Slow Thunderbolt speeds for MacBook Air migration assistant transfer

I have a MacBook Air (2020 M1) and a MacBook Air (2024 M3) connected using an Apple Thunderbolt Cable (lightning symbol on both ends) but the connection is prioritizing WiFI peer to peer because it's faster (53MB/s). In the Connection Details the direct connection is labeled "xyzzy MacBook Air" Ethernet --> Ethernet on this Mac, sampled at 39 MB/s.

Why would this direct connection with a Thunderbolt Cable not be faster and automatically detected?

Thanks

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jan 12, 2025 1:20 PM

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2 replies

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,030 points

Jan 12, 2025 4:33 PM in response to JPaguyinca

The best way to migrate from old Mac to New is to use a TM backup via cable. Too many issues reported going from Mac to Mac directly.

Jan 12, 2025 7:40 PM in response to JPaguyinca

The M1 has a slower thunderbolt/USB 3 port than the M3.

Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40Gb/s) is the spec for the M1.

Regardless, I would think a wired connection would be faster overall given less overhead for the communication medium.

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Slow Thunderbolt speeds for MacBook Air migration assistant transfer

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