If you use Ethernet to connect your computers, you understand how critical it is that your network is always available. If the Ethernet goes down, your business could come to a halt. Determining whether your computer has an Ethernet connection is frequently the first network troubleshooting step, which is accomplished by physically inspecting the cables for breaks and loose connections, as well as accessing your computer’s network configuration to search for the root cause of a problem.
1.To open Command Prompt, press the Windows Start button, type “cmd.exe” into the text field, and press the “Enter” key. Enter “ipconfig” without the quotation marks at the prompt. Scroll down until you find a line that says “Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection.” The entry will describe the Ethernet connection if the computer has one. If, on the other hand, an entry exists but it says “Media disconnected,” the computer has an Ethernet port but it is not connected to anything.
2.Check that an Ethernet cable is connected to the correct card on the computer’s back panel. On the same Ethernet card, up to four sockets can be found. These sockets resemble phone jacks but are slightly larger in size. Insert the Ethernet cable’s plug snugly into the socket. Insert the plug completely into the socket until you hear a click.
3.Examine the status lights on the Ethernet card’s back. A steady green light on most Ethernet adapters indicates that the Ethernet connection on the computer is active and connected to a valid partner at the other end.
4.Examine the status lights on the device after connecting the Ethernet cable from your computer to the device where it terminates, such as a hub, router, or switch. A solid green light usually indicates a good connection, whereas a flashing green or amber light indicates a problem. For more information on the status lights, consult the documentation for your device.
5.Click the Start button, then “Control Panel,” and then type “network status” into the search box at the top right of the window. Click “Network and Sharing” to see your current network status. In the Network and Sharing Center’s left pane, click “Change adapter settings” to see a list of all network interfaces and their statuses. Your computer’s Ethernet port is labelled “Local Area Connection” if it has one. A red X next to the entry indicates that nothing is plugged into it or that it is malfunctioning. Right-click and select “Diagnose” to get more information from Windows.
6.To test the Ethernet cables, use an Ethernet diagnostic testing device. Your computer and the device at the other end may be perfectly fine and sending out the correct Ethernet transmission signals, but data will not be transmitted if the cable is damaged. Ethernet diagnostic testing tools work by broadcasting test signals over the Ethernet network. Connect the Ethernet cable to the tester as directed by the manufacturer and run the diagnostic tests. If the test fails, the Ethernet cable is faulty and should be replaced. If the cable works, the issue could be with the Ethernet network card in the computer or the device at the other end.
