Ethernet Occasionally Loses Connection

Scott_W0SJE

Hello-
I am operating the Flex-6400 using a direct ethernet connection to a laptop running Windows 10.
This generally works well, but I do get "occasional" disconnects where SmartSDR 3.3.33 can't find the radio.
I usually unplug the ethernet and plug back in and it fixes it, but it’s annoying to be sure.
I don’t have an ethernet port on my laptop and am using a USB-C adapter.
Any thoughts on specs for that adapter or something else that might be causing the issue?
Thanks.

Erik Carling EI4KF

I would check to see if there are any relevant power options affecting operation.

Some of these adapters, when their properties are accessed via Device Manager, have Power Management. If yours does, see if it is set to allow the computer to power it down.

Another possibility is that laptop power options can obtain a setting like Network Connectivity. If your does, see if it is set to disconnect from network under certain conditions. Any USB settings in power management should also be checked.

If these are not the cause, check on-line for the adapter make/model and user comments. Some of these products, especially but not limited to Anker and Ugreen, are known for issues like yours.

Scott_W0SJE

Thank you Erik.

I did locate some of those power off and disconnect settings and disabled them.
I also ran the network troubleshooter and got an error that the ethernet port did not have an IP address.
The brand adapter I'm using is called "UNI" and I'm highly suspicious of it.
Can you recommend a good one?

Erik Carling EI4KF

I'd like to see an American answer to that question because products available here may be bettered in USA. But, TP-Link would be a choice to consider:

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Ethernet-UE300C-Compatible-2017-2020/dp/B08HQBC678/ref%3Dsr_1_4?keywords=usb-c+ethernet+adapter&qid=1686167232&sr=8-4

I have several TP-Link networking products and they are all very good. But take any local Flex user recommendations, if you get any, over mine.

Scott_W0SJE

Thanks I will consider that.
I thought I might have a correlation with my virus protection firewall, but it's back on with no issues.

Scott_W0SJE

I got the TP-Link adapter, but still getting dropouts.

The error says "smartlink has lost connection to the radio" and I'm starting to think this is a software issue.

I installed new USB drivers and running smartlink 3.4.24.

John KB4DU

If the connection is still direct between the laptop and the flex, smartlink should not be involved .

Erik Carling EI4KF

SSDR is at 3.4.24 - I am sure this is his meaning, not smartlink. Also a software issue would be where I'd look next. Personally, though not to everyone's preference, I would do a fresh install of Windows 11. These days it is not hard to back up everything beforehand and SSDR settings are retained by keeping a copy of C:\Users\computer-name\AppData\Roaming\FlexRadio Systems.

Then follow the ethernet max performance guide at https://helpdesk.flexradio.com/hc/en-us/articles/202118518-Optimizing-Ethernet-Adapter-Settings-for-Maximum-Performance

Bob Redmon

The Ethernet connector on my Flex 6400 appears to be intermittent. I can wiggle it to regain connection, but after sitting for a few weeks (or sometimes just hours) it stops working again. I have used several different cables to connect it to my network, so I don't think the problem is with the male connector. Anyone else witnessed this? Resolution?

KD0RC

Hi Bob, it may be your switch or router. Try connecting your computer directly to the radio to see if that makes a difference. If you have the same issue when directly connected, submit a help desk ticket.

If the problem goes away when directly connected, then take a look at your networking equipment.

Mike-VA3MW

All I can say is to make sure you use a good switch in a metal case.

Not all Gigabit switches are built the same. Look for for units in Metal cases such as TP-Link.

The next test is try dropping back to a 100mb switch as a test.