M4400 ethernet adapter disconnects when idle on AC power

The important points you mentioned to remember is, it's not just the driver. The Intel ProSet application is what allows access to these choices. This is why it's important to be sure you completely remove the device and install the whole application.

Unfortunately Dell sometimes releases driver/app versions with many features masked or blocked out.

Another tip; Go into the power profile you use when on AC (for most people this is Balanced) and click on change plan settings, then advanced settings.
Expand 'Link State Power Management' and the set the Plugged in value to OFF.

This setting modulates the link power state of devices on the PCI express bus. Since the Intel NIC is on the PCIe bus on this board, the OS will try to enforce the power policy by reducing it's link state.

 

First of all great site you guys have here!

I'm having the same issues described in this thread so I'll give the fix a try. I found you guys via Google discussing this issue.

-Brad

 

Thank you guys for this thread! I was having the same problem with a new M4400, and I updated the Intel driver last night. So far it's held a connection (wired) for 18+ hours, where as it was dropping the connection every time the Dell BIOS screensaver would kick in. Disabling the hardware screen turn off solved the problem for me previously, but I didn't like that solution.

This seems to have worked for me. Thanx again!