Troubleshooting tips for ethernet connectivity problems
Ethernet connections provide more stable internet connections and better protection against cyber-attacks compared to Wi-Fi. However, sometimes ethernet connections may stop working while Wi-Fi connections continue to work.
There are several reasons why your ethernet may stop working, including improper connections, damaged cables, outdated drivers, conflicting network settings, unplugged cables, and viral attacks.
If you experience ethernet connectivity problems, check your ethernet cable for damage, ensure your connections are correct, and reset your router/modem. Below are more detailed explanations of each of these issues and their solutions.
1. Disabled Connection
A disabled network connection could be the reason why your ethernet connection is not working. To fix this, check if your ethernet connection is disabled by going to settings and clicking “Network & Internet,” then clicking “Status” to see if you’re connected. If not connected, click on “change adapter options.” Right-click on ethernet and select enable, then restart your computer.
2. Unplugged Ethernet Cable
Check your ethernet cable on both ends to make sure it is not loose. You may unplug and plug in the cable to ensure it is firmly in place on both the router and your device.
3. Damaged Ethernet Cable
If the status page displays “network cable unplugged,” but the cable is firmly in place on both ends, you are probably dealing with a faulty ethernet cable. The easiest way to fix this is to replace the cable or repair it through a process called splicing.
4. Kinked Cable
Make sure the cable is straight with no bends or kinks. Avoid passing the ethernet cable over other wires to prevent electromagnetic interference. Keep the channel length under 300 feet to reduce the chances of the cable becoming intertwined.
5. Faulty Ports
Check the ports on your router, modem, PC, or any other compatible device to confirm if they are okay with no physical damage. If all of them are not working, your router could be the problem. Try plugging the cable in a different port to establish if the previous one is faulty. If you connect successfully, you may have to repair the defective port to use it again.
6. Outdated or Corrupt Ethernet Drivers
Update your ethernet drivers by going to Device Manager on your PC, navigating to “Network Adapters,” right-clicking on ethernet and selecting update driver. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” or select “Browse my computer for driver software” if you have the latest drivers stored in a USB flash drive, CD, or hard drive.
7. Spyware and Viruses
Install an Internet Antivirus program on your computer to protect your home network from spyware and viruses. An efficient antivirus can help scan and remove all types of spyware and viruses from your computer, subsequently restoring your ethernet connection.
8. Wrong Wire Terminations
If your ethernet cable has wrong wire terminations, it may not work. Make sure that you have used the correct cable type and that the wires are correctly terminated.
There are two types of wiring schemes to consider; T568A and T568B.
T568A – Green Stripe, Green, Orange Stripe, Blue, Blue Stripe, Orange, Brown Stripe, Brown
T568B – Orange Stripe, Orange, Green Stripe, Blue, Blue Stripe, Green, Brown Stripe, Brown
When None of This Works
If you’re struggling with ethernet connectivity issues, don’t worry, there are other ways to fix it. One option is to reset your ethernet adapter, which can quickly restore your internet connectivity within minutes.
9. Reset Ethernet adapter settings
To do this, go to your device’s settings:
- click on “Network & Internet,”
- then “Status” on the left panel, and
- scroll down to select “Network Reset.”
- Finally, click “Reset Now” on the Network Reset Page, and
- try connecting to ethernet again.
Another solution to try is to run the network troubleshooter. If none of the above tips seem to work, this option may help restore your connection.
10. Run the troubleshooter
Start by going to your device’s settings:
- clicking on “Update & Security,”
- then “Troubleshoot,” and
- selecting “Internet Connections.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter,
- click ‘finish,’ and
- reboot your PC.
11. Disconnect your router/modem and wait 60 seconds
In cases where you’re unsure what to do, simply unplugging your router/modem and waiting 60 seconds before plugging it back in can also solve a lot of ethernet issues. Keep in mind that it may take 2-3 minutes for your router/modem to come fully back online.
Conclusion
To sum up, ethernet connection problems can be frustrating, but troubleshooting using the tips outlined above can help resolve your issues and get you back online in no time. Have you been able to get your ethernet back online? Let us know in the comments below what worked for you!