Hard-wired internet ? Don't want wi-fi !

[bookbuyer]

Machine: mid-2010 iMac "11,2"
OS: High Sierra

Problem:
Thunderstorm fried the ethernet port on the back. Now I have to use wi-fi to get internet.

The Thunderbolt Port and the Firewire 800 Port still work fine.

Question:
Is there some sort of "ethernet-to-something" converter available so I can still get hard-wired high-speed internet?

 

[bernuli]

Machine: mid-2010 iMac "11,2"
OS: High Sierra

Problem:
Thunderstorm fried the ethernet port on the back. Now I have to use wi-fi to get internet.

The Thunderbolt Port and the Firewire 800 Port still work fine.

Question:
Is there some sort of "ethernet-to-something" converter available so I can still get hard-wired high-speed internet?

i use this on my 2015 MacBook that has no built in rj45 port

Power & Cables - Mac Accessories

Find cables, charging docks and battery cases for Mac. Charge and sync up your Mac. Buy online with fast, free shipping

www.apple.com

 

[Fishrrman]

Be careful with "thunderbolt" to ethernet. On an old 2010 iMac, it might work, or might not.

There are numerous USB-to-ethernet adapters available.
That's the solution I suggest that you consider.

BE CAREFUL, read the user reviews.
Not all will work well with a Mac.

Apple has (had?) one:

Apple USB Ethernet Adapter

Apple USB Ethernet Adapter lets you use your USB 2.0 port on your Mac to connect to the Internet. Get fast, free shipping when you shop online.

www.apple.com

Not sure if it's still available new.

It might be possible to find the Apple adapter on ebay...

 

[dwig]

I've been using this one for several years now on an older Mac Mini that suffered the same fate:

Plugable USB Hub with Ethernet, 3 Port USB 3.0 Bus Powered Hub with Gigabit Ethernet Compatible with Windows, MacBook, Linux, Chrome OS, Includes USB C and USB 3.0 Cables

CONNECT ANYWHERE—Upgrade your tablet, laptop, or PC to wired Gigabit Ethernet speeds via USB-C or USB 3.0. USB Type-C and USB-A 3.0 cables included. Expand your USB 3.0 connectivity with this travel-friendly 3 port hub PORTABLE DESIGN—Featuring a compact aluminum frame, this sturdy hub is travel-...

smile.amazon.com

 

[bookbuyer]

Wow, thank you for your answers! Sounds like 2 really neat choices. I think I'll try both.
Thunderbolt is supposed to be a lil' faster than USB -- but both are worthy of trying!

BTW (off topic) I used to use this forum ALL the time.... I had forgotten how nice the members are here!
I was expecting the usual "aloof style" responses I've received in other forums, e.g.
"Why do you need to connect to the internet?"
"Why did you have a thunderstorm?"
"We don't get paid here, use google..."
hahahahaha

So I am heartened and refreshed seeing 2 quick intelligent answers.
Thank you!! 😀

 

[Boyd01]

I'd agree that the Apple USB adapter is a safe choice, but it only supports 100-base-T ethernet, which is pretty slow by current standards (100mbs/8 = 12.5 MBytes/sec). Your USB 2.0 port should be capable of supporting faster speeds than that, at least in theory.

I used a USB 3.0 ethernet adapter on my 2013 MacBook Air for awhile and it got close to the 1gb speed, so maybe something like it would do better for you? One drawback was that it required a special driver, which was problematic, where the Apple adapter doesn't need a driver (IIRC). But the Apple adapter is no longer available. Anyway, maybe look for a USB 3 gigabit ethernet adapter, and confirm that it's also compatible with USB 2.0?

You actually might be better off with wifi, depending on what that machine and your router are capable of.

 

[phrehdd]

You might find that a hub or docking station from Thunderbolt would be to your advantage as some handle gig ethernet along with other connections. I use my ports up fairly quick and would hate to dedicate one to just an ethernet adapter. If this idea is of interest, be sure to investigate offerings and input from people who have purchased the item in mind.

 

[ignatius345]

Wow, thank you for your answers! Sounds like 2 really neat choices. I think I'll try both.
Thunderbolt is supposed to be a lil' faster than USB -- but both are worthy of trying!

BTW (off topic) I used to use this forum ALL the time.... I had forgotten how nice the members are here!
I was expecting the usual "aloof style" responses I've received in other forums, e.g.
"Why do you need to connect to the internet?"
"Why did you have a thunderstorm?"
"We don't get paid here, use google..."
hahahahaha

So I am heartened and refreshed seeing 2 quick intelligent answers.
Thank you!! 😀

I always come here first and generally either find a thread where a similar question has been answered, or someone at least takes a stab at helping out.

The Apple Support forums are a troll-ridden hell hole, and pretty much everyone is either horribly misinformed or berates you for not including every possible shred of troubleshooting logs.

 

[theorist9]

The Monoprice USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter worked well on my 2014 MBP:

Monoprice USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter - Monoprice.com

Speed up your wired internet connection using this USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter from Monoprice™!This adapter allows you to get improved network speeds on any laptop or on a desktop without h

www.monoprice.com

But since your machine has USB 2.0, you might want this one instead:

Monoprice USB 2.0 Ultrabook Ethernet Adapter (Low Power) - Monoprice.com

Quickly and easily add a 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet to your Windows® or Mac® desktop or laptop computer with this Low Power USB 2.0 Ethernet Adapter from Monoprice™! Th

www.monoprice.com

 

[bookbuyer]

... so today I got a "thunderbolt to ethernet" adapter, but I couldn't make it work.
After lots of googling, the consensus was to go to System Preferences --> Network
... and then "click the plus sign" and choose "Thunderbolt Bridge."
However, "Thunderbolt Bridge" did not appear amongst the choices available (Firewire, Bluetooth Pan, WiFi, etc.).
I did lots of fiddling around: unplugged/plugged in the adapter, rebooted computer, deleted system kext caches, etc., but "Thunderbolt" still was absent in System Preferences->Network.
If anyone has any suggestions, I'll see if I can try 😀

 

[phrehdd]

... so today I got a "thunderbolt to ethernet" adapter, but I couldn't make it work.
After lots of googling, the consensus was to go to System Preferences --> Network
... and then "click the plus sign" and choose "Thunderbolt Bridge."
However, "Thunderbolt Bridge" did not appear amongst the choices available (Firewire, Bluetooth Pan, WiFi, etc.).
I did lots of fiddling around: unplugged/plugged in the adapter, rebooted computer, deleted system kext caches, etc., but "Thunderbolt" still was absent in System Preferences->Network.
If anyone has any suggestions, I'll see if I can try 😀

What product did you buy? (Name/make).

You might want to start fresh on the network side and remove everything first. While it should not be needed, does the product suggest any additional software required for Apple or by chance does it say for PC only or...?

Also on the Network window where you have that "+" there is next to it a circle with 3 dots within and a symbol. If you bring up that window, you get an opting to order your connections. Perhaps add that to a possible option to get things working.

 

[bookbuyer]

It was actual Apple brand.
Regarding the network window, I clicked everything, rearranged everything, deleted everything, created brand new location, rebooted computer, deleted system caches, unplugged, plugged, I monkeyed with everything possible.
The word "Thunderbolt" never appeared

 

[HDFan]

Thunderstorm fried the ethernet port on the back.

Your homeowners insurance doesn't cover a repair/replacement? A relative of mine lost almost all of their electrical appliances when lightning caused a power surge. Insurance covered it all.

 

[mi7chy]

Have you considered replacing the whole machine for not much more than a dongle? I see good condition working 2010 iMac on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc. for as low as $60.

If the SD card also isn't detected on the current one then it can likely be fixed with a Broadcom ethernet/SD card controller replacement which you can buy online for <$10 for two to four pieces. Only need one piece but it doesn't hurt to have spares. Just find someone in your network with basic electronics skills to replace it to use as a spare machine.

This is a laptop but repair procedure is similar.

 

[theluggage]

However, "Thunderbolt Bridge" did not appear amongst the choices available (Firewire, Bluetooth Pan, WiFi, etc.).

Just to be clear: “Thunderbolt bridge” is something completely different (using Thunderbolt cables directly between Macs for networking) - your adapter should just show up as a regular Ethernet adapter.

 

[ssmed]

If you go to About this Mac and then select system report is thunderbolt listed?
I think your computer is a FIREWIRE, not Thunderbolt model and USB2 connectivity will be your only option

Also from a security perspective ideally you need to install a much newer operating system and that means a new computer, whatever kind of firewall you are behind!

The symbols for display port and thunderbolt are different and should be visible, although the port form factor is the same

 

[Boyd01]

I think your computer is a FIREWIRE, not Thunderbolt model and USB2 connectivity will be your only option

Good catch. It looks like the iMac 11,2 does not have a thunderbolt port after all!

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac-core-i3-3.06-21-inch-aluminum-mid-2010-specs.html

 

[ssmed]

Good catch. It looks like the iMac 11,2 does not have a thunderbolt port after all!

View attachment 2071858

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac-core-i3-3.06-21-inch-aluminum-mid-2010-specs.html

Nothing before 2011!

 

[bookbuyer]

If you go to About this Mac and then select system report is thunderbolt listed?

OMG Good catch!
When I go to System Report, Thunderbolt is listed, but says "No Hardware Found."
(I attached a screenshot.)
All this time, I thought it was a Thunderbolt port.

 

[dwig]

OMG Good catch!
When I go to System Report, Thunderbolt is listed, but says "No Hardware Found."
(I attached a screenshot.)
All this time, I thought it was a Thunderbolt port.

Sounds like your OS version has Thunderbolt support, but your hardware doesn't.

 

[Boyd01]

According to the specs, your iMac supports 802.11n wifi. If so, that is supposed to offer between 300-450mbit performance. So, your best bet might be to get a better wifi router (or move it closer to your Mac). At least in theory, that should be much faster than an ethernet adapter on USB 2.0.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Quit messing with thunderbolt.
Get a USB adapter, and be done with it.

 

[justashooter]

The display port and thunderbolt connector look the same. So, no thunderbolt on a 2010 iMac. A USB to ethernet should give you plenty of speed. I have never used this https://www.microcenter.com/product/612947/j5create-jue136-usb-30-gigabit-ethernet-adapter but have other j5create devices that work as advertised. One reviewer is using it with a MacBook Pro. j5create web site https://en.j5create.com/products/jue130 says it is backward compatable with usb 2.