Ethernet is a technique in which standards are used to build mainly local computer networks. It includes the specification of the cables and the signals transmitted through them. Ethernet also describes the frame format and protocols from the two lowest layers of the OSI Model. Its specification is given in the IEEE 802.3 standard. Can’t connect to ethernet?
Ethernet is the most popular standard in local area networks. Other specifications used are Token Ring, FDDI or ARCNET.
Ethernet was developed by Robert Metcalfe at Xerox PARC or Xerox research center and published in 1976. It is based on the idea of nodes connected to a common medium and sending and receiving special messages (frames). All nodes have a unique MAC address.
Classic Ethernet networks have four common features. Those are:
- time parameters,
- frame format
- transmission process
- basic rules applicable to their design.
The standard is insulation with a minimum strength of 250 V ~ between the cable and the computer (some companies, e.g. 3Com, used better, which resulted in much longer durability of their network cards).
If you have working Wi-Fi but the wired Ethernet connection doesn’t work, the first thing to do is turn off Wi-Fi. Believe it or not, it can say that Ethernet is working. If Windows has access to both, it grants Ethernet highest priority, but displays the Wi-Fi icon in the notification area. Right-click the icon, go to Open Network and Internet Settings, and then Wi-Fi card and turn it off.
Even if this does not solve the problem, they will make it easier to run the following tests. You will immediately see if ethernet is working and that is exactly what you need to know.
If Wi-Fi is off and you still don’t have a network connection, make sure Ethernet is on in the same Network and Internet Settings section.
But if Ethernet works on Linux, the problem is with Windows. Try reinstalling the Ethernet drivers:
- After returning to Windows, go to the search field in the Start menu, type device manager and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Network adapters section.
- Right-click the Ethernet card (the tip is the one without Wi-Fi or wireless in the name) and select Uninstall.
- Confirm by clicking OK.
- Restart to reinstall the driver.
