Many wall jacks aren't actually connected to anything at the other end. In the network closet, each wall port must be patched into a switch. If it's patched and still dead, the cable inside the wall or the jack's wiring is usually damaged and needs to be tested and re-terminated.
Common causes
Not patched in the closet
The wall jack is wired to a patch panel, but nobody connected that panel port to a switch.
Bad termination
Wires that weren't punched down correctly at the jack or panel cause dead or unreliable ports.
Damaged cable in the wall
Renovations, nails, or pests can damage cable runs.
Wrong type of jack
Some wall ports are phone lines, not network connections.
How to fix it, step by step
- 1
Check the jack label
Find the number on the wall plate and look for the matching port on the patch panel in the network closet.
- 2
Patch it into the switch
Connect the matching patch panel port to a free switch port with a short cable.
- 3
Test with a known-good device
Plug in a laptop and check for a link light and an IP address.
- 4
Test the cable run
A cable tester identifies broken or miswired pairs between the wall and the panel.
When to call a technician
Tracing unlabeled jacks and testing cable runs needs a cable tester and toner. We find where each jack goes, label everything, re-terminate damaged ports, and add new drops where you need them.
On-site support across Orange County · see our business networking and WiFi installation services.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some wall network ports not work?
Most often they were never patched to a switch, or the wiring at the jack or panel is faulty.
Can a wall jack be repaired?
Usually. Re-terminating the jack or panel connection fixes most problems. If the cable inside the wall is damaged, a new cable may be needed.
How do I know which closet port goes to which jack?
If ports aren't labeled, a technician uses a tone generator to trace each one.