Issues with your new network setup
Issues with your new network setup
You're facing a common setup challenge. After connecting your PC and testing multiple Ethernet ports, you're still having issues. The "homerun" cable seems labeled but its purpose isn't clear. It might be worth checking if it's designed for a specific device or function. You could try using an Ethernet cable tester to verify the connections. If that doesn't help, consider consulting your router's manual or contacting their support for guidance on properly terminating and connecting cables.
“Home run” was an outdated phrase describing a wiring approach. It suggested installing wiring as if it were for a commercial building, regardless of actual needs. The method became a trend. Very lengthy (and sometimes unnecessarily long) cables were run through walls to a main hub, which then split out again. This allowed wires to travel from one room wall down to a switch and then branch elsewhere. It often resulted in a highly indirect setup. The technique was also costly, leading to frequent misuse. Overall, it involved significantly more wiring than necessary. I’m unsure why a single cable would be called “home run,” but it’s possible the labels don’t always reflect their true function. There could also be smaller zones within the main area. Edited August 28, 2022 by Bombastinator
No, I haven't checked the wall plates yet. Could you confirm if they're properly connected before proceeding?
Reviewed the setup and noticed they were disconnected at the wall plate. It seems there might be a mismatch in termination style. At the router, the RJ45 has an orange stripe, orange, green, blue, blue, green, and brown stripes. On the side, it appears the colors don’t align with the printed labels inside the jack (Cat5e+), though each color is clearly separated on either side: top row shows brown, brown stripe, green; bottom row displays orange, orange stripe, blue, blue stripe.
Could the "home run" refer to a fire alarm or doorbell system? You might need a more powerful signal source if the cables are too long, such as a stronger transmitter. If it's wired like an office, you'd need to configure the setup similarly—adjusting wiring, switches, and possibly adding additional hardware to match the office environment.
The issue arises when people overlook maximum limits or combine too few cables to form more than the allowed length. I believe you should create a topological network diagram to determine connections and verify safety. It’s not about identifying individual wires, but understanding what connects where and whether it’s safe. The challenge with home runs is they’re frequently executed incorrectly—make sure your setup matches the requirements. You might use a continuity tester or a bell test for verification, though it would require significant effort. An Ethernet network tester could be useful if you have many wall jacks.
I purchased a cable tester and checked multiple jacks. Surprisingly, each one was connected incorrectly at the wall plate. The connections varied—some switches were swapped, others mismatched colors like blues, browns, or greens. It’s hard to imagine someone making such mistakes unless they had a specific reason or weren’t experienced with networking. If that’s the situation, it seems many of these townhomes might be wired incorrectly.
There are two types of Ethernet cables. These refer to the colors used for switching. This is concerning. A townhome situation? That’s quite likely. These items are typically built with materials similar to toilet paper and toothpicks. Townhomes often lose value quickly, almost like cars. One way a contractor might cut costs was by using low voltage without needing a license, possibly employing inexpensive labor or DIY methods. I’ve witnessed some truly disturbing DIY projects. An unscrupulous former owner of my sister’s house used two full cans of silicone caulk instead of a toilet ring. If you have a Mickey Mouse low-voltage setup, you might want to replace it. I’d also inspect the wall wiring and plumbing. Edited August 28, 2022 by Bombastinator