Ethernet connection keeps dropping every few seconds for approximately 10-20 seconds every time when not downloading something

Persistent Ethernet Connectivity Issues: Diagnosing and Resolving Frequent Drops

Experiencing unstable internet connections can be incredibly frustrating, especially when the interruptions seem inconsistent. Recently, I encountered a recurring issue where my wired Ethernet connection would intermittently drop for intervals of approximately 10 to 20 seconds, occurring repeatedly throughout my online sessions. Despite various troubleshooting efforts, the problem persisted, prompting a deeper investigation into potential causes and solutions.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

To address the problem, I started with the basics: running the router’s troubleshooting tools and replacing the Ethernet cable. These steps are often effective for resolving common connectivity issues, but unfortunately, they did not resolve the persistent drops. Notably, the Wi-Fi connection remained stable during these periods of Ethernet disconnection, indicating that the issue was isolated to the wired connection rather than the entire network.

An Interesting Pattern Emerges

A key insight emerged during this process: the disconnection issues appeared to correlate with specific network activity. Whenever I was actively downloading files, the Ethernet connection remained stable, and no drops occurred. However, once the download completed or I switched to non-download activities—such as writing data or performing different network tasks—the connection drops resumed almost immediately. This pattern suggested that the problem might be linked to the way the network traffic is handled or prioritized.

Potential Causes and Solutions

Several factors could be contributing to this intermittent Ethernet connectivity:

Network Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible network drivers can cause instability. Ensuring that your Ethernet adapter drivers are up to date can often resolve such issues.
Router Configuration: Misconfigured Quality of Service (QoS) settings or firmware issues can lead to irregular connection behavior. Updating your router’s firmware and resetting QoS settings might help.
Hardware Problems: A faulty Ethernet port on the router or the computer, or issues caused by the network switch, could be the culprit. Testing with a different port or connecting to another device can help identify hardware faults.
Network Traffic Management: The observation that downloads stabilize the connection suggests that some form of traffic prioritization or congestion control may be influencing the stability. Reviewing and modifying traffic management settings in your router may alleviate the issue.
Check for Interference or Power Supply Problems: Sometimes, electrical interference or unstable power sources can cause hardware to behave unpredictably. Ensuring all hardware components are properly powered and shielded can eliminate this variable.