IOS 15 Issue with ethernet

I'm an IT engineer and researched issue further. It appears the MIFI certified Belkin ethernet adapter functions differently from the inexpensive non-MFI cert'd devices. I used the name 'Belkin' generically for the dongle because that's what people recognize.

One of the functionality differences are in power. Some of the non-cert'd products use an external power adapter in a camera/usb dongle that provides the power whereas the Belkin uses power over ethernet (PoE) where you can actually purchase a PoE switch/router that will send power through two of the RJ45 ethernet cable conductors to power the dongle. Other non-cert'd dongles pull power from the mobile device. Whatever IOS 15.. did, changes this operation.

I doubt seriously that Apple will fix this since the inexpensive dongles are non-certified. I searched and can find no complaints about the MFI certified Belkin dongles. If changes to the Lightning adapter operability of ethernet happens the Belkin has an internal chip that is 'updatable' with software patches to continue their operability. Since I cannot locate complaints on Belkin or Apple's sites for the Belkin dongle. I assume they either were not affected by the IOS 15 change or their support for the MFI certified product would have been resolved immediately.

I recommend users who need ethernet purchase an authentic Belkin adapter at cost about $100. The Belkin is available in Apple Stores or online. If after purchase the device is not operational then Apple Support can be contacted to resolve the issue. Belkin Ethernet + Power Adapter with Lightning Connector - Apple

The other thing people can do is backout the IOS 15 update back to 14 using an available icloud backup. This is a more sophisticated solution and only recommended if you are a tech person or have Apple support. Realize any app patches will be removed back to their old ones.

These are my perspectives and may not necessarily be true so strongly suggest people use their own discernment and research before making any decisions that could affect operation of their devices.

I’ve been using ethernet with airplane mode turned on for several years on iPhone and iPad. I was able to fix this issue but it is intermittent and unstable. I read another blog that VPN may cause this issue. I disconnected VPN, closed all apps and rebooted the IPad Pro. After reboot I reconnected Belkin ethernet adapter turned on airplane mode and am sending this response via ethernet only connection. Speedtest shows the Ipad is now getting the full 86 mbps download speed with VPN active and 94 mbps with VPN turned off. This is only possible with ethernet connection. The instability occurred when disconnecting VPN with the ethernet connection lost for several minutes. Disconnecting the Belkin adapter and reconnecting it re-established the connection. The Ethernet is not stable however and continually loses connectivity. I suspect there is a bug in the IOS 15 causing this issue and hope Apple engineers can correct this in upcoming patches. Ethernet is essential for stability when using a mobile device on Zoom calls, a requirement for many business professionals these days.

Issue resolved from reboot and. IPad Pro was working for several hours on ethernet. Once disconnected and moved to another room the ethernet again would not connect. I attempted to reboot again but cannot get an ethernet connection established. The settings ethernet shows on but no data throughput on ethernet. I hope Apple can correct this issue.

Does not make sense to question.

You obviously know nothing about ipad and ethernet support. Why are you responding to this posting?