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    XPS-17 (L702X) Finicky about network cables?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by mpalandr, May 12, 2011.

  1. mpalandr

    mpalandr Notebook Consultant

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    I've tried four CAT 5 cables with the L702x.

    All four work fine with an Inspiron 8600.

    Two of them show "Network cable unplugged" in the Network connections dialog. Yet I can unplug the two that don't work and immediately plug them into the Inspiron, and they are fine.

    I wondering if there's something wrong with the LAN in this unit, or if the Realtek is just more sensitive for everyone. If it's defective, I like to get it fixed, but I'd rather not have a tech tinkering with it if it's not going to help.
     
    mpalandr, May 12, 2011
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  2. NoSlow5oh

    NoSlow5oh Notebook Evangelist

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    If two work, that should tell you there is nothing wrong with those two cables or your ethernet controller. Due to the design of RJ11 and RJ45 connections, there will always be a chance that some pins are bent or pushed in either the male or female side. It's usually the female side that get's damaged first due to slamming the cable in or at the wrong angle.

    I would check the female (laptop) side first and make sure all pins are pushed out and at the same height/angle inside the jack. Look at each pin and notice any signs of contact (little rubbing or scratching marks) and make sure all look the same. Then check the cables. A loopback RJ45 tester would come in handy at this point and they are pretty cheap these days.
     
    NoSlow5oh, May 12, 2011
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