House Internal LAN Cables Capped at 100mbps

abs898 on 06/01/2024 - 08:17
Last edited 08/01/2024 - 20:58

Hi

I was wondering if someone here could help me with what steps or checks I could do.

Next to my NBN box, I have 6 Ethernet ports that link to different spots in the house. I have tested all of them and the internet speed caps at 100mbps with all of them (on speed test). I am on a much higher plan, which works well on wifi etc.

It's a new unit, so I would imagine Cat6/6e would be a standard for any built in the last couple of years or even earlier.

I am going to get the RJ45 connection checked to see if all cables are connected, but highly unlikely all of them are missing someone.

Any suggestions on what I could do?

Thanks in advance!

Update 1:
All devices and routers are capable of over 1000mbps, so that is definitely not a bottleneck.

Configuration: 5 RJ45 ports in the NBN cupboard which connect to 5 individual spots in the house, so there is no Hub/switch situation as it's not a one-to-many setup. Rather it's one-to-one.

https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/293321/109668/20240108… connecting to BR2 in this https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/293321/109671/20240108…

https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/293321/109674/20240108… - cabling is okay!

Test 1:
Opened the BR2 socket and all cables seem to be connected correctly.
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/293321/109670/20240108…
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/293321/109669/20240108…

Also tested two routers, just to eliminate if it was router settings, both capping at 94mbps, also used two different end devices, including a mobile (connected via LAN), and still no go

Computing

Comments

  • JimmyF on 06/01/2024 - 08:39
    +5

    Post some pictures…. But sounds like you have a 100/10 switch/hub in there not a 1000/100/10 unit.

    • abs898 on 06/01/2024 - 08:44

      I don't think there is a hub installed as it's not one to many, rather it's many to many. Each RJ45 on the wall only leads to one in another area.

      • JimmyF on 06/01/2024 - 08:48
        +3

        I don't think there is a hub installed

        Hence why the pictures :)

        So what is the network layout / how are you testing the speeds?

        • abs898 on 08/01/2024 - 19:37

          Just updated the post :)

      • eckorock on 07/01/2024 - 15:53

        What you've described (no hub / no switch) sounds wrong.
        I don't think it's possible to create a network with 6 ethernet ports in a wall and then have them all talk out to the internet through the router unless

        either
        A) the router connects to a switch, and all the devices are connected into the switch

        B) the router has 6+ ports and is connected by wire to each device (thereby acting as the L2/L3 switch)

        diagram of situation A

        NBN NTD —- Router {eth} —- wall port e.g. #5 —- > wall port #5 in switch room with multiple wall ports >—- Switch / hub ->>>>> 6 cables leave the switch and connect to wall ports which are connected to corresponding wall ports which are hooked up to other devices in other room(s)

    • Boumba on 06/01/2024 - 08:45

      Another potential:
      Are all the jacks double outlets?
      They could have used a single cable per wall plate and split it so there is only 2 pairs per jack instead of 4.

      • abs898 on 06/01/2024 - 08:48
        +1

        Nope single to single. I will check with the cable tester and get back!

      • serpserpserp on 06/01/2024 - 09:16
        +1

        That wouldn't explain the 100mbps cap.

        • Boumba on 06/01/2024 - 10:34
          +4

          I believe auto-negotiation for 1000/100/10 speeds requires all 4 pairs.
          Devices will usually drop back to 100/10 otherwise

        • Wort on 06/01/2024 - 14:39
          +3

          yep, 100mbps if you use half the pairs, often this done so the other half can be used for "almost POE" and send dc power to a cheap splitter

  • SBOB on 06/01/2024 - 08:46
    +2

    Cheap cable tester would tell you if there are wiring pair issues. Quick Amazon search shows under $20 options.

    I assume you've also speed tested directly connected ethernet to your modem to show that it is faster than when patched via one of those ports? Potential your modem/router only has 100mb ports?

    • abs898 on 06/01/2024 - 08:49

      I have a 2.5G Router and fible plan of 1000/1000. On wifi and directly with router I am hitting over 800-900 on average.

      • SBOB on 06/01/2024 - 09:15

        Should be able to look in the web management of your router and verify that the port handshake speed.
        I'd expect that when you connect local it registers at 2.5g but via the patch panel ports it registers at 100mb.

        If so, most likely some 'high' quality keystone terminations done incorrectly and one or two of the pairs are wrong. Cable tester should prove if that's the issue easily.

        • abs898 on 06/01/2024 - 09:17

          Thanks just ordered the tester. Will report back

          • SBOB on 06/01/2024 - 09:54
            +1

            @abs898: If we're taking bets I'll go with there are pairs not wired at all (you could take the wall plate off and look and likely see if this is the cause)
            Eg
            https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/cat-5e-capped-at-100…

            • abs898 on 06/01/2024 - 09:56

              @SBOB: Thanks, thats what my bet would be too.
              I guess this is what I am doing over this weekend, but will probably test it using the kit before cracking it open.

              • a1studmuffin on 06/01/2024 - 20:49
                +1

                @abs898: Definitely check the router's handshake settings for the ethernet ports though, I had this exact issue with a brand new 2.5G Mikrotik router last year and it turned out to be a configuration issue/bug in the router firmware. I had to disable all handshake options except gigabit for the LAN ports and then I was able to get gigabit speeds on LAN devices.

    • abs898 on 06/01/2024 - 08:55

      Will something like this do the job ?https://amzn.asia/d/cZZzlly

      • Boumba on 06/01/2024 - 09:03

        Should do the trick. This will check all the pairs have connection from one end to the other, and that there are no opens/missing,shorts etc.

        • abs898 on 06/01/2024 - 09:06

          Cheers, I will grab this over the weekend and test all ports.

          • Boumba on 08/01/2024 - 21:04

            @abs898: Did you end up picking up a tester?
            Termination on the updated photos looks like typical electrician fit-off, but isn't bad

            • abs898 on 08/01/2024 - 21:05
              +1

              @Boumba: Yes, tests passed, no error found an all ports

              In all honesty, I am impressed that the cabling is better than I expected and bummed because I was Benning on this being a simple electrician error.

              • Boumba on 08/01/2024 - 21:10

                @abs898: And just checking that you confirmed at the remote (non battery) end when testing.
                Some testers I've seen only show incorrect wiring at the far end.

                • abs898 on 08/01/2024 - 21:17

                  @Boumba: Yup, no solid lines

                  • Boumba on 08/01/2024 - 21:22

                    @abs898: Solid lines? Assuming it works like the ones I've seen in the past, it should flash all the lights sequentially from 1-8, and you check that they are also being lit up at the other end in the correct sequence.

                    Just trying to make sure we're on the same page.
                    It sounds like you've tested different devices to make sure the in wall cabling is the only factor, and if it's all testing out with the continuity tester I'm a bit stumped…

                    • abs898 on 08/01/2024 - 21:27
                      +1

                      @Boumba: Yes, instructions on this one says, it flashes 1-8 or G, depending on the setup and if you see a solid line or misses a light, it's not connected. All tests passed.

                      I have just looked at the ethernet settings as well; says 1Gbps when connected both directly to the router, fibrebox and via the wall.

                      • Boumba on 08/01/2024 - 21:37

                        @abs898: Sounds like you're all over it.
                        It may be back to what others have suggested about the devices negotiating down their speed due to interference/dropped packets or something like that.
                        Unfortunately no way I know to easily test without expensive equipment or an visual inspection of how they've been run.

  • Elegant Giant on 06/01/2024 - 08:48
    +1

    If WiFi is hitting > 100mbps then the connection to the router is sufficient (yay).

    From here, in order, I'd recommend checking:

    1. The cable you're testing with - if you're moving the same cable around and it's the problem, easy fix
    2. Plug a device directly in to the NBN box, confirm speeds
    3. Plug a device into the switch near the NBN box (not connected in through the wall points), confirm speeds
    • abs898 on 06/01/2024 - 08:51

      1.Same cable connected router to Computer over 800 speed. So cable isn't the issue. It's definitely the ports
      2. Done
      3. It's not a switch, literally a 6 port RJ45 wallpaper. I will post some photos.

  • garetz on 06/01/2024 - 09:00
    +3

    Sometimes builders skimp on the network cabling, you might have 100 mbps cables.

    • serpserpserp on 06/01/2024 - 09:19

      This.

      Although in this day and age I didn't even know you could buy cables just limited to 100mbps though lol.

      Good idea if you are wiring a share house though. 100mbps for everyone else, 1000mbps for you.

      • CodeXD on 06/01/2024 - 10:27

        Weirdly people still sell cat5 cables which caps out at 100mbps.

        • AlienC on 06/01/2024 - 11:02

          Hard wired qos. Very weird in this day and age.

    • kraigg on 07/01/2024 - 08:02

      That was my thought too. Could the builders have installed Cat5 cables, instead of Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7, etc, to save a few bucks?

      • abs898 on 08/01/2024 - 20:44
        +1

        Ruled out, its CAT6

    • bamzero on 07/01/2024 - 12:45

      It's highly unlikely the cable is less than CAT5 rated, and even with that should be able to negotiate a 1000mbps link. Might not be reliable over long distances but if all 8 wires are in place should still work.

  • piertlethed on 06/01/2024 - 09:40
    +4

    The difference in cables from Cat 5, Cat 5E, Cat 6 etc is rather analog to do with cross talk, shielding, length, wire diameter, solid vs stranded, quality of the termination done by the installer etc. It is unlikely to be the cables themselves if all of them are close to 100Mbps on speedtest. Even the oldest Cat 5 can handle over 1Gbps at short distances. But the full Standard requires the cable to perform at its rated speed out to 100m in all cases, so they are not rated at 1Gbps. In Australia that would be quite a large house to have that long a cable run. Lots of examples of people running 1Gbps or 10Gbps through old cables over shorter distances because they tried it and it worked. Ethernet and TCP/IP are also good at handling physical network errors without anyone noticing if they're not looking for it.

    So if they're all limited to close 100Mbps, then something else should be at the top of the list, such as the router or switch network ports. Some routers are limited to 100Mbps on their network ports to save a few cents on the chipsets used.

    As others have noted, it is not clear how the network connects from the NBN Network Termination Device (NTD) to the router, and then from the router to the wall outlets.

    But trying to read between the lines in your other answers - if a computer connected directly to the router connects at 1Gbps and achieves a throughput of 800Mbps, then perhaps when it is then connected through wall cabling, the initial handshake from the computer network interface to the router is getting so many errors it will set itself to only 100Mbps.

    • piertlethed on 06/01/2024 - 09:42

      Here is a page about how to show what a Windows computer has auto set its network speed to when negotiating with the network switch/router at the far end over the cable https://www.windowscentral.com/how-determine-wi-fi-and-ether…

    • abs898 on 08/01/2024 - 20:59

      I have updated the post. What would you recommend now?

      • piertlethed on 08/01/2024 - 21:55
        +1

        Running out of options…

        "I have a 2.5G Router and fible plan of 1000/1000". Do you have a link to the page for this Internet plan?

        Test above says Router port direct to computer with patch cable A = 800Mbps download
        Router with patch cable A to wall port BR2, then through the wall cabling to BR2 and with patch cable B = 94Mbps?
        Just to rule things out - are patch cable A and B both good quality, ideally Cat 6, and each one tests at 800Mbps from router direct to computer?
        When the computer is patched through to BR2, what does the network interface negotiate to? Does it say 1Gbps

        What is the model and details of the router?
        Are you using the same router port each time?

        Do you have a log on to the router? If so, what does it say about that network interface when it is connected to the computer directly and when it is connected through the wall patching through to BR2?

        Not sure that mobile devices can do true 1Gbps throughput, so unless you're sure it can, might not help to bring that in to testing.

        When testing, could you try fast.com, speedtest.net, https://speed.measurementlab.net/#/ just in case there is something weird going on with that one site. Perhaps plus one from your ISP directly.

        Starting to get to really unlikely cases - such as there is something in the walls that is making the cabling have significant errors

        • abs898 on 08/01/2024 - 22:02

          I am on a private fibre as it's not an NBN. It's a part of the embedded network in my building.

          Normallyy this is what I get https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/293321/109677/screensh…

          The only thing now I can think of is it's a metal mesh building and something behind the wall where those 5 ports are is causing the issue.

          I am using a Xiaomi AX6000, will see if I can extract log.

          • piertlethed on 09/01/2024 - 12:05
            +2

            @abs898: OK, so that AX6000 has one 2.5Gbps port adaptive to either WAN or LAN, the one other 1Gbps adaptive WAN/LAN port, and two other 1Gbps LAN ports.

            Which one are you testing with - I presume one of the LAN only ports at 1Gbps to connect to the computers, and the Internet is connected through WAN 2.5Gbps port?

            Unless there is something else about your patch cables, then I'm out of ideas about why adding the in-wall cabling between a computer to router that gets 800Mbps through then brings it down to 94Mbps. Are you positive the two patch cables you are using are good quality and working at 1Gbps throughput?

            It is really scraping the bottom of the barrel, but you could consider getting a longer patch cable to run from the router to the target room through the doors and hallways https://www.4cabling.com.au/30m-cat-6a-s-ftp-lszh-ethernet-n… Then if the only thing that is different is either the in wall or outside the wall cables, and the in-wall cables are slow, that at least shows where the problem is.

            • piertlethed on 09/01/2024 - 16:10

              @piertlethed: Of course, this is all ignoring the option of getting a genuine network cabling company to test the wall cabling with suitable testing equipment, with the view to certifying it as either Cat 5E, Cat 6, Cat 6A. They would plug in one of their $5K - $10K network testers which would run through the variety of tests to certify it as working up to 500Mhz for Cat 6A.

  • piertlethed on 06/01/2024 - 09:44

    Here is another fairly detailed description from Intel of how to work through diagnosing why cables might be limiting the negotiated network speed to 100Mbps https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000…

    • piertlethed on 06/01/2024 - 09:57
      +3

      Ethernet auto-negotiation starts when the computer and network router/switch are connected to each other with a cable. They each start sending out very fast, short bursts over the cables. Based on these pulses, and the responding pulses from the other end, the two devices can work out if they can work at either 100Mbps, 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps etc in either half duplex (only one talking at a time) or full duplex (both can be talking at the same time using different pairs of cables).

      So if there are poor quality cables in the walls, sharp kinks, poorly terminated connections, running parallel alongside 240V electrical cables etc, then the pulses might be getting lost and so the devices negotiate down to 100Mbps.

      If you wanted, you could try turning off auto negotiation and see if you can just force both ends to use 1Gbps, and then see if the cables can handle the traffic with any errors and retries needed.

  • Michael1 on 06/01/2024 - 10:03
    +1

    If you can, try a network cable directly from the router to the computer and see what you get. If you get much better speeds, then you know its the cabling in the wall. If still the same, its something to do with the router and/or computer. Cable tester will help to make sure all the cables are there and wired in the same each end, but this doesn't always mean they been wired correctly. Back of each RJ45 module has a little picture of wiring order (A or B) make sure they are wired correct colours as the picture and that they haven't just made up some random one (I have seen this before…) and wire same type (A or B) at both ends of the cable. In Australia, A is generally the standard.

    • Hirolol on 07/01/2024 - 09:27
      -1

      B)

    • abs898 on 08/01/2024 - 20:45

      It is cabling. ROuter —> Computer gives me 800+. The moment I run it via the internal cabling it drops. Just trying to figure out why

      • phila63 on 16/01/2024 - 09:28

        Any luck? Please enlighten us with your findings.

        • abs898 on 16/01/2024 - 09:30

          I have up and grabbed 2 powerlines. But I have someone from the internet company coming down to check it.

          After speaking to them it's a bit complicated, the cabling is shared between internet and intercom and there is also a hidden PoE somewhere that I can't seem to find.

  • RED27APPLE on 06/01/2024 - 10:11
    +2

    To identify the cable rating used to wire the house, unscrew one of the RJ45 wall plates on the wall.

    • lachhelix on 06/01/2024 - 16:12

      What the hell are you on about??

      • Hirolol on 07/01/2024 - 09:28

        could be dan andrews

  • GordonD on 06/01/2024 - 12:56
    +3

    Four pair unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables do not impose a strict speed limit on the data going through them. It is merely that it is technically more difficult to deliver a readable signal to the other end of the cable the longer the cable is, and the higher resistance and capacitance the cable is. Higher rated (as in cat 7) cables can deliver a readable signal a longer distance than lower rated (as in cat 5) cable. You can deliver high speeds over short cable lengths with any cable, but you need a better rated cable to deliver high speeds over long cable lengths.

    (Note that patch cables are made up for multiple copper strands so they are flexible, whereas infrastructure wiring is done with solid core cable, which isn't. So if you do your infrastructure with pre-made patch cables, it won't do as good a job over the distance.)

    There are two reasons UTP cabling of a suitable rating for the distance involved is only delivering 100 Mb/s, not even gigabit, and certainly not 2.5 gigabit.

    The first is that one or other of the two devices being connected together is only capable of sending or receiving at that speed.

    The second is that the cabling was done wrong. All four pairs have to be wired up correctly and well for gigabit or 2.5Gbe to work. If they aren't the sending and receiving devices will fall back to 100 Mb/s. For example if the wiring of the connectors was done wrong, or there is a bad connection. It is unlikely that every one of the OP's cables had a bad connection. It sounds more like the wiring of the UTP cable to the RJ45 connectors was done wrong and only 2 of the 4 pairs inthe cables is being used.

  • noob999 on 06/01/2024 - 22:41

    Start here:
    1) check you device connection speed in the network properties it will tell you the speed the network card is operating at.
    see: PC https://www.vmix.com/knowledgebase/article.aspx/270/how-to-c…
    2) take laptop to where NBN router is plug it directly into router LAN port… then check 1) above again.

    this will tell you the ethernet "speed" the device is connecting via your ethernet cables and if there is a cabling issue in the home network vs, direct connection to router.

  • somehairydude on 07/01/2024 - 08:22
    +1

    Post pictures, but sounds almost like you've got one of the crappy "hills home hub" setups.

  • numloxx on 07/01/2024 - 09:16
    +1

    Do you get full speed when you plug a laptop direct into the NTD?

  • Hirolol on 07/01/2024 - 09:29
    +1

    It's a new unit, so I would imagine Cat6/6e would be a standard for any built in the last couple of years or even earlier.

    you imagined wrong

  • Tigercjn on 07/01/2024 - 14:08

    Have you checked the speed of the ethernet port on your laptop?

  • Tigercjn on 07/01/2024 - 14:10

    Check the advanced settings for the ethernet adapter in the device manager, and make sure the adapter is set to connect to 1 GB/S if there is such a setting listed there.

  • GibbledyBobber on 07/01/2024 - 14:12

    Sometimes windows might limit the ethernet adaptor below it's maximum, there are some adaptor power saving settings you can turn off that may fix it. If it's limited on more than one ethernet device it's probably the cables.

  • rsanghoi on 07/01/2024 - 23:18

    Login to the router web interface or the App, and do a speedtest within that interface / App.
    What this will test is the bandwidth you are getting on the Router WAN Port - if you're really getting the speed promised by the ISP, or is that 100 Mbps.
    - If it's 100 Mbps on the router WAN interface, then that's the max internet bandwidth (speedtest) any device will see on your network - wired or wireless
    - However, if you are getting the speed near what the ISP promised, then the problem is between the router LAN interfaces and devices.
    - Connect a laptop (which has a gigabit capable network card) to one of the LAN ports on the router (use a Cat5/5e/6) cable, and check if you see 1 Gbps or 100Mbps.
    - If it's 1Gbps, and using the same cable on house Ethernet ports gives 100 Mbps, then pretty much its is the network wiring in the house.
    - Otherwise, use another cable and repeat the test.
    - If still 100 Mbps, then the router LAN settings need a review.

    Hope this helps.

  • Suburban on 08/01/2024 - 16:46
    +2

    Had exact same problem when I moved into my apartment. Tried all testers of all sorts but turned out to be a really easy fix.

    Got a cheap wire punch down tool from bunnings, opened up the Ethernet covers and pushed down all the spliced wires as they weren't all the way down.

    Fixed my problem and got gigabit speeds as it should be. Hope that helps.

  • sumyungguy on 08/01/2024 - 21:47
    -1

    So you're with a non-NBN provider, like GigaComm? Won't they help you?

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