Internet connectivity is like the backbone of modern communication between humans and machines. Both wired and wireless technologies are successfully used around the globe. Ethernet has emerged as the most popular technology for wired connections. Similarly, Wi-Fi is a popular option whenever wireless connectivity is needed. Since both technologies are used with devices like Wi-Fi routers, problems like one of the technologies not working might occur.
Most times, Ethernet might not work even though Wi-Fi is working flawlessly. This issue can hamper activities like streaming or downloading since Ethernet offers more speed than Wi-Fi. Surely turning your connections On and OFF might work as a temporary solution but it will frustrate you in the long run. To seek a permanent solution, this article includes a set of reasons and solutions for the malfunction of Ethernet even though Wi-Fi is working.
Reasons For Malfunction Of Ethernet But Wi-Fi Is Working Fine
Several factors can prevent the Ethernet from working. These factors might be present on the software level or hardware level. Sometimes minor physical damage can also keep Ethernet from working since it is a wired technology. We will understand the common reasons behind the malfunction of Ethernet below:
1. Damages On Cable
Physical damage on the cable is one of the most common reasons why Ethernet won’t work. The damage to the inner wires can restrict the flow of data, thereby interrupting the Ethernet connection. The damages can happen due to several factors like the bending of the Ethernet cable, damage from fire, and other factors. In case of deep damage, the Ethernet cable completely stops working. Wi-Fi will continue to work in this case as it has zero relation with the cable.
2. Ethernet Option Is Turned OFF
If the Ethernet option is not enabled in your system, it will not work. The adapter settings on the system can be enabled and disabled, giving the user the option to switch between multiple network adapters. If the Ethernet adapter is disabled, the Wi-Fi will still keep working as it is not disabled. To access the adapter settings, user can visit the “networks and internet settings” on their system
3. Issues With Hardware
Sometimes the problem lies in hardware, which might not be detected on the software level. Hardware issues include physical damages and faults in hardware components. When the Ethernet port is faulty, connection via Ethernet cables will not be detected. As a result, an interruption in data transfer happened, leading to a problem with Ethernet connectivity. A fault with a network card will create problems at the system level, restricting Ethernet operation.
When the router experiences a fault, it will create problems for the Ethernet connection.
4. Virus Or Malware
When a Virus or Malware infects a system, it alters certain functions including the Ethernet connectivity. In this scenario, the network settings like IP address, proxy settings, etc are changed which prevents the user from using any website. The Virus or Malware also restricts internet connectivity at the user end by blocking internet traffic. They also damage network adapters and drivers which leads to a complete failure of network connection.
5. Issue With MAC Address
Both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections use a different MAC address while establishing a connection with the internet. These MAC addresses are automatically changed by the system whenever an Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection is selected. If the switch does not happen automatically, the MAC for Ethernet will be added for the Wi-Fi connection or vice versa. As a result, incompatible MAC addresses will create issues for Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection.
Solutions When Ethernet Is Malfunctioning But Wi-Fi Is Working
We have identified various factors leading to the issues with Ethernet connectivity. This will surely help us find ideal solutions to ensure uninterrupted Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. This section includes solutions to the common as well as some rare issues, related to the Ethernet connection. You can follow these solutions during the troubleshooting process.
1. Inspection Of Router
Inspection of your router is the most important step, before following the later checkups. When the router malfunctions, the Ethernet or Wi-Fi network will not be detected. By plugging the ethernet cable into another port of the same router, the user must check if the signal problem still exists. If yes, the user must check if the ports have problems, router drivers are outdated, or any physical damage. If everything fails, the user can buy a new unit.
2. Inspection Of Ethernet Cable
If the router is working finer, chances are high that your Ethernet cable is damaged. To check if the cable is working or not, the user can plug the same wire with another system. If the system fails to detect the cable, the fault lies with it. Besides this, when cuts or damages happen to the wire, it malfunctions. Since repairing the cable is a complex process, the user can get a new unit.
3. Turn OFF Wi-Fi
If Ethernet is still not visible but Wi-Fi shows a network, the user can set the priority of the network. By accessing the network settings, users can disable Wi-Fi for a temporary period. Since Wi-Fi is disabled, the system automatically tries to detect an alternative network. Upon detecting Ethernet, the system will display the same in the notification area.
4. Running Troubleshooter
If you use the Windows operating system, the built-in troubleshooter will fix your problems. Troubleshooter performs an automatic scan to detect issues for the user. Users can access troubleshooting by searching it in the taskbar’s search section. By selecting the “additional troubleshooters” option, the user gets a list of certain hardware and software factors. In the “get up and running” section, select “troubleshoot internet connections”. Similarly, in the “find and fix problems” section, select the “network adapter” option. The troubleshooter will start and will display issues if present.
5. Restart System
If the problems exist at the receiving end, our focus will shift from components like routers or Ethernet cables. The system to which these components are connected might experience issues that limit data transfer through Ethernet. In this case, the user can simply restart the system. Users can access the power menu or simply click the system’s reset button. Upon restarting, the system gets a fresh start point by canceling all previous processes.
6. Empty DNS Cache
For a system, DNS (Domain Name Systems) is an integral part of the communication settings. With time, caches pile up in the DNS section. Most of the time, the caches are deleted automatically from the DNS section. In case they are not deleted, the system causes trouble in connectivity. To erase them manually, the user can type “ipconfig /flushdns” in the command prompt window. This command will erase all the DNS caches, which might be helpful for you.
7. Modify MAC Address
As explained earlier, MAC addresses for Ethernet and Wi-Fi are different to help identify them. If they are not switched automatically, the user can manually enter the address to stop Ethernet from crashing. Users have to access the command prompt as administrator, and then type the “ipconfig” command. It will load the system’s IP address. Similarly, typing “ipconfig/all” displays the MAC address.
Users can then access the network adapter settings from the device manager section. Here, users must access the “Ethernet connection” section and click “properties”. The advanced settings offer a “locally administered address” section from a long list. Here, users can enter the value of the MAC address found in the command prompt section. Upon saving the address, the system restarts to accept the changes successfully.
8. Quick Scan For Virus
Viruses or malware are notorious for causing failures of several system features, including Ethernet connection. To check if the system is infected with viruses or malware, users can perform a quick scan through any antivirus software. The software may be Windows Defender or another third-party one. By opening the menu of the anti-virus program, the user can select the quick scan option. The software will check all the files for Virus or Malware. If deleted, it will alert the user and send it to the quarantine section. Users can also perform deep scans, which take a long time to scan each file. When a virus or malware is removed, the Ethernet will work fine.
9. Reset Network Setting
Sometimes, resetting settings helps in solving undetectable problems. Users can reset the network settings to resolve problems at the system level. Since resetting network settings applies to both wired and wireless connections, any problem with Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or other interfaces can be fixed. Users have to access the control panel section on their systems. Here, the user gets multiple options by clicking on the “network and internet” option. By selecting “network and sharing center”, adapter settings are displayed. Users can change or reset adapter settings by disabling and enabling them again. By rebooting the system, the settings will be reset.
10. Update Drivers Of Network Card
If resetting network settings did not work for you, Network Card drivers might be the culprits. If the drivers are outdated or corrupt, several issues in communication arise. Users can update the driver to prevent the system’s network’s malfunction. Users can access the command prompt to open the device manager with the “devmgmt.msc” command. Expanding the network adapter section gives the user a list of settings. In the driver tab, users can check if the drivers of network cards are updated or not. If not, users can update the drivers through the same section or by visiting the manufacturer’s website.
11. Reinstall Network Drivers
When network drivers are showing problems, users can reinstall them. This process helps in removing any bugs in the drivers. Users have to access the device manager from the system’s control panel. In this section, users can select the desired setting and choose the uninstall option. After this process, users can again reinstall the drivers from the manufacturer’s website. This will help in resolving issues related to Ethernet connectivity.
12. Updating Router Firmware
Outdated firmware will also cause problems in connecting the Ethernet with the system. The router’s firmware is updated by its manufacturer to eliminate any bugs and improve its performance. Users must first check the router’s IP address via the command prompt section (use the “ipconfig” command). The address next to the “default gateway” is the router’s IP address. By typing this address into any web browser, the user will gain access to the router’s login page. Users can gain access to the router’s settings by adding the login credentials. Here, users can check if the router firmware has any updates. If yes, downloading and installing the update will be the last step.
13. Using IPv4 Or IPv6
Both IPv4 and IPv6 are popular internet protocols used for smooth communication. Switching between these two protocols can resolve problems related to networks. In the first step, users have to visit the “advanced networks settings” in the “networks and internet” settings. The Wi-Fi-related settings are visible where additional properties need to be clicked. In the additional properties menu, users can edit the IP assignment. By selecting IPv4 or IPv6, the settings can be saved. It will fix any underlying issues with the networks.
14. Disable VPN
VPNs are ideal options for encrypting your data and IP addresses. However, they sometimes interfere with the Ethernet connectivity and can cause network issues. Users can disable VPN on their system, which can resolve the issue. To disable the VPN, users can visit the VPN settings via software. The disable or switch OFF option is displayed on the homepage. By selecting this option, the system will exit the VPN and might restore the Ethernet connectivity.
15. Resetting Winsock
The Windows Socket or Winsock is crucial for determining the network applications. Being a default API, it cannot be reinstalled. However, Windows does offer a reset option, to solve problems related to the Winsock. By using the command prompt, users have to use the “netsh winsock reset” command to reset Winsock. By restarting the system, users can finish the reset process for Winsock.
16. Contact Your ISP (Internet Service Provider)
When all the solutions fail, you can contact your ISP. The technical support will guide you through additional processes to help fix the Ethernet-related problem. This helps save time at your end but might come with an additional cost. Hence, this solution is kept as the last resort for solving Ethernet connectivity issues.
Ethernet Not Working – FAQs
Ans: Several factors can cause a sudden issue with Ethernet connection. Factors like network drivers, hardware malfunction, software updates, router-related issues, etc. interfere with the working of Ethernet connection. Users can choose to fix this by updating drivers, fixing routers, and following many other solutions.
Ans: The failure of Ethernet while Wi-Fi is stable is not a common problem. To troubleshoot this, the user can check if the cable has been damaged or not. Inception of the Ethernet ports and adapter drivers can be done. Users can also restart their system or reset the network card drivers. Troubleshooting this problem is easy and helps solve almost any type of problem.
Ans: Several factors can cause irregular interruptions in the working of Ethernet. Physical damages like damaged cables or software-level issues like outdated drivers will create issues for Ethernet conventions. Similarly, hardware-level issues in the system or router will also create irregular interruptions on Ethernet while Wi-Fi will continue to work smoothly.
Ans: It is not normal for Ethernet to stop after installing a system update. System updates are done to prevent issues by older bugs for various features, including Ethernet. If the Ethernet stops working after a system update, the user can check for any problem at the router’s end. Issues can be fixed by updating or rolling back updates of network drivers.
Conclusion
In the modern world of internet connectivity, technologies like Ethernet and Wi-Fi help gain wired and wireless connections. Like any technology, both Ethernet and Wi-Fi can experience issues. Being a wired technology, Ethernet can sometimes experience problems while Wi-Fi keeps running uninterruptedly. With this article, we have tried to explain certain factors that cause issues for Ethernet. We have also specified solutions that fix almost every type of problem, related to network connectivity. This information will help you enjoy the benefits of Ethernet and Wi-Fi technology.
