more speeds, depending on the hardware inside.

Try Another Ethernet Port

If you use Ethernet on a PC, console, or streaming device, switch the cable to a different port on the router or gateway.

Most routers have at least four ports, and the one you use might not work correctly.

A broken Ethernet port may slow down or stop the connection. Plugging the cable into a different port helps determine if the problem is with the port, cable, or internet.

If the new port works well, the old one is probably faulty. Put tape over the lousy port to prevent future use.

You may have to switch to Wi-Fi if your device has limited Ethernet ports. If the problem continues, contact the manufacturer for support.

Review Your Network Settings

Log into your router or gateway and check if a wired device is blocked or has a speed limit. The issue may not be with the cable or port but with a setting restricting the connection.

Routers and gateways often have Quality of Service (QoS) settings, prioritizing specific devices and internet traffic.

If the router gives more bandwidth to a gaming device, other devices might experience slow speeds.

Inspect Your Ethernet Switch

If you use multiple Ethernet connections at home or work, you might have an Ethernet switch.

These devices send data between wired connections and are helpful if you prefer wired internet over Wi-Fi.

Like computers, Ethernet switches sometimes need a restart to fix software or hardware issues.

Unplugging and reconnecting the power can clear minor problems. If speed issues continue and you’re sure the switch is causing them, replacing it may be necessary.

Looking for a New Ethernet Switch?

The Linksys SE3008 is a good choice for gigabit speeds. There are also models designed for gamers and those who need Power over Ethernet (PoE).

Restart and Update Your Devices

A hardware or software problem might slow down your Ethernet. Restart your device to fix the issue.

Keep your devices updated by installing all system updates and drivers.

A network driver, which helps the system communicate with hardware, can cause slow speeds or disconnections if outdated.

Companies release new drivers regularly to improve performance and fix issues. Keeping them updated is essential.

Call Your Internet Provider

Many modems and fiber network terminals (ONT) use Ethernet to connect to a Wi-Fi router.

If replacing the Ethernet cable between them does not fix the speed problem, the Ethernet port on the modem or ONT might be faulty.

The modem or ONT itself could also be failing. Contact your provider if nothing else solves the issue.

Some Ethernet issues at home or work may need professional repair.

Fiber services often use Ethernet cables inside walls connected to wall jacks. A damaged cable or port may require a technician to fix. it

How to Make Ethernet Faster?

Ethernet components cannot run faster than their design, but better hardware and cables can improve a wired network.

Home network speed depends on two factors: Ethernet ports and Ethernet cables. Both must match, or one will slow down the other.

For example, an internet plan with 1,000Mbps will reach about 940Mbps on a modem with a Gigabit Ethernet port.

A modem with a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port will provide the full 1,000Mbps.

Routers and wired devices follow the same rule. Gigabit Ethernet devices will not benefit from CAT 6a or newer cables—link aggregation works similarly, combining two Gigabit Ethernet ports to create a 2Gbps connection.

Multigig Ethernet ports require CAT 6a or newer cables. Upgrading Ethernet switch boxes also helps if they are part of the network.

Many models now offer 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, but they still cost more than Gigabit Ethernet models.