[Help] Intel i226 NIC issues on Linux/OpenWrt but works fine on Windows

Hardware Questions and Recommendations
1

Hi everyone,

I’ve run into a strange problem with my Intel i226 NIC and could use some advice.

I built an OpenWrt x86 router (I’m a beginner) and had my i226 NIC running perfectly for about 7 months straight, 24/7, without any issues. Then I decided to update OpenWrt to the latest version 24.10.2 , and that’s when disconnection problems started.

I tried rolling back to the previous OpenWrt version (the one that had been working fine 24.10.1), but the issue persisted. I also tested with Ubuntu and Debian, and the exact same problem occurred.

Here’s the weird part: when I tested the NIC on Windows, it worked without any issues. No errors showed up in the Event Viewer either. So it looks like the card itself is OK, but something in Linux/OpenWrt is causing instability.

I’d like to continue with my small home lab projects (router, Plex server, NAS), so I really need this working on OpenWrt or Debian.

:backhand_index_pointing_right: My question is: should I switch to a different NIC for stability? I’m considering either a Realtek RTL8125BG (2.5GbE) or an Intel i350 (1GbE, but very stable).

I’m looking for stability and good performance above all, since this machine will be handling my router, Plex, and NAS duties.

Any recommendations, workarounds, or confirmation from people who’ve experienced the same issue with the i226 on Linux would be super helpful!

Thanks in advance :folded_hands:

NIC Fenvi, 4 ports, nvm updated to 2.25

Intel x86 n100/n200/n300 mini device recommendations
2

You need to check the log, just by writing "unstable" here no one can guess, since you're using x86 so you should at least have a console to see what's going on?

But yeah, Intel's i225/i226 had bad reputation on having various issues, sometimes it's just by chance to get a good one, in contrast Realtek 8125 doesn't have the best performance however it's working consistently.

Depending on the speed, if 1GbE is enough then i350 should be the best alternative.

3

Yes. Intel 2.5G across all revisions should just be avoided. All the negative things about 2.5G networking is due to the problems with intel.

  • 1G = intel
  • 2.5G = realtek (buy name brand cards e.g. Trendnet, TPlink, etc)
4

checking the kernel sources there has been 2 patches in recent times around power management

It looks like you need to be running 6.6.96 or greater to be sure on that one

Then there’s a newer one, this one got committed less than 24 hours ago

So assuming this fixes the issue, you are going to need an Openwrt build based on linux kernel 6.6.103 or greater.

It looks like Openwrt 24.10.2 is only based on 6.6.93 perhaps try a snapshot ?!?

etc

Obviously, your problem could be unrelated especially if it was working beforehand. Maybe some network setting / kernel option got changed between the old and the newer. I theorize for instance that some ISPs do not like it when you use BBR (3?) For the TCP congestion algorithm that’s just an unrelated example.

5

I’ve tried to upgrade from 24.10.1 to 24.10.4 and have an issue with i226 as well. I have two connected ethernet ports both exactly the same i226 based. While one of them works just fine with the new version another one has no link. It looks very strange to me. Reverting back to 24.10.1 solves the issue.
Hardware is ODROID-H3+ with 4 (Intel’s I226-V) ports Net Card 2.

6

I don’t completely agree. Maybe some particular Intel models in combination with Linux support can have issues, but the same applicable to Realtec as well. Actually based om my more then 25 years Linux experiences I’d personally prefer Intel. My ODROID-H3+ based router with 4 i226-v ports has no issues for years. However the newer Openwrt versions have some issues, but I’d consider this is an exception that proves the rule. :wink:

1 Like
7

Four revisions, a name change, and it still isn't 100% working. I think the last "solution" I saw was you had to flash the latest nvm and still disable ASPM. If it was stable and working, intel 2.5G would be standard in Dell, Lenovo, and HP office machines by now.

This is all kind of moot as we approach 2026 and people should be looking at 5G/10G.

My guess is intel dumps 2.5G for their new 10G stuff that hopefully actually works:

While Realtek already has 8126 and 8127 working, for cheaper, and for lower power.

8

Nah.....

Performance wise Realtek might not be that great when compared to Intel, but at the 2.5GbE at least you don't see the disasters of i225/i226, I prefer Intel for their "server grade" cards (1G, 10G, or X550 which is multi gig), but for consumer grade we can see it's declining, starting from the crappy i-219V.

My company does OS driver devs and is facing many weird i225/i226 under Linux most of the time, basically it's HIT or MISS. Yes you got Odriod-H3+ which works well, but anything else? On the internet there are many reports of bad i225/i226 around the globe.

Realtek 2.5GbE? In fact many routers/APs with 2.5GbE port are using Realtek 2.5GbE chip and they're proven to be stable enough.

9

sorry for your loss::grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:
theoretical maximum 2.5 gigabit/sec
intel i225 2.4 gigabit/sec (according to some reddits)
realtek 8125 2.35 gigabit/sec (own measure)

10

Thanks for useful information!