How to Solve RTL8111H-CG Frequent Disconnects

How to Solve RTL8111H-CG Frequent Disconnects

If you're experiencing frequent disconnects with your RTL8111H-CG network adapter, it can be frustrating. Here's a detailed guide on how to troubleshoot and fix the issue step by step.

1. Identify the Symptoms and Root Cause of the Problem

The RTL8111H-CG is a popular Realtek Ethernet controller, and frequent disconnections can be caused by a variety of reasons. Here's what could be causing it:

Driver Issues: Outdated, incompatible, or corrupted network Drivers often lead to unstable connections. Power Management Settings: Sometimes, the network card might be set to save Power , which can cause disconnects. Cable or Port Problems: Physical issues with the Ethernet cable or port can disrupt the connection. Network Settings: Incorrect configuration or miscommunication between devices on your network might cause drops. Interference from Other Devices: Other devices like routers, switches, or even faulty networking hardware could be contributing to the problem. 2. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Step 1: Update Network Drivers

The most common reason for frequent disconnects is outdated or corrupted drivers.

Windows: Go to Device Manager (press Win + X and select "Device Manager"). Find your RTL8111H-CG network adapter under "Network Adapters", right-click it, and select "Update Driver". You can either search automatically for updated drivers or visit the Realtek website to manually download the latest driver version.

Mac: If you're on a Mac, update your operating system, as the latest macOS versions usually come with updated drivers.

Step 2: Check Power Management Settings

Windows sometimes manages your network adapter's power settings, which can cause the adapter to disconnect frequently to save power.

Open Device Manager again, and find your RTL8111H-CG adapter. Right-click the adapter, go to Properties, and navigate to the Power Management tab. Uncheck the option that allows the computer to turn off this device to save power. Step 3: Test the Ethernet Cable and Port

Sometimes the issue could be as simple as a faulty cable or port.

Try using a different Ethernet cable to see if the issue persists. Test the network adapter on a different port of your router or switch.

If you're using a desktop, try connecting the adapter directly to the router or switch to rule out issues with any intermediary devices.

Step 4: Reset Network Settings

If your network settings are misconfigured, they could cause the disconnects.

Windows: Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run the following commands one by one: netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset

Restart your computer after running these commands.

Mac: Go to "System Preferences" > "Network", select your Ethernet connection, and click the minus button to remove it. Then, click the plus button to add it back again. Step 5: Disable “Green Ethernet” Mode (If Applicable)

Some Realtek network cards have a feature called “Green Ethernet” that reduces power consumption but can sometimes cause disconnects.

Open the Realtek Ethernet Configuration Utility (usually installed with the drivers). Look for an option related to “Green Ethernet” or “Energy Efficient Ethernet” and disable it. Step 6: Check for Router Issues

Your router could be the source of the disconnects, especially if you see disconnections across multiple devices.

Restart your router by turning it off for 10 seconds and then back on. Update the router’s firmware, as outdated firmware can cause network instability. Try connecting to a different port on the router, as some ports may be faulty. 3. Advanced Solutions Step 1: Reinstall the Network Driver

If updating the driver didn't help, try uninstalling and then reinstalling it:

Go to Device Manager, right-click on your network adapter, and select Uninstall device. Restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver. Step 2: Check for Hardware Issues

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, there could be a hardware problem with your network adapter.

If you're using a desktop, consider testing the RTL8111H-CG adapter in another computer. If the problem persists across multiple systems, you may need to replace the network card. 4. Preventing Future Disconnects

After resolving the issue, it’s essential to prevent future network disconnects. Here are a few tips:

Keep your drivers updated regularly. Avoid using cheap or low-quality cables, as they can lead to signal issues. Use a surge protector to prevent damage to your networking hardware due to power fluctuations. Monitor your network setup, and ensure that no devices are creating interference.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve frequent disconnects with your RTL8111H-CG network adapter. If the problem persists, it could point to a deeper hardware issue or network configuration problem.