Re: RAX10 AX1800 No ethernet cord detected

avlip · ‎2023-07-12

I recently moved into a friend's apartment and the internet speeds are so slow, I can barely use the computer. Called the ISP who said the router in place is super old (Linksys E1200) and to replace it. He said the apartment complex has a cable modem for all the units, so I should get a standalone router and plug the ethernet cord into the port in the wall. I switched out the old router to the RAX10 but cannot get it setup with Nighthawk. It says no ethernet cable is detected even though the cord is plugged into the wall and router the same way the old one was connected. I know the new ethernet cable works fine because I used it with the old router and the internet came on albeit with the typical very slow speeds.

If it is at all helpful, I'm able to log into the old router to see the settings but I'm not sure what to make of any of it. The settings on the new router looks almost like a different language. The power, wifi, and wps LED lights turn on. The internet and ethernet lights do not turn on. Any guidance is appreciated!

AX1800 WiFi Router (RAX10)

Kitsap · ‎2023-07-12

@avlip wrote:
I recently moved into a friend's apartment and the internet speeds are so slow, I can barely use the computer. Called the ISP who said the router in place is super old (Linksys E1200) and to replace it. He said the apartment complex has a cable modem for all the units, so I should get a standalone router and plug the ethernet cord into the port in the wall. I switched out the old router to the RAX10 but cannot get it setup with Nighthawk. It says no ethernet cable is detected even though the cord is plugged into the wall and router the same way the old one was connected. I know the new ethernet cable works fine because I used it with the old router and the internet came on albeit with the typical very slow speeds.

If it is at all helpful, I'm able to log into the old router to see the settings but I'm not sure what to make of any of it. The settings on the new router looks almost like a different language. The power, wifi, and wps LED lights turn on. The internet and ethernet lights do not turn on. Any guidance is appreciated!

AX1800 WiFi Router (RAX10)

Do you have a computer with an Ethernet input that you could plug directly in to the wall port? If yes, plug it in to the wall port and restart the computer. Test to verify if you have an internet connection?

Are you connecting the Ethernet cable from the wall port to the WAN input port on the RAX10?

The Nighthawk mobile application is a terrible way to try to configure a router. The first best option is from a computer connected to the router via an Ethernet cable. The next best option is from a computer connected to the router via Wi-Fi. When you connect to the router with a web browser, scroll down to the bottom of the opening page and select the link that indicates no mobile device available.

Getting the Internet LED on the router to turn on is your first concern.

avlip · ‎2023-07-12

Thank you for your reply. Yes I did have the ethernet cord connected to the WAN input on the RAX10. My laptop doesn't have an ethernet port on it, otherwise I would try the options for connecting it directly to the wall OR connecting the laptop to the router directly for setup. Maybe I should buy a converter to get better speeds for my laptop in the future. I have the old router connected now and the internet is working slowly. I have tried setting up the RAX10 using wifi on my laptop selecting the "no smartphone available" option, but I get the same prompt "no ethernet cord detected".

Kitsap · ‎2023-07-12

@avlip wrote:
Thank you for your reply. Yes I did have the ethernet cord connected to the WAN input on the RAX10. My laptop doesn't have an ethernet port on it, otherwise I would try the options for connecting it directly to the wall OR connecting the laptop to the router directly for setup. Maybe I should buy a converter to get better speeds for my laptop in the future. I have the old router connected now and the internet is working slowly. I have tried setting up the RAX10 using wifi on my laptop selecting the "no smartphone available" option, but I get the same prompt "no ethernet cord detected".

I fully agree, an Ethernet to USB adapter is a good piece of gear to have available. I have an Amazon basic variety that works well.

Not knowing what is on the other side of the Ethernet wall port is a real handicap. Somewhere the landlord or other renters may have some details. Having "a cable modem for all the units " does not tell you much.

One possible option would be to configure your RAX10 as a wired access point. With nothing connected to the router, you should be able to power it up and use your laptop to connect to the Wi-Fi that is listed on the label. From there enter the user interface (routerlogin.net or http://192.168.1.1). Attached is the page from the RAX10 user manual covering the wired access point configuration.