An Ethernet Controller, also called an Ethernet adapter or card, is a device which allows a computer to communicate with another computer's Ethernet card, or connect to the Internet through a gateway device like a modem or router. Ethernet controllers are used for most high speed wired Internet connections. Identifying your Ethernet controller can be useful if you plan to search for driver updates, or if you are troubleshooting the device.
Instructions
Check Ethernet Adapters in Device Manager
1. Open the "Start" menu, and click "Control Panel."
2. Open "Administrative Tools," then open "Computer Management."
3. Click "Device Manager." It may take 10 to 15 seconds for the device list to appear, depending on the speed of your computer.
4. Find "Network Adapters," in the device list and click the plus (+) sign next to it. A list of your network controllers will appear, including Ethernet adapters and wireless LAN cards.
Opening the Computer to Identify a Network Controller
5. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord.
6. Use a screwdriver to open your case. Take off the left side cover by removing several screws on the back of the case.
7. Locate the Ethernet controller. If you are using the controller, just follow your Ethernet cable to the device it is plugged into. Otherwise, look toward the bottom and back of the case at the PCI devices, and check the back of the case for Ethernet sized ports. The card with Ethernet sized ports will be the Ethernet controller. (Ethernet ports look like slightly larger phone jacks.)
8. Uninstall and identify the card. Use your screwdriver to take out a mounting screw holding the card in place, if necessary. Then pull the card out of the motherboard firmly, keeping force perpendicular to the motherboard, so the card does not bend. Inspect the labels of the Ethernet controller and write down identifying information as necessary, then plug the card back in by pushing it back into the slot with moderate pressure.
9. Replace the case cover and plug in your power cable.
Tags: back case, Ethernet controller, device list, Device Manager, Ethernet Controller, Ethernet sized, Ethernet sized ports