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If the LAN connection is unstable, the entire connection to the Internet is constantly interrupted. This is particularly annoying if you are dependent on the network due to a home office.
LAN connection constantly breaks off – an overview of common causes
An unstable LAN connection can have a variety of causes. To check these, it is advisable to start with the causes that are easiest to check, such as the cable used.
- Faulty network cable: The simplest and yet often underestimated cause is a faulty LAN cable. The cable can easily be damaged by shocks or crushing.
- Faulty computer network card: If the connection is working, a green light is illuminated directly below the connection; if this is not visible, the network card may also be faulty.
- Defective socket on PC or router: In addition to the cable, there may also be a defect in the socket at both ends.
- Ethernet adapter switches off automatically: Some newer Windows models offer the function to switch off the LAN chip in order to save energy during longer breaks. This function then repeatedly leads to the connection being initially gone for a short time and then being re-established again.
- Old driver: If the driver of the network adapter is outdated or generally not compatible with the PC, this can also lead to connection problems.
- Deficient router: The router itself (or an intermediate switch) can also often be the problem. Unfortunately, this cause can only be identified by trying a different router.
What you can do now
Depending on the various causes, there are of course also various solutions for restoring the LAN connection.
- If the green lamp cannot be seen directly at the connection, it is advisable to first try another cable. If there is still no improvement in sight, the network card may be defective. This can then be uninstalled from the PC and recognised again.
- Try the cable on another socket of the router, if the connection works stably there, a socket on the router is probably defective
- Whether the Ethernet adapter switches off automatically can be seen via the device manager (under “Network adapter”). If you want to stop the automatic switch-off, delete the tick in the function “Computer can switch off the device to save energy”.
- You can also check the up-to-dateness / compatibility of the driver in the Device Manager (under “Network adapters”). If the signature does not say “Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility”, it is worth updating the driver manually.
- If all the previous tips have failed to solve the problem, it is advisable to contact the Internet provider and ask for a replacement device for the router.
