Ethernet problems connected to lightning strike?

[Th3FunkyChick3n]

I don't know how much help I can get on here for this but i'll give it a shot. A week or two ago my house was struck by lightning and killed a lot of my electronic things including taking out our internet. Now, my laptop wasn't plugged in to the wall during the strike (thank god it wasn't) but it did have an ethernet cable connected to it which (obviously) was connected to my router. Now, my question is would the ethernet function on my computer be affected by the strike? Because now my laptop will not recognize any ethernet connection (yes I did try a different cord and hooking it up to the modem instead). Any help at all is appreciated. Thank you for your time.

 

-Connor

 

(another little note: My microphone is also screwing up. could it be related?)

 

(another little note: all other functions and ports work fine on my laptop)

[HoiDaniel]

Ask if it's covered by your insurance

[CommandMan7]

A similar thing happened to me, except I had surge protectors on everything *except* our brand new router. like an idiot. The router was only partially broken (still could broadcast signal but not functional internet), which suggests that the surge wasn't that bad. It was connected via ethernet to a laptop, and the laptop continues to have working ethernet. Plus, ethernet has zero conductive material (it's fiber) so unless your computer got freaked out over some strange signal it is probably not related.

[Joshosaurus]

ethernet has zero conductive material (it's fiber)

 

Ethernet is copper wires isn't it, when I buy reels of it it's definitely copper which does carry electrical signals.

[CommandMan7]

Ethernet is copper wires isn't it, when I buy reels of it it's definitely copper which does carry electrical signals.

Just verified you're right, I wasn't looking hard enough first time. So perhaps it could have been the lightning.

[Wombo]

If the laptop was plugged into a router it is highly unlikely there is any damage. Especially given the fact your laptop won't be PoE, neither would your router be. It is possible it was damaged but the odds of that are quite low. I would check the driver for your Ethernet adapter and also check your network settings to ensure you are either using DHCP where available.