Tell me more ×
Ask Different is a question and answer site for power users of Apple hardware and software. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

I doubt a hardware problem with my ethernet device. I'm unable to connect to Internet. How can I verify if it's a hardware issue or not?

share|improve this question
How do you connect- directly to a modem, through a router etc? – Mark Feb 16 '11 at 16:41
2  
a few things come to mind... 1. it could be the NIC (network card) 2. it could be the cable 3. it could be the router (either hardware or software) 4. it could be a software issue on the computer... just some ideas to check out. – TheX Feb 18 '11 at 4:16

3 Answers

up vote 2 down vote

If you have access to a second computer, connect it to the same ethernet cable and port. If that computer gets internet access (be sure to disable wireless, so you know it's connecting via ethernet), the first computer's ethernet device is faulty. If the second computer does not get internet access, try swapping the ethernet cable for another (the first could be badly crimped or faulty in other ways), and try another ethernet port.

share|improve this answer
I agree with Jack, look into the more common scenarios before worrying about the actual ethernet card. They tend to be more common, and as such, should be ruled out first. – Ryan Wersal Feb 18 '11 at 5:30
up vote 0 down vote

Full hardware testing is difficult. There is an application Tech Tools that can do pretty decent hardware checks on OS X.

Honestly, I you can see information about the NIC under Apple Menu, About This Mac, More Info, Ethernet Cards I would say the device is good. This isn't a 100% guarantee but with the frequency or hardware failure vs network issues I would say validating this would make me look into the network issues first.

share|improve this answer
up vote 0 down vote

I think simply connecting the network cable to the ethernet port and turn on the computer. Now it's not turning no the LEDs which means the hardware seems gone!

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.