Resolving Internet Connectivity Issues with Proper Cabling

Overview

In this case study, we discuss a project undertaken by SECURE A COM technician Jason, who was called out to a customer’s home in Lillypilly. The customer faced persistent internet connectivity issues due to improperly installed cabling, and Jason’s task was to rectify the situation by installing the correct underground cable. This case study outlines the problem, the steps taken to resolve it, and the outcome.

The Problem

The customer had an ongoing issue with their internet connectivity, which was critical as they had four children studying for their higher education exams. The family lived in a location with poor mobile reception, making a reliable internet connection essential.

The root of the problem lay in the initial installation of the cable connecting the house to the external network box. An electrician had previously installed a Cat5 cable designed for internal use, inside a conduit. This setup was not suitable for underground applications, as internal cables are not built to withstand moisture and other environmental factors common in underground installations. Over time, the cable degraded, especially during a period of prolonged rain, leading to intermittent internet issues.

Initial Fixes

During an earlier visit, Jason tested the cable pairs and found that although one pair was functional, it was out of specification and unreliable. To provide the family with temporary internet access while waiting for a more permanent solution, Jason installed a temporary Cat5 cable above ground. This was crucial given the family’s reliance on the internet for educational purposes and lack of alternative connectivity options.

The Permanent Solution

Jason returned to the site with a plan to install a proper underground cable. He chose a grease-filled, gel-filled two-pair lead-in cable designed for underground use. These types of cables are resistant to moisture and are ideal for outdoor and underground installations.

Steps Taken:

1. Preparation and Digging: Jason spent the morning digging a trench from the external network box to the house, ensuring that the new cable could be laid securely and protected from environmental damage.
2. Laying the Conduit: He placed the conduit along the dug path, routing it around obstacles, including a pool, which required careful positioning to avoid potential hazards.
3. Installing the Cable: The grease-filled cable was threaded through the conduit, and Jason carefully maneuvered it over and around the pool area, securing it in place.
4. Socket Installation: At the house, Jason drilled through the wall and installed a new socket, creating a direct and safe connection point for the router inside the home.
5. Testing and Final Adjustments: Once the installation was complete, Jason connected the new cable to the external box, disconnected the old faulty cable, and tested the connection to ensure everything was functioning as expected.

Outcome

The project was completed successfully, with the new cable providing a stable and reliable internet connection to the family. The installation of the correct type of underground cable not only resolved the immediate connectivity issues but also ensured that the setup would be durable and resistant to future weather-related problems.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of using the correct materials for specific installations, especially in environments exposed to weather elements. By using a cable designed for underground use, SECURE A COM was able to provide the customer with a long-term solution that met their critical connectivity needs. Jason’s approach of implementing a temporary fix followed by a thorough and professional permanent installation ensured minimal disruption for the family during a crucial time.

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