Ethernet status: Cable unplugged. Even though it is plugged in.

Question

Ethernet status: Cable unplugged. Even though it is plugged in.

I am in great distress here. I am a college student living in a dorm where the wifi rarely ever works. This being said, I rely heavily on ethernet. I have a 2012 Macbook Pro with Retina Display 15". I am using the thunderbolt adapter. My ethernet has been working perfectly fine for a couple of months and then earlier this week it started to become spotty. A couple of days ago I completely could not aquire internet. The problem is not my cord. I plugged my cord into my roommates computer and it worked perfectly fine on hers. I also plugged her cord, which was working on her computer, into my computer and the network setting said cable unplugged. I have been searching through the support community online and have tried multiple things. I am running on Mac OS X Lion 10.7.5. I reset my PRAM. I created a new network location.Renewed the HPCD release. I have been lucky a couple of times where the ethernet works, but it usually only lasts a couple of minutes. I am desperate here, I rely on the etherent a lot and it is hard for me to get all my school work done without internet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012), Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Nov 15, 2012 8:01 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 16, 2012 12:32 AM in response to AppleNewbie333

You've tried all of the 'tricks,' it seems. If I were you, I'd just take the computer and adapter to your local Apple Store and see if you can reproduce the problem on their network. If you can, it may be a faulty adapter. It's really difficult to diagnose hard-wired problems over the Internet - wifi can involve something as simple as resetting the router and modem (have you tried that? Resetting the modem can be tricky if, like mine, it has battery backup: you can't just unplug it and wait a few minutes, you have to find the actual reset button, usually on back).

So see if resetting the router and modem make a difference: if not, it's time for a trip to the Apple Store.

Clinton

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Answer 2

ds store

Level 7

30,705 points

Nov 16, 2012 1:28 AM in response to AppleNewbie333

Apple likes to experiment with new concepts which has the unfortunate side effect of sometimes not working as reliable as tried and true methods.

I would try another adapter cable first, and if it works, be very gingerly with it as Ethernet cable/ports as is really not designed to be used all the time with portable devices due to the high frequency of connects and disconnects wearing out the ports.

If you have a Ethernet cable you can set your own router right up in your room, however it's security must be top notch and password only used by you or your roomates as it will soon be overloaded if everyone learns about it.

WiFi security issues, at home and WiFi hotspots

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