Slow, intermittent internet over ethernet, fast over wireless

[deputc26]

Noob question as I've done very little with networks but I got a friend with a 50' ethernet cable going from router to computer, it is very slow/ intermittent and when tried with a new modem didn't work at all, the computer is new (I just built it) with a Biostar 790gx mobo/PhII 940. The wireless coming off the modem works great but my friend is a day trader and wants wired (not susceptible to power failure).

thanks in advance.

_Nate

 

[seepy83]

I hate to break it to you, but his wired connection is going to be susceptible to power failure unless his PC, Router, and Modem are all on Battery Backup.

As far as his connection being slow...I'd start by trying a new patch cable.

 

[deputc26]

Thanks seepy you're saying it might be a bad cable? And also thanks for the power tip, I've been advocating wireless to him. Is there any reason to not use wireless over wires for a critical activity like day trading?

 

[JackMDS]

Yeah there is a Good reason to prefer wire.

Wireless is slower, less stable, and is effected by the environment.

 

[spidey07]

50 feet is too long for a patch cable. Most probable cause is a speed/duple mismatch (make sure nic and switch port are auto) or more likely cabling.

 

[deputc26]

What is a speed/duple mismatch? sorry for the nub question. Is it possible to get a higher quality cable to make it work?

 

[kevnich2]

If the 50' cable your talking about is an actual patch cable with stranded wiring, that's likely a large part of the issue. If that much distance is needed, get solid cable and then put jacks on either end and get a couple foot long patch cables and plug that into the router and the computer. As far as wireless vs wired, if the connection needs to be reliable and a good uptime, go wired. Wireless is not nearly as stable and is much slower as well.