Random Ethernet drops have occurred over the last 7 to 8 months.
Random Ethernet drops have occurred over the last 7 to 8 months.
I'm experiencing problems with my Ethernet port frequently disconnecting from my desktop, especially during gaming or browsing. It happens randomly, even when I turn off power-saving features. Despite resetting the PC and router, and trying various cables, only WI-Fi works consistently. I've also reinstalled drivers and changed settings multiple times over the past three years, but nothing has resolved the issue. No other devices in my home are affected, and everything else functions normally.
Consider switching to a different router. Routers are frequently among the devices that malfunction in unexpected ways.
It seems there was an issue with the Ethernet controller. Which model are you using? Realtek controllers are known for such problems.
LAN equipment might fail sometimes, causing a desktop to disconnect. I created a script that checks the Ethernet speed every minute: $speedNN=Get-NetAdapter -Name "Ethernet" if ($speedNN.LinkSpeed -eq '1 Gbps') { $speedNN } else Restart-NetAdapter -Name "Ethernet". However, after replacing it with a DeLock PCI-E card, the issue resolved.
I’d likely assume either a failing NIC onboard Ethernet controller or a power/grounding problem with the motherboard. Possible steps: install a budget PCIe/USB Ethernet card to test, review Event Viewer → System logs near the disconnection time for errors like e1dexpress / Intel I219/I225 if that’s your NIC. If the alternative adapter functions correctly, the issue is probably with your onboard NIC or motherboard.
Maybe review the guidelines for posting and search the bar as well, since I already accessed the same subject. It seems the NIC is failing, likely. You’ll need a replacement motherboard. But we lack details. As FilipposTechGR suggested, test an affordable PCIe/USB adapter first.
When the link cuts off, do you lose the entire session (the red icon with cross) or just the internet access (the globe showing limited or no connection)? If it’s the latter, can you find out which IP address your network card has been given? If your router still recognizes the card, it should remain at 192.168.x.y; however, if the link drops completely, the device will get a private IP starting with 169.a.b.c. Have you checked if you set the computer to a fixed IP or changed the main DNS to something like 8.8.8.8?
Could there be a DHCP conflict? I’d consider assigning a static IP outside the DHCP range so it can allocate unique addresses. My experience showed that when a laptop would enter sleep/hibernate and later reappear with the same IP as another device, it was a DHCP issue. After that, setting static addresses on most devices helped prevent similar problems.