Hi,
Just received my 27" Thunderbolt Display. So far it works fine. I did notice that it is fitted with a plethora of ports, which is good. However, it also has an ethernet port and I can not figure out any purpose for a display to have an Ethernet Port. Does anyone have any sugggestions?
Sundowner666 wrote:
What happens to the ethernet port on the Macintosh's that do have an ethernet port if the Display port is used? Is it disabled?
I am taking this a step further, no computer requires 2 ethernet ports unless it is a Server. At least that is my understanding.
Not true. You can use as many Ethernet ports as you can physically attach to a computer. Each has to be on a different "subnet" - i.e. a separate network "ring".
I have a Mac Mini and a TB Display. The Ethernet port on the Mini connects to my printer; the Ethernet port on the Display connects to my MBP for super-fast file transfer. Both Macs also connect to each other and the internet via WiFi !!! 😁 (The phone socket and wireless router are downstairs, but my office is upstairs.)
There's probably an easier way of doing things, but it works.
Hi Malcolm,
Thanks, that makes a lot of sense in the case of the MacBook Air. What happens to the ethernet port on the Macintosh's that do have an ethernet port if the Display port is used? Is it disabled?
I am taking this a step further, no computer requires 2 ethernet ports unless it is a Server. At least that is my understanding.
Thanks for your help.
I have a Mini and use the TBD. I have the ethernet connected to the TBD just to make less desk clutter. My network pane just indicates that the open ethernet port is available on my Mini but not connected. So I guess both ports are probably "hot".
The Thunderbolt display is often used as a docking station for a laptop. The Ethernet port on the display will provide a wired network connection for the laptop when used at the desk. This is very useful with a MacBook Air, which has no Ethernet port.
Why does the 27" ThunderBolt Display have an Ethernet Port on it?
