When troubleshooting network adapter issues, you’ll usually be asked what the link speed and duplex is for your connection. Windows settings must match the settings on the switch that you are connecting to. Generally, auto negotion will automate the process so that both sides match in terms of link speed and duplex.
To view the link speed and duplex information of your network adapter, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings > Right click on an adapter and select Properties > Select Configure> select the Advanced Tab.
• If Windows doesn’t detect newly installed NIC, go to Start> Devices and Printers> Add a device
Half duplex/full duplex/auto
- Full duplex means the NIC can send and receive data at the same time
- Half duplex means the device can send and receive but not at the same time (like walkie talkie)
Speed
Generally a network adapter is set to auto negotiation which will match the device being connected to. But if auto negotion doesn’t work you can manually specify the network adapter speed settings.
Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings > Right click on an adapter > Properties > Configure> Advanced Tab > Select Link Speed and Duplex from the Property List> Specify a value in the drop down list.
Wake-on-LAN
The network interface card must be compatible with Wake on LAN in order to activate this feature.
- A second PC can send either a special pattern or a magic packet (broadcast packet that repeats the destination MAC address many times) to a powered down or sleeping PC which will then wake up.
- Configured by going to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Manage network connection or change adapter settings > Right click on adapter and select Properties > Configure> Power Management > Allow this device to wake the computer or only allow a magic packet to wake the computer.
- Wake on LAN can wake up or turn on laptops using wireless connections
