Old network cables not working cause of dust ?

[hhhd1]

I've got a few network cables that do not want to work, sometimes they work, but the slightest shake in the cable make them loose connection.

The same with some laptop's LAN port.

Those are 5+ years old cables/ports.

Cables and ports that remain connected all the time, with no chance on getting dust on the connecting surfaces, do not have any issues.

What can I do about this issue ?

 

[imagoon]

The cable contact surface isn't really large. Wipe it off. However I highly doubt the issue is dust (it would be the first I have ever heard of an issue like that). Defective cables or the plastic on the mod end has aged and not making a secure connection in the lock so it doesn't stay in the NIC well.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Sounds like you have a defective cable, try replacing it. Dust doesnt do much to copper connections

 

[JackMDS]

It not Dust it is probably Snake oil. :whiste: -

Here very inexpensive good cables.

http://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=102&cp_id=10232

 

[hhhd1]

So, What could make this issue ?

Lets say I have 6 network cables, 3 of those are connected, and treated badly (bent, heavy stuff doing pressure on them, ..etc), while the other 3 are left to collect dust/rust, and the connectors looks less shiny colored.

The 3 connected are still working fine, the 3 cables left not connected do not work properly anymore.

 

[Cabletek]

By dust do you mean like house hold dust or do you mean green or white colored powder, becasue they are not the same thing. The powder comes from exposure to water or different metal types and is corrosion. The only thing you can do is replace the parts with the correct types. The more likley cause is just bad connectors, you can either learn how to replace connectors and knock yourself out or buy new ones. It's usually less frustrating to buy new ones periodically unless you do this as a profession. Some things just require doing them over and over again to get a knack for, cable connectors, RJ45, fiber, and coax, just require a lot of trial and error.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

As others posted, its unlikely dust, more likely its corrosion

 

[azazel1024]

If the crimps were dodgy to begin with, they could have easily corroded. Most decent jacks and RJ45 connectors are gold, or gold plated, which should be corrosion free or seriously inhibit corrosion. The wiring is copper or copper clad aluminum and solid or stranded. Stranded is much more likely to corrode, especially if left in a humid environment. An iffy connection on stranded is likely to easily corrode to the point of not working.

Its part of the reason why I only use solid core patch cables instead of stranded. Yes, stranded takes the mechanical stress of being manhandled a lot better, but unless you are using the cables for jump rope I've never had a break in a cable from mechanical stress (I have had ends break though, only with stranded too). Better conduction characteristics on solid versus stranded too.