Lower connection speed (i226-V) at 1Gbps max. While USB adaptor got 1.3Gpbs stable

[HKFisherman]

Sirs,

I have a new router with output 2.5G LAN port here.

With the latest 2.1.3.3 driver for i226-V 2.5Ge port on-board (ASUS ROG Z790-f Gaming, purchased 2022), it has 980 to 1025 Mbps stable.

- EEE = off;

- Auto-negotiation / 2.5Gbps Full Duplex = tested;

- IPv6 = disabled;

Related settings tested, it indeed level at same speed.

Firstly, I thought it was on my router side, but connect to a USB-C 3.2 2x2 Adaptor, 
The ethernet connection can achieve 1100-1300 Mbps stable all day.

Is that i226-V are still having bottlenecking on 2.5G ethernet OEM(ASUS) build?

I do not want to use USB-C since it will affect the system latency on my data sharing with HDMI / USB drives.

Any help if I get you more memory dump or spec to inspect?
Thanks for your help!

Fisherman

[B_Y]

Hello @HKFisherman,

Thank you for posting in Intel Ethernet Communities. 

Kindly provide the following information for us to check on your issue.

1.) System Support Utility(SSU) log of your system. This will allow us to check your Adapter details and configuration. Kindly refer to the steps below.

a- Go to https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25293/Intel-System-Support-Utility-for-Windows-?product=91600 and download the software.

b- Open SSU.exe

c- Mark the box "Everything" and then click "Scan".

d- When finished scanning, click "Next".

e- Click on "Save" and attach the file to a post.

2.) Given that you mentioned using a new router, did you also encounter this problem with your old router?

3.) Please let us know the router's model.

4.) Have you tried using other LAN port of router?

5.) Please let us know the USB-C 3.2 2x2 Adaptor's model.

Looking forward to your response.

Best regards,

BY_Intel

Intel Customer Support

[HKFisherman]

Dear BY Sir,

Thanks for your investigation!

1) SSU report, please see attached.

2) Long story short -
a. I've got random disconnection since 2022. (was using old firmware 1.1.3.34 intel i226-V), NOK.
b. Wihtout research much I switched to WIFI with the old router (ASUS AC88U). OK.
c. Until Mar 2023, I've learnt Intel / ASUS Z790-f had released a new i226-V (2.1.3.3) driver , so I upgraded it, go with 1Gbps broadband. (actual speed 500-600Mbps..) OK.
d. This month, July 2023, I upgrade my broadband upto 2.5G. old router is fine (eth or wifi), however without 2.5G port. OK.

3) New router ASUS GT-AX6000, purchaced last week. (Firmware: AsusWRT Merlin 388.2.2_ROG)

4) Yes. besides 2.5G LAN output port, as now my on-board intel LAN has the highest speed (980- 1025Mbps), I also tried connecting to other LAN1-4 gigabyte port, quite the same speed, however never climb over 1G though.
(I have a NAS, didn't connect to it during testing. however, connecting NAS to the non-game port (2,3,4) now also giving the same result.)

5) 2.5G Ethernet Adpator JCE145, manufactured by J5create (product spec.).
- it supports 2.5G ethernet, with USB-C (USB3.1) plug to motherboard, via a USB 3.2 2x2 port as I wrote above.
- to another USB-C port (labeled USB 3.2 2x1) = same speed with 1100-1300 Mbps (200-300M higher than eth port on-board)

Thanks for your time on this.

Best wishes and enjoy the weekend!

HKFisherman

[B_Y]

Hello @HKFisherman,

Thank you for your patience.

After further checking on the SSU log, everything should and work as accordingly and the speed from LAN (980- 1025Mbps) is expected based on I226-V's capability.

If you haven't already, attempt the following actions to increase speed:

1) Use shorter Cat6/ Cat6a Lan cable, which I believe it should come together with your new router 

2) Ensure your designated router port (especially gaming) has the same settings as your LAN: either Auto-negotiation or 2.5Gbps Full Duplex

3) Get confirmation from ISP on the actual bandwidth subscription

4) Updating the Non-Volatile Memory (NVM)/firmware and driver of the ethernet-I226-V on the motherboard, which you already have the latest driver for the I226-V.

But I couldn't identify the firmware from SSU Log at such:

Net Connection ID:"Ethernet"

....

NVM Version:"Not Available"

With all that said, we do not have further information on why the USB-C Ethernet adapter was able to provide higher bandwidth.

We'd like to recommend that you get in touch with ASUS Support  to learn more about non-volatile memory and to seek their expertise in this area because onboard I226-V is part on the motherboard.

Thank you for your understanding. 

Best regards,

BY_Intel

Intel Customer Support

[HKFisherman]

Dear @B_Y 
May i know if this is the suitable NVM firmware for my case ?

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/18190/non-volatile-memory-nvm-update-utility-for-intel-ethernet-network-adapter-700-series.html

Thanks!
Sun

[B_Y]

Hello @HKFisherman,

That is the incorrect version of Update Utility, hence the installation shouldn't proceed at any point. 

We'd like to recommend that you get in touch with ASUS Support to get the correct firmware.

Thank you.

Best regards,

BY_Intel

Intel Customer Support

[B_Y]

Hello @HKFisherman,

I hope this message finds you well. I am just sending a follow up if you have any questions from the previous post. If so, please let us know. Thank you.

Thank you.

Best regards,

BY_Intel

Intel Customer Support