Work from the cable outward: swap the patch cable, try another port on the switch or wall, and check the lights. No lights means a physical problem (cable, port, or adapter). Lights but no internet means a settings or network problem.
Common causes
Bad patch cable
Cables get bent, crushed under chairs, or have broken clips that stop them seating properly.
Dead switch or wall port
A port on the switch or a wall jack may be faulty or not connected to anything.
Adapter disabled or driver issue
The Ethernet adapter may be turned off in Windows or have a corrupted driver.
Switch or network problem
If several wired computers fail, the switch they connect to may be off or failing.
How to fix it, step by step
- 1
Check the port lights
A healthy connection usually shows a solid link light and a blinking activity light on the computer or switch.
- 2
Swap the patch cable
Use a known-good cable. This fixes a surprising number of wired problems.
- 3
Try another port
Plug into a different wall jack or switch port to rule out a dead port.
- 4
Enable the adapter
In Network Connections, make sure Ethernet isn't disabled. Update or reinstall its driver if needed.
- 5
Check the switch
Make sure the switch has power and its uplink to the router is connected.
When to call a technician
If wall jacks are dead, cables run through walls, or you're not sure which switch a desk connects to, we test the cabling and repair or re-terminate it.
On-site support across Orange County · see our business networking and WiFi installation services.
Frequently asked questions
What does "network cable unplugged" mean if it's plugged in?
Windows doesn't detect a link. The cable, the port at the other end, or the computer's adapter is faulty.
Can an Ethernet cable go bad?
Yes. Cables get damaged by bending, crushing, and broken clips. Replacing a patch cable is a quick first test.
Why does WiFi work but Ethernet doesn't?
The router is working, so the issue is somewhere in the wired path: cable, wall jack, switch port, or the computer's Ethernet adapter.