Your desktop isn't reaching gigabit speeds?
Your desktop isn't reaching gigabit speeds?
I received Verizon FIOS in my new home, but our shared Ethernet port only has one connection in the room with my brother. I purchased a TP-Link gigabit switch, which tested only provided near-gigabit speeds to his PC, while my desktop received just 100mbps. When I connected my desktop directly to the wall port, the speed remained at 100mbps, suggesting the issue lies with my motherboard's LAN setup. My MSI Z170-A PRO ATX LGA1151 model, listed on Newegg and HWInfo, includes a RealTek RTL8168/8111 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet NIC. The term gigabit is mentioned in the name, yet HWInfo shows a maximum speed of 100mbps. Essentially, am I restricted to 100mbps or is there another factor at play?
The gigabit designation indicates its capability, not a guaranteed performance level. Navigate to Network and Sharing Center, adjust adapter settings, right-click, and modify the speed configuration. Adjust advanced options to set the speed to 1Gbps. If connectivity drops, revert to auto. A drop in speed suggests a cable limitation along the path; otherwise, it's fine.
It's unusual when only 100Mbps is detected on Auto and you've manually configured it for gigabit; usually this causes a loss of connection. Watch closely and let me know if you experience any issues. If you do, verify the cable—there might be a loose connection that intermittently drops in and out. Using the same cable as your brother without problems suggests the issue could be with the motherboard port. Good news it seems to work now, but just in case it recurs, please keep an eye on it.