R6 ethernet problem

Question

I have a brand new Aurora R6, just a bit over a week old. For the last several days, when I returned to the computer in sleep mode the ethernet connection was shut down and did not wake up when the computer woke up normally. I can usually restart the machine and the ethernet comes up fine. I was also usually able to restart the ethernet from inside the the network management utilities by running the troubleshooting. The reported problem is always that the cable is not connected.  Never had this problem before a couple of days ago, but it kind of sounds like a driver problem. Anyone have any ideas?

Alienware - Rodrigo · Answer

Hi,  Is your system running the latest Bios version (1.0.4)?

crduke1 · Answer

Yes it is. Sent from Mail for Windows 10

Tesla1856 · Answer

My Aurora-R6 does not have this problem.

I only use the wired Ethernet and it sleeps and wakes all week (almost never fully off).

Try "clean installing" this driver:

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverId=DG89H&fileId=3596396660&osCode=WT64A&productCode=alienware-aurora-r6-desktop&languageCode=en&categoryId=NI

Try a new CAT-5e or Cat-6 cable (directly to router or switch if possible).

crduke1 · Answer

Thanks for the input.  I did use the old cable that was already in place when I did the install.  I have fixed that now, using a new Cat-5 cable that was working previously.  If that doesn’t fix it I will try the driver. I will update on how this works out.

Tesla1856 · Answer

Interesting that fixed it, but networking can be mysterious sometimes. Sometimes you just have to go with what works. Maybe it was a badly made cable. It might even have something to do with router or Ethernet-switch port it's connected to.

Just wanted to let you know that the Dell/Alienware pre-installed driver is:
Driver in Device Manager
Rivet Networks
9-14-2016

9.0.0.42

I'm not sure if that posted driver is the same or not. Since I've never had a problem with this Gigabit Ethernet port, I've never messed with or re-installed the pre-installed diver.

Finally, I will admit I was apprehensive about buying a machine with a "Killer Networking" Ethernet device on motherboard, but if I wanted an Aurora-R6 ... I had no other choice. I'm glad mine has worked flawlessly. I think it might support the popular idea that Rivet's Atheros-chipset-based devices work fine with the basic/minimal Windows drivers (without the enhanced "Killer Networking" drivers, Apps, and other nonsense).

crduke1 · Answer

The new cable does appear to resolve the issue.  I never had a problem with the old cable on the old computer, but then again, I had that computer set up as 'always on' so it never went completely to sleep

Tesla1856 · Answer

My guess is either that:

1. The other cable was defective somehow. Hard to say unless you have a cable tester.

2. Since this card is the faster "Gigabit" or 1000 speed maybe the "speed negotiation" was going wonky. I have seen that before on various computers and networks (but it's still rare).

Anyway, glad to hear it's working now. Good job!

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R6 ethernet problem

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