2012 Mac Pro losing network connectivity

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Level 1

8 points

2012 Mac Pro losing network connectivity

Recently my 2012 Mac Pro has started losing internet connectivity. Both WiFi and Ethernet cables show valid IP address from the DCHP server, but there is not data getting through the IP stack. Turning off/on the WiFi or unplugging the ethernet cable does not help.

The only two things that help are: 1)restarting the computer, or opening Network Preferences, creating a new Location (other than Automatic), say Test, and then forcing WiFi to get a new IP address from the DCHP server. At first, it only finds some phantom IP6 address, then eventually gets a valid IP4 address. Network connectivity returns as normal. When connectivity eventually stops again, returning back to the Automatic location restores the IP data flows.

This problem occurs with either High Sierra or Mojave, which probably use the same TCP/IP software stack. The system ran fine for years and losing network connectivity just started a few months ago.

Mac Pro, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jan 10, 2020 11:45 AM

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Answer 1

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BDAqua

Level 10

240,149 points

Jan 10, 2020 1:33 PM in response to Gary_MacGuy

Hi Gary,

Make a New Location, Using network locations in Mac OS X ...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2712

 System Preferences>Network, top of window>Locations>Edit Locations, little plus icon, give it a name.

System Preferences>Network, click on the little gear at the bottom next to the + & - icons, (unlock lock first if locked), choose Set Service Order.

The interface that connects to the Internet should be dragged to the top of the list.

 If using Wifi, instead of joining your Network from the list, click the WiFi icon at the top, and click join other network. Fill in everything as needed.

System Preferences>Network>choose interface>Advanced>Proxies Tab, make sure none are set, like for HTTP & HTTPS.

System Preferences>Network, unlock the lock if need be, highlight the Interface you use to connect to Internet, click on the advanced button, click on the DNS tab, click on the little plus icon, then add these numbers...

8.8.8.8

8.8.4.4

1.1.1.1

9.9.9.9

Apply.

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Answer 2

Gary_MacGuy Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 23, 2020 10:11 AM in response to BDAqua

So far so good. It seems logical that the problem was related to DNS not resolving the requests. Adding the more robust DNS servers to the list was a good suggestion. Thanks.

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

240,149 points

Jan 23, 2020 11:42 AM in response to Gary_MacGuy

Great news Gary, likely was the DNS, but like to include other possibilities. :)

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2012 Mac Pro losing network connectivity

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