For the past few weeks, my wired Ethernet connection stops providing internet access at almost exactly 1:00 AM, while Wi-Fi continues working normally. By morning, Ethernet is back without me changing anything.
I'm using an up-to-date Windows 11 PC with a Realtek Gaming 2.5GbE Family Controller. The adapter remains enabled and appears to send and receive data, but it shows no internet access. DHCP is enabled with a 24-hour lease, the link speed is 1000/1000 Mbps, and the MTU is 1500.
I've checked the cables, updated and reinstalled the driver, reset the network settings, ran common network commands, toggled the adapter, and disabled any power-saving option that might turn it off. I don't use a VPN, third-party antivirus, or connection-management software.
The network setup includes a TP-Link router and another small network box that I didn't configure myself, so I'm not very familiar with the equipment. Other wired computers in the house do not lose their connection at the same time. What could cause only this PC's Ethernet connection to stop on such a consistent schedule?
4 Answers
Try connecting this computer through a USB-to-Ethernet adapter or a different network port. If the alternate adapter works at 1 AM, the Realtek controller, its driver, or its motherboard port is probably involved. If both wired connections fail, the router or a scheduled Windows task becomes more likely.
The consistent timing strongly suggests a scheduled setting rather than a random driver failure. Check the router’s parental controls, access schedules, device profiles, and any overnight maintenance settings. Also look in Windows Task Scheduler for jobs that disable, restart, or reconfigure the network adapter.
Some systems have a recurring issue where a wired connection changes to local-only access after running for a fixed period, especially with certain 2.5GbE drivers or encrypted-DNS settings. When it happens, check whether you can reach the router’s local address. If you can, the Ethernet link is working and the problem is probably DHCP, DNS, or routing rather than the cable itself. You could also test a different driver version instead of only reinstalling the same one.
The router or modem may be performing a nightly update, reboot, or maintenance task. Check its event log and scheduled reboot settings, and ask the internet provider whether there is planned maintenance around that time. Since Wi-Fi stays online and other wired computers are unaffected, a whole-service outage seems less likely, but the router could still be applying a device-specific rule.
That sounds like a useful way to separate a hardware problem from a network or scheduling issue. I’ll try another adapter if I can get one.