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

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Level 1

7 points

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

I've been successfully connecting to ethernet via a powerline adaptor (home plug) in my studio. The ethernet cable directly connects from a powerline adaptor to ethernet port on my MacBook Pro. and I was able to switch from wifi to ethernet easily.

I then tried connecting to ethernet via Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock. Now ethernet has an orange indicator in 'network' and displays message that 'ethernet has self-assigned IP address and will not be able to connect to the internet'.

I tried to go back to directly connecting the ethernet cable into the ethernet port on MBP, but now I get the same message ''ethernet has self-assigned IP address and will not be able to connect to the internet'. I've tried to renew DHCP lease, but to no avail. Is this something to do with internet sharing? Please someone explain.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on May 30, 2020 3:22 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

BDAqua

Level 10

241,037 points

May 30, 2020 3:47 PM in response to BebopLondon

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.

Sys Prefs>Network>highlight the Interface you're using>Advanced>TCP/IP>Configure IPv4: Using DHCP.

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

BebopLondon Author

Level 1

7 points

Jun 18, 2020 1:33 AM in response to BDAqua

Hi BDAqua, Success! The problem was with the room extenders (powerline adaptors). 15m ethernet cable directly linking the modem to MBP, or directly linking Belkin dock and modem solved problem. Thanks for your advice and interest Terri.

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Answer 3

BebopLondon Author

Level 1

7 points

Jun 7, 2020 12:25 AM in response to BDAqua

Hi BDAqua,

Thanks for keeping in touch. I replied but thread went astray (maybe my mistake). Here's what I said "Jun 1, 2020 11:19 AM in response to BDAqua

Sorry for delay, have been trying to understand the problem. I have disconnected everything and now think that the culprit may be the Powerline extender. I plugged into the modem directly with just the MacBook Pro and can get ethernet, same with Belkin dock, but not in studio via Powerline extender. I have two other rooms using Powerline extender for TV and one in garden for security. All three work fine. I have swapped extenders to see if it is this particular extender but it is not. So it seems the computer suddenly will not work with an extender. I am now considering just using a retractable 15m ethernet cable (if I can find one) directly linking modem and MBP and by-passing Belkin dock.

Currently: I'm now awaiting delivery of extended ethernet cable (not retractable). Should be 11th June. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again.

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