MacBook Pro wont work with ethernet splitter?

Question

MacBook Pro wont work with ethernet splitter?

Hi All,

I bought an Ethernet splitter to connect both my work computer and our home computer and bypass wifi. When I plug both in my work computer(Lenovo running windows 7) connects immediately and runs fine. My mac "Connects" but then I get a "Self assigned IP" error. I have tried all the fixes for this.

Reset modem
Creating new location
renewing DHCP
inputing random DNS locations
pretty much everything on google.

If I take the Lenovo off and reset the modem my Mac connects and runs fine but when both are plugged in it doesn't want to work.

Any suggestions or solves for this I missed when searching the community notes?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Nov 20, 2020 1:34 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BobHarris

Level 9

56,969 points

Nov 20, 2020 4:18 PM in response to Hihowareya123

An RJ45 splitter has restrictions

.NOTE: This Ethernet splitter allows two 
computers to share one Ethernet line ONE AT A TIME, but it doesn't 
support both computer to connect onto the internet simultaneously.

You need an Ethernet Switch.

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Answer 2

BobHarris

Level 9

56,969 points

Nov 21, 2020 12:42 PM in response to Hihowareya123

What is the TP-Link switch plugged into?

You CANNOT plug it directly into the broadband modem. You have to connect an Ethernet switch on the home side of a router.

If you are plugging directly into your broadband modem, your ISP will assign exactly 1 IP address. It will ignore all other DHCP requests for an address.

If your ISP gives you a broadband modem/router/WiFi combo box, then the TP-Link switch can be plugged into one of the extra home LAN ports, and it should work. Or an Ethernet cable from a router LAN port to somewhere else in your home, into the TP-Link, and then to your Lenovo and Mac

It should work as long as you have a home router between you and the TP-Link

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Answer 3

Nov 20, 2020 5:00 PM in response to BobHarris

Thanks for the response. Went back and checked and it is a:

TP-Link 5 Port Gigabit Desktop Switch

So looks like I luckily do have a switch but just isn't working for me.

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MacBook Pro wont work with ethernet splitter?

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