A decade ago, having an internet connection was considered a luxury, but today it is one of the most important things you need in order to be able to do virtually any activity. A reliable internet connection is essential for everything from schooling to business to leisure.
While we have become accustomed to super-fast Wi-Fi in our homes, offices, and even our favorite coffee shops, many people still rely on Ethernet cables and connections to connect their devices.
Indeed, an Ethernet connection provides significantly faster upload and download speeds, as well as a more consistent and stable connection. Many homes nowadays have a simple jack in the wall that will allow you to connect.
But what if you are ready to go and the Ethernet wall jack is not working properly? We have created a list of potential causes if this happens, but most importantly, we have identified the most effective remedies.
Why is the Ethernet wall jack not working?
It is necessary to understand the root cause of the Ethernet outlet not working before we can come up with the best potential solutions.
Several scenarios might result in ethernet output not functioning properly, and by identifying the underlying reason, we will be one step closer to finding a solution.
Identifying if the internet connection is not working on a single device or whether the problem is widespread throughout the entire network should be the first step in troubleshooting.
If the internet connection is not working across the entire house, it is possible that the problem is not with the jack in the wall, but with your router, modem, or internet service provider.
Assuming you’ve determined that the connection is a problem with the Ethernet cable alone, there are a few alternatives to explore.
Try to define if the problem is limited to that particular jack, or might it be a problem with the patch panel in your home or apartment?
Consequently, as you can see, the Ethernet port may be inoperative due to a variety of factors including broken cables, faulty connections, and issues with your internet service provider.
Now that we’ve established that there are numerous contributing factors, we can concentrate on addressing the most evident ones.
How to fix an Ethernet wall port that is not working?
We are always striving to find the most straightforward answers to your problems that do not require having deep technical knowledge or expensive equipment.
Due to the particular nature of this problem, some of these fixes may need extra help, and you may be required to contact your internet service provider for assistance.
Let’s try a few methods first to see if they can help you with your internet connection before we move on.
1. Check if the connector is connected
The presence of an Ethernet connector in the wall does not necessarily imply that you have a stable internet connection.
It may happen from time to time, but the jack is merely a hole in the wall that accomplishes nothing. Some homeowners and construction workers will install an ethernet jack in a location where it is available, but will not connect it.
In order to determine whether or not you have a functional Ethernet port in your wall, you should look for two things:
- In the first place, there is the patch panel, which should be situated someplace in the home. This is often a metal box in a corner of your attic or basement that serves this purpose.
- To check whether or not the patch panel is linked to a cable, you can always have a look at the Ethernet wall jack by unscrewing it from the wall and inspecting the cable that connects it to the wall jack.
The second one is a backup plan in case you reside in an apartment building, where you may not even have a patch panel in your unit, but rather a large one that serves the entire building and is accessible from everywhere.
Now that you’ve determined whether or not there is internet access in your home, we can move on to some additional options.
2. Take a look at the wall jack
If the Ethernet wall port not working persists, you may always check the jack in the wall to see if there is any visible damage.
The internet connection established through the use of an Ethernet cable may appear to be the most dependable connection available, but it has its limitations. Ethernet connections are prone to breaking and corroding due to their fragility.
As a result, one of the simplest and most significant things you can do is to do a thorough examination of the port. Verify that there are no visible signs of damage such as paint, dust, or even rust that might lead to connection issues.
Altering the connector or even trying to clean it may be necessary in order to get a stronger internet connection.
If you discover that the connection is not the source of the problem, we have some more suggestions for you to consider.
3. Take a look at the patch panel
If you have access to the patch panel, you might want to have a closer look at and inspect this item more thoroughly. It is typically found in outlying areas of the house, where it is susceptible to deterioration from dampness, rats, and other issues, among other things.
However, we recommend that you only check for visible damage and call your internet service provider for more extensive troubleshooting if you suspect that your patch panel is not functioning properly.
4. Check the Ethernet cable
Always examine the cable first before deciding whether or not the broken internet connection is the result of more significant damage.
This suggests that you were utilizing two cables to create the connection in the first place.
Remember that the first Ethernet cable that has to be operational is the one that connects to your device, so make sure you try a variety of cables before proceeding with our recommendations.
The other Ethernet cable you need to check is the one behind the Ethernet wall jack. This cable may not be easily accessible, but it is frequently the source of internet connection issues, so you must do all in your power to locate and inspect the cable for damage.
Damage to the cable can be caused by a variety of causes, including water damage, cut-off portions, rat damage, and incorrect installation, among others.
If you notice any damage to this cable, make sure to replace it as soon as possible. If the cable is not available, contact your internet service provider.
5. Call your internet service provider
You may need to contact customer care and report the problem to your internet service provider if you have tried all of the basic ideas we have provided and your ethernet wall plug is still not working after you have done so.
Using this information, they will be able to identify if the connection problem exists locally or further down the line. Your internet service provider is responsible for the upkeep of the equipment, and they must be able to respond quickly if a problem arises with it.
F. A. Q.
How do I know if my Ethernet wall jack is working?
There are several methods for testing your Ethernet wall jack even before you detect any connectivity issues with it. Use of equipment such as an Ethernet loopback jack or sniffer if possible.
These tools are intended to detect and alert the user if any problematic sections of the cable are detected. This is typically included in a professional technician’s tool kit, although it may also be purchased alone.
If you’re not sure whether or not the cables have any broken components, this might be a quick and effective approach to find out.
How do I know if my Ethernet cable is bad?
One of the first signs that the Ethernet cable is defective is a slow or unresponsive internet connection.
This might show itself in the form of poor download or upload speeds, interrupted connections, and an overall negative experience with the service.
The only way to be completely certain that the Ethernet cable is in good working order is to inspect it for damage and put it through its paces with a brand new one.
This will demonstrate whether the internet wall jack is not functioning due to an issue with the Ethernet cable or whether there are any other issues.
Is it OK to bend an Ethernet cable?
Generally speaking, it is never a good idea to bend an Ethernet cable, but if you absolutely must, make sure that the bent portion has a radius of more than one inch in diameter.
You run the risk of destroying the cable if you bend it too much. This can result in a variety of connection issues, including data loss and reduced download and upload rates.
Always check that the bent section of an Ethernet cable is not creating any tearing before proceeding with the installation. If the installation of an Ethernet cable necessitates some modifications and you are unable to install it in a straight line, you should proceed with caution.
