Dead Cat5 Cable

natep

Senior member
Sep 27, 2005
527
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I woke up this morning to discover that only my computer had no connection to the Internet, or the router. The other computer and the Xbox are fine.

The computer in question is on another story than the router, so the ethernet cable runs through the basement and up through the walls. It was a pain to do, and now I fear that a mouse or something may have gnawed through it. I don't have any other explanations for the computer losing connection to the router overnight.

Can anyone recommend what else may be wrong, or suggest a way/cable to rodent-proof the next? I need 75-100ft.
 

Lord Evermore

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
9,558
0
76
Connectors on cables do fail sometimes, and even random breaks in the cable occur. Can't really think of a reason a mouse would bother to chew through a PVC coating.

Get a cheap cable tester, and some RJ45 ends and a crimper (or you can use a thin screwdriver but it's a pain), and learn to make cables yourself. Then just replace both ends if the tester shows a broken wire. If that doesn't fix it, you'll have to replace the cable, or find the break and put new ends on, then use a female/female connector to join them.

If you can, use conduit to run the wire. If not, there's got to be some sort of metal sheathing you could run down with the cable. Or use shielded Cat5 cable, that ought to at least deter any chewing.
 

drum

Diamond Member
Feb 1, 2003
6,810
4
81
Lord Evermore has a great suggestion.
I would feed your mice more to avoid their wanting to chew through your cable.