USB Ethernet randomly fails on Framework 13 AMD Laptop with Windows 11

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1

I have a Framework 13 AMD 7040 laptop that is running Windows 11. One of the rear USB C expansion slots is connected to my HP G5 USB dock which is using wired Ethernet. Occasionally, the networking just quits. When this happens, I’ve opened a terminal window and have confirmed that I cannot ping any of the IPs on my local home network. After unplugging the USB C dock cable from the laptop and plugging it back in, networking resumes working.

I assumed that this was a HP G5 USB Dock problem. On that assumption, I purchased a Belkin USB C Ethernet adapter. However, the identical problem is happening with that adapter, also (can’t ping anything on the local network, but simply replugging the adapter makes it resume working.) This is leading me to believe this is a problem with the OS, laptop and/or the expansion card. Has anybody else had this problem?

I’m tempted to purchase the Framework Ethernet expansion card, but given that it also uses USB C, I’m afraid that I will have the same problem.

Thanks,

Bryan

2

When that happens does the adapter still show as connected in the networking settings?

3

That is a great question. The next time it happens, I will check that out. Thank you.

4

It’s worth also opening Device Manager to see if the devices are even listed at all. They may become unknown devices, or disappear completely.

I would probably also disable Power management on the usb ports through device manager too (stops windows putting the ports to sleep), though this should not be the problem with a powered dock.

On the dock, do you also lose access to any of the docks usb ports at the same time?