I have checked these settings and they are all fine.

The maximum run is about 75 metres.

Cabling is as you described, with 2 patch panels and 1 switch.

69 Cat 6 cables have been run in total, with 58 patched down. The switch is only using about 10 ports at the moment.

A Mac is working fine in the office, which is one of the longest runs. Two access points have been fitted which are working fine, both are fairly short runs.

CCTV and video entry are connected to the router and these are working fine.

I will try to get to site today and make up different length runs with sockets that are not working to clarify whether these are OK or not.

75 metres should certainly not be an issue

If the long run is working as are short ones then it suggests the actual wiring itself is probably OK. Two possibilities - dodgy patch cables (I have had a few over the years) or sockets where the contacts are not down far enough.

With the patch panel end connected to the switch and the other connected to the PC, are any of the LEDs on the PC RJ45 socket illuminated?

Are you sure that you are testing a cable that is connected to the switch? You could have some idents swapped round. Yes, another silly suggestion, however it does happen.


2 Patch panels and 58 connected ! What size panels are they?

Edited by MHC (Wed 11-Feb-15 08:44:55)

I've tried different patch cables, although they are from the same packet/batch. I will check these next to the switch/router to test.

Not sure with the LED's, I didn't check.

I'm sure I've been checking the right cable, that's the first thing I checked as 9/10 it's the simplest answer to the problem.

1 x 24 and 1 x 48 patch panels.

I know some of the questions sound really simple ... however given what you have already done trying to resolve it, you cannot leave anything out.

What about getting a patch lead and cutting it in half. Then strip the wires back and connect 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8. Plug that in at the remote end. Use the other half at the patch panel and use a meter to check the continuity/resistance between 1&2, 3&4, 5&5, 7&8.

I hope it didn't come across as if I am dismissing all of the simple questions. It usually is a simple answer that cures the issue, especially in my line of work!

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to go through this with me and making sure I haven't missed out something simple.

I think I'll go to site this afternoon and try all of these suggestions, keep them coming!

In reply to a post by RLG:

I hope it didn't come across as if I am dismissing all of the simple questions. It usually is a simple answer that cures the issue, especially in my line of work!

Not at all, rather the other way round. Just making sure you were not thinking that I was insulting your experience ...

I would strip back one connection and use simple, inexpensive plugs & passive couplers to check the raw cable and its path.

If successful, then re-terminate one end at a time into your sockets/panels and re-check.