# Ethernet Connection Fails Through Slip Ring - Works Fine When Bypassed **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [September 13, 2025, 12:13am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ethernet-connection-fails-through-slip-ring-works-fine-when-bypassed/21580 "2025-09-13T00:13:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Stong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5e9695/32.png) [@Stong](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/Stong)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2025, 12:13am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ethernet-connection-fails-through-slip-ring-works-fine-when-bypassed/21580/1 "2025-09-13T00:13:52Z")
Hi everyone, I’m working on a custom tether spool and I’m having trouble getting a stable Ethernet connection through my slip ring. **The Problem:** - When I connect my devices directly with the Ethernet tether (bypassing the spool and slip ring entirely), I get a perfect connection. - When I connect through the spool and slip ring, I get no connection at all (no link lights). **Troubleshooting Steps I’ve Taken** I did a few tests to isolate the problem, and I’ve narrowed it down. It seems my individual components are working, but they fail when used together. Here’s what I found: 1. **Test 1: Long Tether Only** I bypassed the slip ring completely and connected my long tether directly. 2. **Test 2: Slip Ring Only** I tested the slip ring by itself using two short, known-good Ethernet patch cables. 3. **Test 3: The Full System** I reconnected the complete system as intended (Long Tether + Slip Ring). Given that my connection only fails when combining the long tether with the slip ring, what are the most effective ways to fix this signal integrity issue? ---
**Author:** ![tony-white](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/tony-white/32/18385_2.png) [@tony-white](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/tony-white)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2025, 6:12am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ethernet-connection-fails-through-slip-ring-works-fine-when-bypassed/21580/2 "2025-09-13T06:12:10Z")
Hi @Stong - Welcome to the forums! Are you using the Blue Robotics Fathom tether spool? Are you using Blue Robotics Fathom tether? This does not meet Cat-5 or Cat-6 specifications, which can lead to strange behaviors when carrying ethernet signals…. How long is your tether? ---
**Author:** ![Stong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5e9695/32.png) [@Stong](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/Stong)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2025, 9:30pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ethernet-connection-fails-through-slip-ring-works-fine-when-bypassed/21580/3 "2025-09-15T21:30:39Z")
We are using Blue Robotics Fathom spool. Our tether length is 100m and we want it has a 1Gbps capacity ---
**Author:** ![tony-white](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/tony-white/32/18385_2.png) [@tony-white](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/tony-white)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2025, 9:47pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/ethernet-connection-fails-through-slip-ring-works-fine-when-bypassed/21580/4 "2025-09-15T21:47:19Z")
Hi @Stong - Unfortunately that isn’t going to be easy…. you may have luck with some [g.hn adapters](https://www.amazon.com/Comtrend-Performance-Streaming-Locations-GCA-7000-KIT/dp/B0BMTHL66Z/) wired to the tether (may need to open housing, access PCB to connect twisted pair as co-ax connector not easily compatible) , but the Fathom-X or using standard ethernet signals on that length / type of tether isn’t going to provide more than 50-70 Mbps, or no connection at all (for standard signals.) For that length and capacity, often fiber-optics are required!