I need some help! My dog accidentally chewed through a black cable that runs from my router to the outside satellite. It's a small section that goes from inside to what looks like a plastic junction box outside on a pole. I'm assuming it's an Ethernet cable, but I'm not sure. Can I just replace that cable on my own, or should I call my internet provider to handle it? After the chew incident, the WiFi light on my router went from green to red. Any advice would be appreciated!
5 Answers
Hey, sharing an image would really help! It's a lot easier to diagnose. But if your dog took a bite out of it, it might be a good idea to just call your ISP. They'll send someone to check it out, and it should be pretty straightforward for them.
From what you've described, it sounds like that black cable might actually be a coax cable rather than an Ethernet one. If it has an F-type connector, that’s a good sign. You can easily find replacement cables online or at electronics stores, but depending on how it's routed, it may be tricky to replace yourself. If it's buried or not easily accessible, you might need to let a professional handle it.
Take a look at the connectors on either end of the cable. If they look like old telephone wires or a cable TV connector, you might be able to simply unplug or unscrew them and replace them yourself. Otherwise, if it's hardwired in, definitely call in a pro to do the repair.
Unless you're experienced with DIY repairs, I'd recommend contacting your ISP. They typically send someone out for free for cable issues.
So I just talked to my ISP, and they said they'll send someone out. The cable is actually an outdoor Ethernet PoE cable, which makes me think they can easily replace it. It's just a small tear, so I'm hoping the fix won’t be too costly or take long!
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