Discussing Ethernet and ethernet adapter problems during an internet upgrade.
Discussing Ethernet and ethernet adapter problems during an internet upgrade.
I recently enhanced my internet connection from 1 gigabit to 2 gigabits. The router in use is an Amazon Eero Pro 6E. This model seems unusual because it features a 2.5 gig input and one 1 gig output, along with 1.5 gig Wi-Fi 6 capability. My PC functions correctly with the 1 gig output, which isn’t a problem for me. The challenge lies in connecting my Ethernet cable to a TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 (which has a 2.5 gig input, three 1/2.5 gig ports, and one 100/1000/2.5 gig port) and the motherboard back panel (MSI MEG Z390 GODLIKE), equipped with two Killer E2500 controllers. In this setup, I experience no internet connectivity. I’ve learned that 2.5 gigabits isn’t backward compatible, which explains why connecting my Cat 7 Ethernet cable from the router port to the switch results in total loss of service. The switch is linked to the line feeding the modem, and the Eero Pro 6E is connected to its first port for Wi-Fi while using the 1 gig output. At the moment, I rely on the 1 gig output via Ethernet for a stable connection, though it’s not optimal. To address this, I purchased a TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) to boost performance. However, even with that upgrade, when I connect my Ethernet cable to the TP-Link switch and then to the Eero router on the same port, no internet appears. The device shows it’s receiving a 2.5 gig signal, but it fails to function. The 5-port switch indicates it’s outputting a 2.5 gig signal, yet nothing happens. I installed the drivers from TP-Link’s site for the PCIe 2.5 port card, but the issue persists. The indicator lights up as if connected to a 2.5 gig source, yet it doesn’t work. I’m unsure what to do or if my setup is incorrect. Given the cost of a $600 router, I’m hoping someone can help me resolve this and restore the speed I’m paying for.
The modem comes from the internet service provider. I don’t have the exact details. The switch can’t be placed further down the line because the router only has one 1-gig port. There are several devices connected that function properly and provide a 2-gig signal. That’s why I’m puzzled as to why my PC isn’t working with the switch.
It seems your modem can only connect one device at the end. A router would let several devices share a single public IP address. I’d need to identify the specific modem model and its setup details to confirm this.
The concern revolves around how ISPs treat modem, router, and gateway as one unit. A modem receives the ISP connection and transforms it into an Ethernet link, forwarding the IP address from the ISP to any device on the network—typically only one device connects at a time. A router links to a modem and enables sharing of that connection with several devices. Routers offer NAT, firewall protection, and DHCP functionality. A gateway merges these roles, combining both modem and router capabilities. Most ISPs supply gateways, meaning connecting a router to a gateway creates a setup where two routers communicate indirectly.
I just verified but no model details are shown. Everything is enclosed in a weatherproof container and mounted upright, so I can’t see it directly. I’ll need to contact the ISP for that information.
Never mentioned needing a $600 router. You should determine what your ISP provided. But when it comes to quicker connections, you must invest more in network equipment since the router’s SOC needs to handle NAT at the speeds your ISP offers. If it can’t do NAT at those rates, you won’t get the full performance. This becomes a bigger concern with Gigabit and higher speeds. Usually, you don’t connect two routers together. It seems your ISP box functions more like an internet gateway than a modem. The way you talk about it is important, as I explained in my earlier post. Can you log into the box supplied by your ISP? Often you can do this through a web browser, online via their site, or using an app on your phone. This might also give you the model number. I know for my cable modem 192.168.100.1 works as a login page.