Network socket malfunction?

network socketThe ports in the rooms are rarely defective. In most cases, there is a problem with your cable, computer, or Wi-Fi-router.

If there is a wall socket with 2 ports try both of them. In most cases it is the left one.

To find out if your network socket is defective, we first need to rule out other possible sources of error. Among other things, we check if the cable you are using is defective. First, we use a working cable from your roommate and then test your own cable. If your cable doesn’t work but your roommate’s cable does, it’s clear that your cable is defective. If another device works with your cable in your room, the problem is probably with the device you originally used.

Since our network extends across Baden-Wuerttemberg and we work voluntarily, we unfortunately cannot travel everywhere to check if the network socket works. We rely on your help on-site, as well as that of a roommate with a working internet connection. This way, we can test with working hardware on a working connection and compare it with your devices and cables to find out where the problem lies.

We will go through this step by step. It may sound a bit tedious, but this process is necessary to get you back online quickly. If we do not carefully go through all the steps, it could happen that we unnecessarily send an electrician while you remain offline. That would be really unfortunate.

A laptop with a built-in network card makes the diagnosis easiest, as there are fewer points of failure. On Windows and Linux, as well as with Ethernet adapters for MacBooks if necessary, the settings and thus the sources of error are minimal.

Diagnose your port and cable

    Note: "your device" refers to your laptop throughout. If you are not using a laptop, it refers to your router.

    If you have never connected your router to our network before and you suspect your network socket is faulty, we strongly recommend bringing your router online in your neighbor's room first. This way we can rule out different causes. Make sure to start the next step in your roommate's room.

    You need a roommate who has no issues with their internet connection.

    We are a very small team maintaining a very large, widely spread network. Since 99% of the time this test comes back negative and the network socket is not faulty, we are generally unable to visit you. Please find a roommate! Facts and figures about our team.

    Look at the network socket in your roommate's room and note where it is located. Your network socket should be at a similar height and look very similar. If you cannot find it, there may be furniture in front of it.
    Once you have found the socket, update your answer about the number of ports.

    When switching devices, always wait 120 seconds, as our settings only allow one device per port and a timer runs in the background. Waiting 120 seconds ensures the timer has expired. Otherwise, the second device may be incorrectly detected as two devices connected at the same time. Note that a router is one device that is online, but it can share internet with many other devices.

    If your network socket has more than one port, please try each port one at a time.

    Please answer all questions before continuing.

    Unplug the working device from the network socket in your roommate's room and connect it in your room the same way it was set up there (do not forget to plug in the power if needed). Wait 120 seconds.

    ✅ Intermediate result: Your network socket is working.

    ❓ Intermediate result: Suspected faulty network socket — further tests needed.

    Go to your roommate's room with your device. Unplug the network cable from the working device there and plug it into your device. Wait 120 seconds.

    ✅ Intermediate result: Your device is working.

    ❌ Intermediate result: Your device or its settings appear to be the problem.

    Connect your roommate's device with their network cable to the socket in your room.

    ✅ Intermediate result: Your network socket is working.

    Either you did not wait 120 seconds, or something else changed — otherwise this result would not be possible.

    Now we will test your network cable: Go to your roommate's room and plug your cable into their device (unplug their cable first). Wait 120 seconds.

    ✅ Intermediate result: Your network cable is working.

    ❌ Intermediate result: Your network cable is faulty.

    ❌ Intermediate result: Your network socket is faulty.

    The problem is with your laptop's settings. Please check your computer settings.

    The problem is with your router's settings or compatibility. Please check your router settings and compatibility. If the problem persists, contact us via the contact form with the subject "WLAN and Router".

    Your network socket is working. If you cannot get online with a router, the issue is with the router's settings or you have not yet waited 120 seconds.

    Your network socket and your network cable are working. If you are still having problems, the socket is not the cause. Please contact us via the contact form with the subject "WLAN and Router".

    Your network socket and your network cable are fine. Please check your computer settings or your router settings and compatibility.

    Your network cable is faulty or not the right type. Read our article about network cables.

    Suspected faulty network socket!

    We would like to arrange for an electrician to repair your network socket.
    The easiest and fastest option is for the caretaker to arrange a date with the electrician and accompany them during the repair. This can happen without you being present.

    Alternatively, if you would like to be present during the repair, the electrician will contact you to arrange a date.
    Would you like to arrange a date with the electrician, or is it okay for the electrician to enter your room together with the caretaker?

    Both options are fine and cost you nothing, as long as you have actually completed the tests above.

    Please go to our regular contact form and select "Netzwerkdose defekt" as the subject. Use your full name and provide a phone number.

    Copy one of the following sentences into the text field:

    • I would like the electrician to arrange a date with me to repair the network socket.

    • I agree to the electrician entering my room in my absence to repair the network socket.

    The magic word to submit the form is: Ehrenamt

    Contact form

     

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