HT202617: Apple USB or Thunderbolt to Ethernet Adapters: First time setup

Learn about Apple USB or Thunderbolt to Ethernet Adapters: First time setup
Rifleman57

Q: My USB to ethernet adaptor only works if plugged into my MacBook Pro. I tried initially using a USB expander (multi-plug) but this failed - a problem when you have only TWO USB ports! Any suggestions?

My USB to ethernet adaptor only works if plugged into my MacBook Pro.

I tried initially using a USB expander (multi-plug) but this failed - a problem when you have only TWO USB ports!

Any suggestions?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on May 31, 2016 6:15 AM

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Q: My USB to ethernet adaptor only works if plugged into my MacBook Pro. I tried initially using a USB expander (multi-plug) but this ... more

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  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass May 31, 2016 7:15 AM in response to Rifleman57
    Level 10 (189,558 points)
    Desktops
    May 31, 2016 7:15 AM in response to Rifleman57

    Jus what "expander" did you use?

    What model MacBook Pro?

     

    This is the Mac Pro desktop forum. I requested your post be moved to the MacBook Pro laptop forum.

  • by Rifleman57,

    Rifleman57 Rifleman57 May 31, 2016 7:59 AM in response to lllaass
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    May 31, 2016 7:59 AM in response to lllaass

    Thanks Illaass

    My MacBook Pro is the Retina 13", 2015.

    I have a Targus 4 way USB adaptor, with no alternate power source.

    The same problem has just reared its head with my EHDD, although all other peripherals are working off the hub.

    I guess I need to find a hub with its own power source!?

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,Helpful

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder May 31, 2016 8:33 AM in response to Rifleman57
    Level 9 (61,115 points)
    Desktops
    May 31, 2016 8:33 AM in response to Rifleman57

    a Powered Hub is often needed for drives, and sometimes for complex devices, because they draw too much power to run properly off a passive unpowered Hub.

     

    USB devices report their required power, and you can do the math to see. (but some manufacturers lie about what their device may need worst case, and if it says zero it will be low, but it is not really zero.)

     

     menu >About This Mac > ( System Report ) > USB

  • by lllaass,Helpful

    lllaass lllaass May 31, 2016 8:33 AM in response to Rifleman57
    Level 10 (189,558 points)
    Desktops
    May 31, 2016 8:33 AM in response to Rifleman57

    Yes, find a powered USB 3 hub.