New Ethernet Cable, Secretly Installed. Completed the job.
New Ethernet Cable, Secretly Installed. Completed the job.
Lately installed a cat 6 cable (60m) from modem to switch, then extended it 10m with fj45 connectors. It worked for an hour before disconnecting and going unnoticed. Tested with a cable tester—everything looks good, colors match perfectly. Even the technician couldn’t identify the problem. Switched the switch on; it’s fine, but he suggested possibly shortening the cable by 2m at each end to see if that resolves the issue. I’m not sure what to do next. On the modem side, the port is no longer active, though all other ports are working properly after testing.
I understand you mentioned using a cable tester, but if it's just a simple pair tester, it might not reveal all issues. It seems one of your connections is only making a weak link and isn't meeting Ethernet standards. If this is true, the connection could change depending on temperature, possibly causing the intermittent drop you noticed. You might want to reattach both ends of the cable and retest. Here are some steps to help narrow it down:
- Plug the modem into the switch with a reliable cable—move the modem nearer for a short test link.
- Attach a laptop to the cable from the modem (check if the link lights up).
- Connect another laptop to the cable modem using a known good connection.
These tests can help identify where the problem lies.
Consider additional factors. If it's a managed switch, avoid adjusting port speeds unless you have full control on both sides (and I assume the modem lacks this feature). Are you certain the cable length is exactly 60 meters? That should be acceptable, but it’s nearing the maximum. The standard inner wire limit is about 100 meters, though tight bends can push more than that. Did you use Cat6 compliant RJ45 connectors? Cat6 cables are a bit thicker than Cat5e, so proper terminators are essential. It seems you’re not using a patch panel or jacks, but if you are, they must also be Cat6 certified. Ensure every wire is fully inserted into the connector before crimping; you should feel them pressing against the plastic on the opposite side.
I've tried the switch with a functional cable over a couple of meters to another router. It performed well, around 65 meters using certified Cat 6 connectors (AP6045). After some time it reconnected briefly before losing the connection again and the lights went out. I'm now using the B wiring method and both sides are working together. The photos are available at the link provided. Based on my experience, nicking the cables doesn't just slow things down—it can completely disrupt the connection.
Hello! I noticed the images of the terminations. On your Netgear switch, the two RJ45 connectors on the left seem to be misaligned. The maximum twist allowed from the cable jacket end to the golden contacts near the very tip of the plug is just 0.5 inches. The jackets should be positioned higher inside the plug. The second point is correct—a nicked conductor will not only lead to a weak connection but could also cause intermittent issues (very likely). I’ll share a detailed tutorial I created for a customer regarding RJ45 terminations with U/UTP Cat6 and RJ45 UTP plugs. It’s quite similar to what you’re working on. Feel free to ask if you have any questions. UTP RJ45 Termination To UTP Cat6 - trueCABLE.pdf
The idea of "Certified Cat6 RJ45" doesn't quite fit what you're describing. An unfinished RJ45 connector can't be ANSI/TIA certified on a Fluke DSX Certifier. Once properly connected to an Ethernet cable, the run can meet specific standards like 5e, 6, 6A, or 8, provided certain documentation is in place. Key details needed include certification date, location, ID numbers, and signatures from qualified personnel—typically someone with certification themselves. Documentation must cover test results, customer requirements, and compliance evidence. The manufacturer should focus only on safety and regulatory aspects, not performance claims, and the product must clearly show its certified category. The testing lab needs to store and print results, and the manufacturer must ensure the cable is properly identified.
I'll head over and use the same FJ45 plugs you've tried before, sticking to the instructions to minimize any twisting. I'll keep you updated on the progress! Thanks for the tips!