Ethernet Port Troubleshooting For the "Computer Illiterate"

If you are experiencing difficulty with your computer's network, but feel a slightly "computer illiterate," never fear! Networking difficulties with ports are all too common. Continue reading for a few quick tips as you begin troubleshooting your Ethernet port.

Before you get started, it's worth reviewing what the Ethernet is. The port or cord that connects your computer to a local network is what the Ethernet specifically refers to. This can be in an office setting with a whole family of computers, or just your own group of computers at home networked together. But the Ethernet is always focused on maintaining the LAN or Local Area Network.

The most widespread problems people have with the Ethernet port are in the actual connection. The connection may not function at all, or maybe is just unpredictable. Sometimes it is common to experience a slow after functioning well for a long time. But generally problems pop up after a new computer is added to the network.

So, to begin troubleshooting, do a fast test on your power source. I know, chuckle if you must, but it's worth testing. Your power can easily become compromised with kids, pets, and just regular wear and tear. Who would have thought the most common network problem is a lack of power?

Once you are certain that every port is firmly secured, double check the cable. Cabling troubles are akin to the lack of power problem. A cable called the Ethernet port is connected to your computer to the LAN. Once you've located this cable, make sure it's firmly attached. While you are down under all the wires, see if the "active light" is on where the port is; this will also ensure power is available.

One way to technically know your computer's status (working or not) is by checking the Command Prompt. Do this by selecting "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories" and finally the "Command Prompt." In the Command Prompt, type "ipconfig -all" and then press Enter. This action will tell you if there is a connection or not, without physically having to grab cables and wires.

After doing those initial checks you still can't find the problem, you may just have a bad connection. This means you may have bad routers, hubs, switches, etc. Some people don't realize that Ethernet cables or Ethernet ports can go bad just like anything else. You may just have the wrong kind of cable/port altogether. Let's troubleshoot a poor port specifically. Routers have both LAN and WANs (Wide-Area Networks). Make sure your computer is configured for a LAN, if you are using the uplink port as a LAN port. This is how many routers glitch up.

If these initial troubleshooting steps have not pinpointed your problem, you most likely have a problem with the Internet Protocol, or the DNS. Remember to do things step by step if you jump into these issues. Always remember if you change too many variables at one time, your troubleshooting will be in vain, or you will spend more time than you need to on the problem. Good luck troubleshooting!

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