If your Ethernet port is not working after troubleshooting, what should you check before escalating?

Checking the system BIOS can be a useful step in troubleshooting an Ethernet port issue, but it's typically advisable to consider more immediate factors that could be affecting the connection. In troubleshooting network issues, verifying the physical network cables is a fundamental step because the cables are often the simplest point of failure. If the cabling is damaged, improperly connected, or the wrong type (e.g., a misconfigured crossover cable), the network connection will not function correctly.

Additionally, ensuring that the external network connection, such as the modem or router setup, is operational is important, as issues in this area can also lead to symptoms that seem to indicate a problem with the Ethernet port itself. The operating system settings can further reveal if the Ethernet adapter is enabled or correctly configured, influencing connectivity issues.

While the system BIOS might have settings related to the network interface controller (NIC), in many cases it would not be the first priority in troubleshooting a non-functional Ethernet port, especially compared to checking the physical connections and network configuration. Thus, addressing physical connections is generally a logical first step in the troubleshooting workflow.