The problem is my Intel i225 Network Adapter drops its network connection every time I start a backup using a Synology NAS requiring a restart of the PC to recover the network connection.

This is a new PC with an ASUS Prime Z490-A motherboard that has an onboard Intel i225-V #2 Ethernet Controller (I’ve tried driver Version 1.0.1.4 & 1.0.0.13 and Firmware NVM Version 1.56(1.38)). The PC is running Win10 Pro (Version 1909). The PC is backed up to a Synology NAS (DS1819+) using Synology’s Active Backup for Business app. Each time the NAS attempts to back up the PC, it pauses after about 1 ½ minutes and reports it is “Waiting for a network connection.” A moment earlier the PC dropped its network connection. Win10’s network status reports “No Internet access.” In Device Manager the network adapter reports “This device is working properly.” The only way to restore the network connection is to restart the PC. Upon restarting the adapter reconnects to the network and the NAS backup resumes for a few seconds before the network connection dies and the backup pauses waiting for a connection. The problem occurs whether using a scheduled backup or a manual backup.

The issue seems to be unique to the i225 adapter. I installed a 3rd party PCIe Ethernet adapter card & using that Ethernet port the backups run perfectly.

It seems that something the Synology NAS is asking the Intel i225 to do is shutting down the adapter. The problem could be with Intel’s chip, Synology’s software or the way ASUS uses the i225 on its new Z490 motherboards.

I’m stumped and would appreciate any suggestions for a solution.