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Router not Recognizing Ethernet Cable

4 years ago

I’m trying to connect a new Netgear Nighthawk ac2600 to an older Windows 10 desktop pc, not wifi capable. The router does not recognize (light up) any of the 4 ports that I plug the ethernet cable into. The router does light up when I plug in the cable for my VOIP system. I’m unable to set up the pc if the router does not recognize the pc. Any suggestions?

TIA

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Comments (8)

Elmer J Fudd
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
If each of the Nighthawk's 4 Lan sockets will enable your VOIP system, and if the same cord doesn't activate a connection for the PC, I would suspect the PC to be the problem. Two possible solutions, the second only if the first doesn't work

#1, go to Settings, Network and Internet, Ethernet, Change Adapter Options, Right Click on the Ethernet adapter icon and make sure it's enabled. If it IS enabled, your option after right clicking will be to Disable. If it's enabled and it doesn't connect, move on to #2.

#2 - if it is enabled but won't automatically make the connection, you should consider buying a USB Wifi adaptor. Don't go for the cheapest ones but for $20-$30, you'll have a little device that mostly installs itself and will work well.

I bought this one when I decided to press into service in a distant location an older PC I'd stopped using. It doesn't have a built in Wifi capability. With this little device that I have plugged in at the back so it's really not visible, it connects at the same max speed that much newer devices can connect at, on both wifi bands.

USB Wifi adapter
jrb451 thanked Elmer J Fudd
jrb451
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks Elmer. That’s now the plan.

My ISP Tech was unable to diagnose what the exact issue was. I neglected to mention that my pc was able to get Internet access when the ethernet cable was directly plugged into the modem. He left shaking his head saying he’d be back tomorrow with a dongle.
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There may be some confusion since this there are a couple posts on this same installation. You can not connect a switch directly to the cable modem unless it is a "gateway" - a router is required. Even if it is a gateway they can be very problematic. The router connects the WAN (from the modem) to the LAN. The switch interconnects the devices on the LAN. Most current routers nowadays are optimized for streaming A/V as one of their features. They monitor their own built-in (switch) ports and prioritize data to help ensure smoother media flow. A switch on a router port, feeding multiple ports, will generally not receive this same prioritization. That is why I recommend connecting streaming media devices directly to the router. Streaming media on a home network from NAS makes no difference. The chain should be: cable modem, router (with it's ports feeding streaming media connections), and a switch connected to one of the router's ports, feeding the other network connections, for best overall performance.
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A network switch really isn't much different than one of these: Yes, it's grossly oversimplified but the concept pretty much holds true. You're just splitting the signal just likes one of these adapters splits the power. It probably don't much matter which switch you buy and frankly you might be do better with a router. A router is basically an advanced switch but you can use it as a switch too. They're far more common and therefore generally cheaper. You might look a eBay or Craigslist for used ones. As for cables, buy the cheapest you can find. Local brick and mortar stores are generally the most expensive places to buy cables. Online at Monoprice or Amazon is far more economical. As for more places to plug things in. One of these are any of the numerous variations are available at your local home center:
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Elmer J Fudd
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
That almost suggests a problem with the router sockets or circuitry but if the VOIP device connnects okay with each one, then it's a puzzle. Do you have other devices you need to plug into the router?

Don't hesitate to go with a decent wifi adapter, you'd never know the difference unless your usage pattern requires the higher speed ethernet link. Unless you're a power user or have a fiberoptic connection, you're unlikely to need or notice the outer ranges of possible performance. For most people, the current performance ability of wifi exceeds in normal usage their max internet throughput anyway.
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jrb451
Original Author
4 years ago
We’re not power users so we should be fine with this work around. I’m placing the VOIP device first off the modem and then the router. Wifi speeds are fine for our uses.
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Elmer J Fudd
4 years ago
If the VOIP device doesn't work properly from all 4 sockets on the router, the problem may be the router. If you can, return it and get another one.
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jrb451
Original Author
4 years ago
Faulty router was our original diagnosis so I exchanged it for another. Same thing.
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Elmer J Fudd
4 years ago
How interesting. Hopefully a USB Wifi adapter will fix the problem.
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mtvhike
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Have you tried using the same cable which works for the VOIP system? If not, try that.
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