Non Realtek based USB-C ethernet adapter that works with Big Sur?

With Realtek based USB-C ethernet adapters known not to work reliably with Big Sur - a problem I've reproduced with three different manufacturers - is there a USB-C based 1GB ethernet device out there _not_ based on the Realtek chipset that works with Big Sur? The problem with trying to shop for these things is the chipset used is not often available in the marketing material, and the majority of them seem to be using Realtek. I'm willing to spend more than $20.


The Apple Store standard is the Belkin one, which is Realtek.


I've been a MacBook Pro user since 2003. My workflow requires a reliably working hard wired ethernet connection to do my work, and this issue has me seriously considering a non-Mac laptop.



MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.6

Posted on Oct 24, 2021 12:22 PM

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Oct 24, 2021 6:59 PM in response to Paul Forgey

Most of the common respectable brands appear to use a Realtek chipset. Only the Anker website mentions anything about needing a special driver for macOS up to 10.15 (no mention is made of Big Sur). Seems a lot of adapters need extra drivers for full functionality even on macOS (I personally hate to install extra third party drivers as they always tend to cause problems and break after an OS update).

https://us.anker.com/products/a8341


I too have found most USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapters to have some kind of issue with macOS so I have resorted to using an inconveniently pieced together mess involving an Apple USB-C to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter combined with an Apple Thunderbolt 2 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter. This has worked well except the Thunderbolt connection tends to pull apart at times. It should tell us something that Apple does not make their own branded USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter. Perhaps it just isn't possible to have a fully working one under macOS. In fact Apple has even recommended this combination to us for some use cases.


You may want to check with OWC to see what chipset their USB-C to Ethernet Adapter uses as it is not listed on their website.

https://www.owcdigital.com/products/thunderbolt-3-10g-ethernet-adapter


Satechi & Tripplite also do not list the chipsets used.


Plugable lists three versions of their USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapters all using a Realtek chipset as compatible with macOS and they list several other ones and clearly note they do not work with macOS. I know Plugable is a good brand plus they always publish the full technical details on their product pages. I have never tried any of these specific Plugable adapters.

https://plugabletechnologies.myshopify.com/products/usbc-te1000

https://plugabletechnologies.myshopify.com/products/usb3-hub3me

https://plugabletechnologies.myshopify.com/products/usbc-e2500



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Non Realtek based USB-C ethernet adapter that works with Big Sur?

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