Check the port for physical damage

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 134 views

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss a common issue that many Ubuntu users face, where the on-board Ethernet device does not show up as a network interface. This problem can be frustrating, especially when you rely on Ethernet for your internet connection. We will explore the possible causes of this issue and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

Symptoms

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, this article may be helpful:

The Ethernet device is not listed in the network manager.
The Ethernet device is not visible in the ip a command output.
You are unable to connect to the internet using Ethernet.

Possible Causes

There are several possible causes for this issue:

Hardware issues: The Ethernet port on your motherboard may be faulty or damaged.
Driver issues: The Ethernet driver may be missing or corrupted.
Configuration issues: The Ethernet configuration may be incorrect or incomplete.
Software issues: The network manager or other software may be causing the issue.

Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Check the Ethernet Port

First, let's check the Ethernet port on your motherboard to ensure it is functioning properly.

Check the port for physical damage: Inspect the Ethernet port for any signs of physical damage, such as bent pins or corrosion.
Try a different Ethernet cable: Try using a different Ethernet cable to rule out any issues with the cable.
Check the port for power: Ensure that the Ethernet port is receiving power from the motherboard.

Step 2: Check the Ethernet Driver

Next, let's check the Ethernet driver to ensure it is installed and functioning properly.

Check the driver status: Run the command sudo lshw -c network to check the status of the Ethernet driver.
Check the driver version: Run the command sudo lshw -c network -json to check the version of the Ethernet driver.
Update the driver: Run the command sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade to update the Ethernet driver.

Step 3: Check the Ethernet Configuration

Now, let's check the Ethernet configuration to ensure it is correct and complete.

Check the IP address: Run the command ip addr show to check the IP address of the Ethernet interface.
Check the subnet mask: Run the command ip addr show to check the subnet mask of the Ethernet interface.
Check the gateway: Run the command ip route show to check the gateway of the Ethernet interface.

Step 4: Check the Network Manager

Next, let's check the network manager to ensure it is functioning properly.

Check the network manager status: Run the command sudo systemctl status NetworkManager to check the status of the network manager.
Check the network manager logs: Run the command sudo journalctl -u NetworkManager to check the logs of the network manager.

Step 5: Reinstall the Ethernet Driver

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, let's try reinstalling the Ethernet driver.

Remove the Ethernet driver: Run the command sudo apt purge linux-modules-extra-$(uname -r) to remove the Ethernet driver.
Reinstall the Ethernet driver: Run the command sudo apt install linux-modules-extra-$(uname -r) to reinstall the Ethernet driver.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed a common issue where the on-board Ethernet device does not show up as a network interface. We explored the possible causes of this issue and provided step-by-step solutions to resolve it. By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Additional Resources

Ubuntu documentation: For more information on troubleshooting Ethernet issues, refer to the Ubuntu documentation.
Linux documentation: For more information on troubleshooting Ethernet issues, refer to the Linux documentation.

Troubleshooting Ethernet issues on Ubuntu: For more information on troubleshooting Ethernet issues on Ubuntu, refer to this article.
Configuring Ethernet on Ubuntu: For more information on configuring Ethernet on Ubuntu, refer to this article.
On-board Ethernet Device Not Showing as a Network Interface: Q&A ===========================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed a common issue where the on-board Ethernet device does not show up as a network interface. We explored the possible causes of this issue and provided step-by-step solutions to resolve it. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to this issue.

Q: What are the common causes of this issue?

A: The common causes of this issue include hardware issues, driver issues, configuration issues, and software issues.

Q: How do I check if the Ethernet port is functioning properly?

A: To check if the Ethernet port is functioning properly, you can try the following:

Check the port for physical damage, such as bent pins or corrosion.
Try a different Ethernet cable to rule out any issues with the cable.
Check the port for power, ensuring that it is receiving power from the motherboard.

Q: How do I check the Ethernet driver status?

A: To check the Ethernet driver status, you can run the command sudo lshw -c network. This will display the status of the Ethernet driver.

Q: How do I update the Ethernet driver?

A: To update the Ethernet driver, you can run the command sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade. This will update the Ethernet driver to the latest version.

Q: How do I check the Ethernet configuration?

A: To check the Ethernet configuration, you can run the command ip addr show. This will display the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway of the Ethernet interface.

Q: How do I check the network manager status?

A: To check the network manager status, you can run the command sudo systemctl status NetworkManager. This will display the status of the network manager.

Q: How do I reinstall the Ethernet driver?

A: To reinstall the Ethernet driver, you can run the command sudo apt purge linux-modules-extra-$(uname -r) to remove the Ethernet driver, and then run the command sudo apt install linux-modules-extra-$(uname -r) to reinstall the Ethernet driver.

Q: What are some common errors that can occur when troubleshooting this issue?

A: Some common errors that can occur when troubleshooting this issue include:

ip addr show command not displaying the Ethernet interface.
lshw -c network command not displaying the Ethernet driver status.
sudo systemctl status NetworkManager command not displaying the network manager status.
sudo apt purge linux-modules-extra-$(uname -r) command not removing the Ethernet driver.
sudo apt install linux-modules-extra-$(uname -r) command not reinstalling the Ethernet driver.

Q: How can I prevent this issue from occurring in the future?

A: To prevent this issue from occurring in the future, you can:

Regularly update your system to ensure that you have the latest drivers and software.
Use a reliable Ethernet cable to connect your device to the network.
Check the Ethernet port for physical damage and ensure that it is receiving power from the motherboard.
Use a network manager that is compatible with your system.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some frequently asked questions related to the issue of the on-board Ethernet device not showing up as a network interface. We hope that this article has been helpful in resolving your issue. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask.

Additional Resources

Ubuntu documentation: For more information on troubleshooting Ethernet issues, refer to the Ubuntu documentation.
Linux documentation: For more information on troubleshooting Ethernet issues, refer to the Linux documentation.

Troubleshooting Ethernet issues on Ubuntu: For more information on troubleshooting Ethernet issues on Ubuntu, refer to this article.
Configuring Ethernet on Ubuntu: For more information on configuring Ethernet on Ubuntu, refer to this article.