The network cables in my home are old. Some date back to the time I moved in and even the newer ones passed the five-year mark. Over the last few years, I have again and again read @SwiftOnSecurity’s recommendation to replace network cables more often. Since I had no problems with my network, there was no reason for me to buy new ones.
Last month my favourite online shop released their own brand of network cables. I took this as a sign to finally get this point off my to-do list and bought a bunch of Cat-6A cables. I replaced one cable after the other and everything worked as before. Except the Wi-Fi network.
When I tested the connection speed for my smartphone, I was positively surprise. The Wi-Fi speed nearly doubled:
Wi-Fi speed and network cables? YES! My access point is connected to the switch by one of the replaced cables. Everything else in that part of the network was the same, yet the download speed increased from 147 Mbps to 275. Just for fun I switched back to the old cable and the speed was back around 150 Mbps.
As it turns out (and as it was predicted by @SwiftOnSecurity), network cables degrade and have a negative impact on your network. Even when there are no detectable errors, your network may not be at the speed it could have.
I am happy that I finally replaced my network cables and I can only suggest that you consider the same.