A user reports that their desktop PC cannot reach any network resources or the internet. You notice that neither the link light nor the activity light is illuminated on the computer's Ethernet NIC. According to standard troubleshooting practice, which action should you perform first?
Verify that the network patch cable is firmly connected at both ends or replace it with a known-good cable.
Check the corresponding switch port for link status or errors.
Disable and then re-enable the network adapter in the operating system.
Release and renew the computer's DHCP lease using ipconfig /renew.
Unlit link/activity LEDs almost always mean the NIC and switch are not establishing a physical link. The first troubleshooting step at the physical layer is therefore to examine the patch cable: ensure it is fully seated, undamaged, and-if in doubt-swap it with a known-good cable. OS-level or switch-side diagnostics come only after the physical connection has been verified.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is a network patch cable, and why is it important?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are link and activity LEDs on a NIC?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why are physical connection checks the first step in network troubleshooting?