Am I using the right network cable?

simon44 · 02-06-2005, 16:50

I recently had to replace the ethernet cable to connect my NTL cable Modem to my PC. I bought this lead from maplins:RJ45 UTP Patch Lead. When I plug the lead into my PC and then modem, there is no connection light on the modem or on the NIC. So im not sure if I've got the right lead. I have another ethernet cable that I am using at the moment, but this is a 20M cable and isnt suitable for connecting the modem and PC. Do i need a different lead or is something wrong?

P.S. the network connection IS enabled.

**Chris** · 02-06-2005, 16:54

You need to connect the lead up with both PC and modem powered off. Then power up the modem, let the lights settle down, then power up the PC. Did you do all that?

Patch lead is correct, the other kind is Crossover lead but you don't want that.

Racingdick · 02-06-2005, 16:54

did u buy a cross over cable ?
ie one for connecting 2 pc's together

simon44 · 02-06-2005, 16:56

No its a straight though cable for sure, I checked the wire colours on the plugs. I didnt realised I had to power off the PC and Modem, I normally leave them on when swapping network cables

**Chris** · 02-06-2005, 16:57

to the forum, by the way.

Paul K · 02-06-2005, 16:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon44

No its a straight though cable for sure, I checked the wire colours on the plugs. I didnt realised I had to power off the PC and Modem, I normally leave them on when swapping network cables

Always best to power them off as it takes a lot of variables out of the situation

If it fails to work can you use the 20m cable just to verify wether or not you might have a damaged new cable?

Racingdick · 02-06-2005, 16:59

usually u'd be ok too, but u never know what strange things happen

simon44 · 02-06-2005, 17:06

No luck. I powered off the PC and modem then attached the new cable and still no connection lights. The 20m cable still works. Ive resorted to using the USB cable. Are there any significant differences between the USB and ethernet connections? Its dam annoying this, using to a USB port when theres a perfectly good NIC. I had this problem with an ethernet cable from maplins before, maybe these cables just dont like me.

Paul K · 02-06-2005, 17:07

Can you not just use the 20m cable till you get a working patch lead?

Racingdick · 02-06-2005, 17:12

quite poss its the cable then
as for usb v's enet all depends what pc u have, win98 will suffer with reduced system resources etc.

Just out of curiosity what happened to ur old cable?

simon44 · 02-06-2005, 17:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racingdick

quite poss its the cable then
as for usb v's enet all depends what pc u have, win98 will suffer with reduced system resources etc.

Im running XP

Just out of curiosity what happened to ur old cable?

The catch on the plug broke, so the lead wouldnt click into the modem.

I guess I'll get a cable from a different shop and try that. Does it matter about UTP / STP?

Racingdick · 02-06-2005, 17:19

if ur in a position to, I'd get one of each.. though im unsure if they would but cs may be able to send u a replacement one..

simon44 · 02-06-2005, 17:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racingdick

if ur in a position to, I'd get one of each.. though im unsure if they would but cs may be able to send u a replacement one..

NTL customer services?

Paul K · 02-06-2005, 17:24

Cat5 or Cat5e UTP patch cable should be fine. See if they will check to make sure it works though, just in case

Racingdick · 02-06-2005, 17:30

Simon, check ur private messages..