Yes, you can connect both WiFi and Ethernet to the same network on your PC to achieve maximum performance.
Yes, you can connect both WiFi and Ethernet to the same network on your PC to achieve maximum performance.
I've checked all ports on my router and every laptop with an ethernet port, other routers, cable extensions, cleaned the contacts—it still caps at 100mbit. It feels like I should just cut the cable to confirm it's only four wires or if one or two connections failed somewhere along the way. Cat5 isn't rare here; most providers offer around 50mbit internet, which pushes the market toward cheaper 300mbit routers with just 100mbit ports. Since most users can't really benefit from gigabit speeds due to that, Cat5 remains popular. I get 150mbit on Wi-Fi when near the router, and my laptop gets 150mbit when using a Cat6 cable while downloading large files. My actual max speed is about 160mbit, which is more than advertised. That's essentially what I'm doing—skipping the troubleshooting. Changing the cable is way more work than just adjusting a few settings.
You don't have to remove it... grab a budget Rj45 tester: "Professional" is a straightforward device... it helps quickly identify bad crimps, connectors, or damaged cables. It might just be enough to re-crimp a few connectors, not too complicated at all.
Don’t have the equipment to check, but if it’s cheaper than a Cat6 cable I’ll go for it. I purchased it several months ago in brand new condition. I made a mistake by not testing it first before mounting it on the wall. The box was dusty and seemed old, though not that old—25 years? That sounds extreme. I assumed Cat5 had four ports and Cat5e had eight. I also bought a bunch of 4-connect cable from those budget 300mbit routers and thought they were Cat5.
My interest took over and I removed a small section from the outer part of the cable. It lacks shielding and appears untwisted at all? I’m unsure how serious this is, but based on what @Blue4130 mentioned, it probably isn’t right. Edit: Here’s where I purchased it if that clarifies. https://tokopedia.link/vP4lQ0NI1Ob Edited December 3, 2024 by Chikensoops Added info
UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair. No protection coating: avoid placing it near multiple Ethernet cables or power lines, especially at home – it's fine. The pairs must be twisted correctly; note the adjustment: when connecting the cable, try to keep as much of it twisted as possible, ideally using the full 25 meters twisted... luckily it maintained 25 Mbps.