OWC thunderbolt 4 dock dropping ethernet/online connection

[gugy]

Hi,

Does anybody know a solution for the OWC Thunderbolt 4 dock dropping Ethernet/online connection often after my MBP M1 Max goes into sleep mode? I replaced it with a new unit from OWC, but the problem is still there. They asked me to install their DockEjector software, but that did not solve the issue. I would appreciate any feedback.

 

[mfram]

Not sure exactly which dock you have but if it advertises "gigabit ethernet" then it likely contains an internal USB-Ethernet adapter. You can verify this by looking at your System Report under the USB tab when the ethernet is working. The issue is that the most common chipset used for gigabit USB-ethernet adapters is pretty unreliable on the Mac. There's a whole thread about it here. You can read the details there. The best option I've found is to get a 2.5 gigabit USB-Ethernet adapter because the driver for that chipset is much more reliable. Plug that adapter into your dock and ignore the built-in one. I haven't had any issues with my 2.5 gigabit adapter.

 

[transmaster]

I have an OWC Thunderbolt 4 dock on its way. It is going be connected through a Gigabit router switch, then an Eero WiFi router, and then to the DSL modem. Might this mitigate the disconnect problem.

 

[transmaster]

I was researching because I have one on it is way. This is a known issue but not just with the OWC Thunderbolt 4 dock but with other Thunderbolt devices. It seems that a lot of people have solved their problem with different Thunderbolt cables.

 

[gugy]

Not sure exactly which dock you have but if it advertises "gigabit ethernet" then it likely contains an internal USB-Ethernet adapter. You can verify this by looking at your System Report under the USB tab when the ethernet is working. The issue is that the most common chipset used for gigabit USB-ethernet adapters is pretty unreliable on the Mac. There's a whole thread about it here. You can read the details there. The best option I've found is to get a 2.5 gigabit USB-Ethernet adapter because the driver for that chipset is much more reliable. Plug that adapter into your dock and ignore the built-in one. I haven't had any issues with my 2.5 gigabit adapter.

OK, thanks I'll try that. Is there a brand you recomend?

 

[gugy]

Plug that adapter into your dock and ignore the built-in one. I haven't had any issues with my 2.5 gigabit adapter.

Yep, your solution seems to be the winner. I purchased the Anker USB-C adapter and in the last 4 days, the ethernet has been stable. I appreciate the feedback.

 

[SimonAgain]

Wow...useful post. I've ordered an Anker USB-C adapter to fix the same problem. Thanks all.

 

[transmaster]

Anker seem to be the ultimate solution to so many things, I sure know it has been for me.