How to Fix RTL8153B-VB-CG USB Ethernet Adapter Not Connecting to Router

How to Fix RTL8153B-VB-CG USB Ethernet Adapter Not Connecting to Router

If you are facing issues with the RTL8153B-VB-CG USB Ethernet Adapter not connecting to your router, this guide will help you understand the potential causes and provide detailed steps to fix the problem. Let’s break down the possible causes, troubleshoot them, and then solve the issue step by step.

1. Check Hardware Connections Faulty Cable or Port: Sometimes, the issue might simply be a faulty Ethernet cable or port. Ensure that both the USB adapter and the router are securely connected. Step 1: Disconnect the USB Ethernet adapter from your computer. Step 2: Check the Ethernet cable for any visible damage or wear. Step 3: Plug the cable into a different port on the router, and try using a different USB port on your computer to rule out any issues with the port. 2. Check USB Driver Installation Outdated or Missing Drivers : If the RTL8153B-VB-CG adapter is not working properly, it could be because the drivers are either outdated or not installed correctly. Step 1: Open the Device Manager on your computer (Press Win + X, then select Device Manager). Step 2: Locate Network Adapters and find the RTL8153B-VB-CG USB Ethernet Adapter. Step 3: Right-click on the adapter and select Update Driver. You can choose to search for updated drivers automatically. Step 4: If automatic updating doesn’t work, go to the manufacturer’s website (Realtek) to download and install the latest driver for your adapter. 3. Check the Router’s Settings Router Configuration Issues: A misconfiguration in your router settings might be preventing the adapter from connecting. Step 1: Log in to your router’s admin interface (Usually accessed through 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser). Step 2: Ensure that the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server is enabled, which assigns IP addresses automatically to devices connecting to the network. Step 3: Check the router’s MAC filtering settings. If MAC filtering is enabled, ensure the MAC address of the adapter is allowed. Step 4: Make sure the router’s firmware is up to date. Some routers have issues with certain devices if their firmware is outdated. 4. Check the IP Address Configuration Incorrect IP Address Settings: The device may not be receiving a proper IP address from the router, which can cause connectivity issues. Step 1: Right-click on the Network icon in the system tray and select Open Network & Internet Settings. Step 2: Click on Change adapter settings. Step 3: Right-click on your Ethernet connection and select Properties. Step 4: Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties. Step 5: Ensure that Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected. Step 6: If these settings are already correct, try to manually assign an IP address in the same settings window (e.g., 192.168.1.x, where x is a number between 2-254). 5. Check for Conflicting Software or Settings VPN or Firewall Conflicts: Sometimes, VPN software, security software, or even Windows firewall settings might block the connection. Step 1: Temporarily disable any VPN software or security software to see if the connection works. Step 2: Check the Windows firewall settings by going to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall. Step 3: Ensure the firewall is not blocking network traffic by disabling it temporarily for testing. 6. Test the Adapter on Another Device Defective Adapter: It’s possible that the adapter itself is defective. To confirm this, try connecting the RTL8153B-VB-CG adapter to another computer. Step 1: Unplug the USB adapter from your computer. Step 2: Plug it into another computer or laptop. Step 3: Check if it connects to the router successfully. If it does not work on another device, the adapter might be defective and should be replaced. 7. Reboot Devices Simple Reboot Can Fix Many Issues: Sometimes, the issue might be resolved simply by rebooting your router or computer. Step 1: Unplug the power cable from your router for about 30 seconds and then plug it back in. Step 2: Restart your computer to clear any temporary software issues. 8. Test with a Different USB Ethernet Adapter Alternative Adapter Test: If the above steps don’t solve the problem, try using a different USB Ethernet adapter to see if it connects to your router. This will help determine whether the issue is with the specific adapter.

Conclusion

If you are still facing issues after following these steps, the problem might be deeper, possibly with the router’s hardware or your computer’s network interface. In that case, contacting the manufacturer of the USB Ethernet adapter or your router for further assistance might be necessary.

By carefully following the troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify the root cause and fix the RTL8153B-VB-CG USB Ethernet Adapter connection issue.