Ethernet connection

[JTC111]

My iMac only has one ethernet port which I'm already using to connect to my router. I need to connect the Carbon to the iMac via ethernet. Can I use an ethernet splitter for that or do I need to buy the TB to Ethernet adapter?

[Kyle Splittgerber]

Originally Posted by JTC111

My iMac only has one ethernet port which I'm already using to connect to my router. I need to connect the Carbon to the iMac via ethernet. Can I use an ethernet splitter for that or do I need to buy the TB to Ethernet adapter?

Hello,

You'll need to use a qualified adapter.

If your Mac has Thunderbolt 2, then you'll need this one:
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/M...hernet-adapter

If your Mac has Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), then you'll need two adapters. The one above and this one:
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/M...bolt-2-adapter

[its2loud]

Or just find a cheaper usb 3 Ethernet adapter for your internet connection and plug the Carbon directly into your Mac’s Ethernet port

[dominicperry]

Just a reminder about other options from another thread:

"There are a few on the AVB compatible TB3 --> Ethernet adapters on the market, but in testing we had issues with them all to some degree. The double Apple dongle, while inelegant, was the most stable."


https://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?...light=ethernet

[Cowboy Bob]

Originally Posted by its2loud

Or just find a cheaper usb 3 Ethernet adapter for your internet connection and plug the Carbon directly into your Mac’s Ethernet port

I connect Carbon directly to the ethernet port on the iMac, then use a TB (usb-c) to ethernet adapter to a switch for network and my control surface.

Less dongles, and I feel the direct connection from Carbon to ethernet is best if you can manage it. I've no proof that is true, just intuitive thinking is all.

If you need more ports, and who doesn't nowadays it seems, there are TB port expansions of course.

[digiot]

Originally Posted by dominicperry

Just a reminder about other options from another thread:

"There are a few on the AVB compatible TB3 --> Ethernet adapters on the market, but in testing we had issues with them all to some degree. The double Apple dongle, while inelegant, was the most stable."


https://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?...light=ethernet

Yeah I started that thread and can confirm that Thunderbolt hubs with Ethernet do not work. There is little documentation of what Ethernet protocol most of these hubs use but having tried 3 different brands it doesn't look good. Just wish Apple would just make a Thunderbolt3 to Ethernet dongle instead of having to use 2 dongles.

[uptheoctave]

Originally Posted by digiot

Yeah I started that thread and can confirm that Thunderbolt hubs with Ethernet do not work. There is little documentation of what Ethernet protocol most of these hubs use but having tried 3 different brands it doesn't look good. Just wish Apple would just make a Thunderbolt3 to Ethernet dongle instead of having to use 2 dongles.

Belkin do one- does that work?

[Kyle Splittgerber]

Originally Posted by digiot

Yeah I started that thread and can confirm that Thunderbolt hubs with Ethernet do not work. There is little documentation of what Ethernet protocol most of these hubs use but having tried 3 different brands it doesn't look good. Just wish Apple would just make a Thunderbolt3 to Ethernet dongle instead of having to use 2 dongles.

Since Carbon uses AVB, you'd have to use an AVB-compatible switch for the Mac to recognize the device. That is most likely the reason you didn't have luck with those hubs. That said, we haven't qualified AVB switches and recommend direct connection to Mac Ethernet port or using qualified Thunderbolt adapter(s).

Support info here.

[JTC111]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to get an adapter to use for the router connection and make the direct connection to the iMac with the Carbon.

[Kyle Splittgerber]

Originally Posted by JTC111

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to get an adapter to use for the router connection and make the direct connection to the iMac with the Carbon.

Sure thing.

Nice, that's a great way to go. I overlooked that option.