Network Cabling: Top Tips to Troubleshoot the Most Common Network Problems

[Part #2 Cabling Tips 2012] Mike has been busy network cabling around London but that doesn't mean he's too busy to share some troubleshooting advice for the most common network problems...

"Efficient network cabling infrastructure is one of the most important things to consider if you want to improve the quality of both internet and intranet connections significantly"

With the advancement in computer systems and their peripheral devices, the world of network cabling has become much more complex than ever. Efficient network cabling infrastructure is one of the most important things to consider if you want to improve the quality of both internet and intranet connections significantly. As with everything technical, network cables also have their own set of problems or they can start malfunctioning due to their improper handling by others. One way or the other; even the smallest networking problem can make everything in your business come to a standstill, thus wasting a lot of time and money. Therefore, it makes sense to acquire some general knowledge about the networking cables so that proper steps can be taken in case any problem arises with the network cabling infrastructure.

"One important thing that you can verify is the proper connections"

Check the networking cables: This is obviously the first place to look at in case of a network failure. Common networking problems include; unable to access internet, unable to access server or any other system on the local area network. If you face any of these problems, always check the cables first. One important thing that you can verify is the proper connections. Just make sure that your computer’s networking cable is connected. If your PC has the link LED light and it’s on, then that means you are properly connected to the network. If you are connected to the network but still unable to access other systems, then there might be a problem with the network itself.






Check the network: In order to check the network for any problem, you need to run the command line promptly. Open it from the start menu by typing “cmd” in the start > run. Once the command line interface opens, type ipconfig and press enter. You should be able to see your network address now. If it’s 169.254 or 0.0.0.0, then that means your computer is showing no address. You can fix the issue by just restarting the computer.

"You can prevent a lot of problems in the future by simply choosing the best quality of network cables"

Use only the highest quality CAT 5e or CAT 6 network cables: This is something that you need to take care of while installing your network cables rather than an emergency solution. However, you can prevent a lot of problems in the future by simply choosing the best quality of network cables. It makes a lot of sense, especially in these times, when the internet speeds are increasing at exponential rates. Most of the computers are capable of transferring data at 1Gbps full duplex, and if you have network cables that can only support a speed of up to 100 Mbps, then a lot of efficiency of your computes can go to just wastage.

Have an efficient network configuration: Apart from the quality of the cables, always make sure that you are using the star configuration for your networking infrastructure. In a star configuration, each computer has its own separate connection to the router or central switch. This just means that every system works on its own and doesn’t interfere in the functioning of other systems.






These were some of the troubleshooting tips and preventive measures that you can employ for the optimal functioning of your network cabling infrastructure.