I have a thunderbolt bridge to gigabit ethernet adapter on my MBP that isn't working.

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Level 1

13 points

I have a thunderbolt bridge to gigabit ethernet adapter on my MBP that isn't working.

So far I can only use my WiFi settings. The thunderbolt bridge is showing a yellow button. I tried to use the advanced settings to Configure IPv6 to "link local only", which I remember being told to do previously. However, I can't remember any other setting that needed to be changed, other than to shut off WiFi. I've been using the MBP via WiFi only for some time and wanted to reconnect the thunderbolt bridge but can't seem to figure out the proper network settings. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.14

Posted on Jun 16, 2019 10:57 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 24, 2019 9:38 AM in response to Munchichic

"Thunderbolt Ethernet has a self-assigned IP address and will not be able to connect to the Internet."

That is MUCH more information than you provide before.

Your Mac gives itself a self-assigned IP address when it first starts up, to uniquely identify itself on your network. Then it sends out a broadcast request for a "good" local IP address.

When the self-assigned IP address persists longer than a moment, it indicates no Router will talk to you. This is usually caused by simple low-level problems like broken cables or unplugged cables. It is almost unheard of to be caused by a complex software or configuration issue.

Try a different port if there are several, and a different port on your Router. Check the cable for broken wires and try a different cable if possible.

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Answer 2

Jun 20, 2019 6:24 PM in response to Munchichic

System Preferences > Network > Ethernet > (Assist me) > (Assistant) ...

... will ask you a few questions, and attempt to set it up for you or tell you why it is not working.

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Answer 3

pedro d

Community Specialist

Jun 17, 2019 9:47 AM in response to Munchichic

Hi there, Munchichic!

Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities! That’s a great question you have about connecting your MacBook Pro to your internet with an Ethernet connection. Please check out this link to Connect your Mac to the Internet using Ethernet. This article will give you the best steps you can take to get your MacBook pro connected directly to the internet with an Ethernet connection.

Thanks again for the question and have a wonderful day!

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Answer 4

Munchichic Author

Level 1

13 points

Jun 20, 2019 5:30 PM in response to pedro d

Thank you for the response. Unfortunately, this made me scratch my head. I did not have to go through all of these steps and figure out IP addresses and such the last time I connected to the thunderbolt. It was just a few simple selecting from drop down menu options and I was connected. Guess I'll just stick to Wi-Fi even though the speed is drastically compromised. I do appreciate your time and assistance!

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Answer 5

Munchichic Author

Level 1

13 points

Jun 24, 2019 7:26 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you for this response. I am familiar with this screen, but I do not have any "Assist" or "Assist me" option here. I even tried typing that in the help menu an it just gave me instructions on how to enter IP addresses. All I know is the status is Connected and it says "Thunderbolt Ethernet has a self-assigned IP address and will not be able to connect to the Internet." I do not know what this means or how to resolve it. :/

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I have a thunderbolt bridge to gigabit ethernet adapter on my MBP that isn't working.

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