Re: [PLUG] How to diagnose poor Ethernet throughput with Mint

[bergman--- via plug <plug@lists.phillylinux.org>]

In the message dated: Sat, 08 Feb 2025 07:31:22 -0500,
The pithy ruminations from Steve Litt via plug on 
[Re: [PLUG] How to diagnose poor Ethernet throughput with Mint] were:
=> 
=> On Thu, 6 Feb 2025 21:04:25 -0500
=> Frank via plug <plug@lists.phillylinux.org> wrote:
=> 
=> > Thanks, Walt.
=> > 
=> > Yes, the problem turns out to be the new cable (cat 6-unshielded) I
=> > had my electrician run.  I ran a very long Ethernet cable through my
=> > house and got the 1 Gb/s connection I was expecting. My electrician
=> > hasn't come back to re-run it yet, but after doing some reading, I
=> > suspect that problem is that we ran it right up against a lot of
=> > electrical lines in my basement.  Neither of us knew it was a
=> > problem.  I'm guessing that after I have him move it, it'll work fine.

I submit that any electrician who doesn't know that basic information isn't
qualified to run data cabling, and certainly shouldn't be brought back
(and paid!) to re-do the work.

=> > 
=> > I wasn't able to access the National Electric Codes, but random
=> > Internet web sites say the NEC code is to keep unshielded ethernet
=> > anywhere between 2" and 8" from parallel electrical lines, but it can
=> > cross electrical lines at the perpendicular without much of a problem.

Yep.

Some observations:

	CAT6 is much less forgiving of terminations, bend radius, and
	cables being tightly bound (ie., pulling zip-tie cable straps
	too much) than CAT5*

	if you're running cable in enclosed spaces, please use
	plenum-rated cabling (probably overkill in most residential
	installs, but NEC required & best practice in commercial spaces)

	electrical interference often manifests as sporadic issues (ie.,
	the problem appears only when the nearby electrical line is
	under load). Persistent issues with throughput are often the result
	of poor termination, overly tight bend radius, poor termination,
	creased cables, poor termination, and, oh, poor cable termination

	in addition to avoiding close parallel runs to power lines, be
	cautious about running data cabling near equipment with large,
	spikey power requirements and large capacitors -- that's not
	uncommon in mechanical equipment like HVAC systems, water pumps,
	garage door openers, etc

	as far as testing the cabling -- any qualified electrician should
	test the data Layer 1 connectivity before they declare the job to
	be complete...	a really good one will provide a written report
	of quality/bandwidth before you sign off on the job, rather
	than simply checking for a pass/fail (ie., connectivity/short,
	correct/mis-paired) condition



=> > 
=> > Thanks for the replies (that I wasn't able to reply to).
=> 
=> Ouch! After reading this, I'm going to make sure to use shielded Cat6,
=> ESPECIALLY if I'm going to pay an electrician to install it.
=> 
=> If it turns out you have to pay him again to run it elsewhere, I'd
=> recommend popping the extra money to have it shielded.

Shielded cabling is uncommon and has even stricter requirements for termination -- make sure that your installer is qualified or don't bother.

Mark

=> 
=> SteveT
=> 
=> Steve Litt 
=> Spring 2023 featured book: Troubleshooting Techniques of the Successful
=> Technologist http://www.troubleshooters.com/techniques
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