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usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter not working with usb-ethernet

I just tried to plug in the Belkin usb-ethernet adapter into the USB A port of the usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter (via a C->A adapter) and I don't get a connection, if I plug it directly into the laptop it works. The same chain plugged into a linux laptop works fine.

MacBook, macOS 11.6

Posted on Apr 15, 2022 5:49 PM

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15 replies

Apr 18, 2022 7:37 AM in response to rssenior

It may sound Off - but that is the way it works and in your case Does Not Work.


The Apple USB Multi Port Adaptor is designed by Apple and Designed to have the port function as Designed. That being HDMI Out, allow the computer to Charge with Adapter directly connected to computer and provide enough Power to an External USB Drive


I see Zero Mention in the Specification of using Third Party USB Ethernet Adaptor in the designed is usages

Apr 18, 2022 2:01 PM in response to rssenior

From the provide description this appear to be the discontinues Retina MacBook fro 2025 or earlier


Regardless, the specifications speak for themselves


If neither of the two adapters are work - the USB - C port on the computer may have been damage by too Much Power being pushed to the one and only USB - C port on this machine


Find an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Visit a Genius at an Apple Store for evaluation or repairs at a cost to the user.



Apr 18, 2022 6:48 PM in response to rssenior

Try creating a new Network Location and configure the Ethernet fresh. Also try creating a new admin user account and testing the Ethernet.


You can also try booting into Safe Mode to see how things work as this will disable third party drivers.  Typical software which interferes with the normal operation of macOS are anti-virus apps, cleaning apps, and third party security software.


Can you access the network using WiFi?


Apr 23, 2022 1:45 PM in response to BobHarris

The ethernet adapter is plugged into the A port, NOT the pass-thru power port. The Belkin usb-ethernet adapter was sold to me by Apple: The Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter - Apple


The ONLY non-apple thing in the chain is a USB-C to USB-A adapter (so that I can plug the USB-c dongle into a USB-A port, which as far as I know is just some passive PCB traces with no active components). The only reason that I mention the chain working in Linux is to demonstrate nothing is damaged, and that this seems to be a software problem or active sabotage by Apple.


#LessonLearned #StickWithLinux

Apr 16, 2022 9:13 PM in response to rssenior

macOS does not handle a wide range of setups like other operating systems. Plus utilizing multiple adapters is never a good option even if it seems to work. You should use something else besides the Apple multi-port adapter here, hopefully one with enough connection types so you don't need to use any extra conversion adapters.

Apr 18, 2022 3:46 AM in response to HWTech

That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. It is apple's adapter in apple's computer and the USB port that the adapter provides does not work. The U in USB stands for Universal. This adapter of apple's is the only way (afaik) to charge the computer while connecting a device (there is only one USB C port on the computer).

Apr 18, 2022 4:59 PM in response to PRP_53

Both usb-ethernet adapters work when plugged directly into the laptop, that implies the drivers are installed and working on the macbook and that the usb-c port on the macbook is fine.


When plugged into a linux laptop via the usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter (in the same way it is configured for the macbook), it works, which implies there is nothing wrong with the hardware.


What a dumpster fire.

Apr 19, 2022 5:13 AM in response to PRP_53

P. Phillips wrote:

Attempting to link the behaviours & functionality on a Windows Type computer using a Lunix Operating System Software is IMHO an unrealistic expectation

Agreed, these operating systems behave differently with the hardware. I had an Apple laptop which would not work properly while booted into macOS, but worked perfectly fine when booted to Linux because Linux is utilizing & accessing the hardware a bit differently than macOS. This video is a good example where a device works perfectly fine with Windows, but kills the WiFi when used on a new at the time Apple laptop (yes connecting a non-networking device kills the WiFi on a Mac!):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYVjIjBMx6o

usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter not working with usb-ethernet

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