Discussing network wiring speed
Discussing network wiring speed
I'm testing an Asus ZenWifi AX (XT8) setup with one main router and a mesh node. The fiber modem connects to the 2.5G WAN port on the primary router via a Cat 5e cable, displaying as 1 Gbps in the app. The primary router's Port 1 links to the wall using a Cat 6 cable but shows 100 Mbps. The wall connects to the mesh node’s 2.5G WAN port with a Cat 5e cable, also showing 1 Gbps. Port 1 on the mesh node goes to my PC via Cat 5e and displays 1 Gbps. Windows reports 1000/1000 for speeds. Port 2 on the mesh node connects to an unmanaged switch with Cat 5e, showing 1 Gbps. All devices except Wi-Fi endpoints in the house route through the mesh node, not the router. Anything linked to the primary router gets full internet speed in tests, while connections via the mesh are limited to 100 Mbps. This suggests the wiring inside your walls is likely only Cat 5.
This would be the reasonable assumption and the first thing I’d examine. A simple check could involve going around the wall. Connect the mesh node directly to the router—it should display 1gb. Also, remove the wall plate. Are all eight wires in the plug just four? For 100mb/s you only need four of the eight, and in the past, careless installers often skipped crimping all eight.
Add what @Blue4130 mentioned, it seems your connection might be weak somewhere. I understand using keystones in the wall can appear damaged without actually connecting. A cable tester could be useful.
I connected a mini PC into the main router using a Cat 6 cable and achieved a 1 Gbps link. If the primary router to the wall port displays 100 Mbps, yet the wall port to the mesh node router shows 1 Gbps, it suggests the connection is properly terminated at one end but not the other. It's likely a single cable linking both ends of the wall ports.