Aurora R13, connecting to the internet with Ethernet

Question

I'm wanting to use an ethernet connection to my router for internet access. The computer, running Windows 11, is recognizing that there is something there, but it cannot connect to the internet.

I've tried googling Windows 11 and ethernet connection issues, but I have not found anything that works.

Tesla1856 · Accepted Answer

@jaybrad wrote:

Actually, my computer, which I got yesterday, did it's initial setup and update downloads over the ethernet connection. The only time it said it was offline and asked for my WiFI network SSID and password was after the updates were downloaded and I had to restart my computer.

Well, if you were truly connected via ethernet wire, it should not be asking for SSID or WiFi password.

You can't really be connected with WiFi and wired ethernet concurrently. Better to pick one or the other.

Vanadiel · Accepted Answer

Under Windows each connection method is assigned a priority number. Based on that number, it will use the connection with the highest priority number first. If that fails, it will use the connection with the second priority number etc...

So basically if you have both ethernet and wireless available at the same time, it will decide which connection to use based on that priority number. Normally that would be ethernet first, wireless second.

I am thinking based on your error, which was IP address not available, that your ethernet connection was unable to acquire an IP address (typically handled by DHCP). This can occur when there's already an IP address assigned to a wireless connection to your PC. That is why Tesla was saying you cannot have both enabled at the same time. This can happen during boot time when the network stack boots up and switches based on priority and it's switching over from one to another before the wireless connection has been disconnected properly.

Since everything is working right now, I would leave everything as is and see how things work after a reboot. If the issue appears again in the future, one of the easiest things to try is press the disable and then enable button in the network configuration for the ethernet adaptor.

Windows 11 adaptor priorities

DELL-Brad L · Accepted Answer

Glad you were able to get it working! Ideally per suggestions, you will want to just use one or the other.

JOcean · Answer

What is the exact model number of your system?

jaybrad · Answer

Here is a screenshot of what it shows when I double-click on the Ethernet network connection.

Vanadiel · Answer

What is the brand of the router? You are linked at 1 Gbps with a connected media state, so the cabling is correct.

jaybrad · Answer

I have an Alienware Aurora R13. I'm relatively new to the windows environment so I don't know how to get a more exact model number. I was going to link the product page for the exact one I ordered, but it seems to no longer be there.

jaybrad · Answer

I clicked on the 'Diagnose' button, and it came up to say ' 'Ethernet' doesn't have a valid IP configuration', and beside that it says 'Not fixed'

jaybrad · Answer

TP-Link Deco S4R...an AC1200 Whole Home Mesh system setup. I know this cable and everything works because I used to have my xbox hooked up through it.

jaybrad · Answer

The Deco Unit is the router. I have just a modem from my ISP which is plugged into one of the deco units. I've had things hooked up to this port, using this same ethernet cable, that have worked on the internet.

Actually, my computer, which I got yesterday, did it's initial setup and update downloads over the ethernet connection. The only time it said it was offline and asked for my WiFI network SSID and password was after the updates were downloaded and I had to restart my computer. I noticed something wasn't right when I went to login and it said it couldn't because my computer was offline. (something to do with the login PIN, I don't remember exactly).

Vanadiel · Answer

From what I get the Deco system is a wireless mesh network that is connected to a router using an ethernet connection.

You have to make sure the ethernet cable from your PC is connected to a LAN port of the router the Deco is connected to.

It's the video on the top right: Deco S4

You would connect your ethernet cable from your PC to the old router LAN port, not the port on the Deco unit. Most routers have 4 LAN ports, however if it's supplied by your ISP and it would be a modem/router combo (called modem in that video) and they often have various other LAN ports to connect things to. You would have to make sure you are connected to a LAN port and not for example an IPTV port or a VOIP port.

jaybrad · Answer

When I first set up the computer, I connected it with an Ethernet cable. It worked. I was setting things up, ran updates, the computer restarted. The connection over the ethernet connection was no longer working. When I clicked on the network button on the task bar bottom right, it then asked me to connect to a wireless connection. It's not a matter of "You can't really be connected with WiFi and wired ethernet concurrently. Better to pick one or the other."

If I turn off the Wireless connection right now and leave the ethernet plugged in. Guess what happens? NOTHING. Why does nothing happen? BECAUSE THE ETHERNET CONNECTION DOES NOT WORK.

So, if I were to turn off the wireless connection right now, with the ethernet cable plugged into my computer, then hit the "Reply" button to post this. It wouldn't post.

Sorry for my snarky reply, but I'm not computer illiterate. I'm just relatively new to the windows environment when it comes to technical issues like this.

It's not a matter of

jaybrad · Answer

I'm not sure where the 'It's not a matter of' came from at the bottom of the post..

jaybrad · Answer

I was chatting with Dell Support and it just began working. The Ethernet connection just started going and took over. So, yea. Who knows?

jaybrad · Answer

I know I am supposed to use one or the other, however, I was only using one when it stopped working, so therefore I had to use the other. The WiFi wasn't making the ethernet stop working.

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Aurora R13, connecting to the internet with Ethernet

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