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Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter: Faster?

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Sam5281

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 4, 2014
191
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Attempting to take advantage of full ISP speeds I am currently paying for. Wireless is okay - but understand a direct connect will always yield better results. Anyone use the Apple Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter with good result? Does quality of ethernet cable play part as well (IE: More expensive/ the better?)

Thanks in advance for your replies!
 
Ethernet is faster than wifi assuming all routers/switches and cables are in good shape. I use the adapter when wifi is not available or I don't want to be on a public wifi. The spec of a ethernet cable could make a different. Personally I purchase CAT-6 cables.

http://www.connectworld.net/syscon/support.htm
http://www.howtogeek.com/210326/not...l-you-can-get-faster-lan-speeds-by-upgrading/
http://www.howtogeek.com/70494/what-kind-of-ethernet-cat-5e6a-cable-should-i-use/


Keep in mind that the real world performance of the transport speed between you and your ISP is a small part of the total end to end connection. There is a world or servers, switches, and routers potentially between you and the site(s) you are trying to access.
 
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Wow. All great information. Am going to have to re-read through all this thoroughly.

Am going to be upgrading the current service I use to Cox and SB1683 modem. Will figure router after I solidify desired ethernet connected speeds. In my area the highest recorded speed tests from what I've read is a bit shy of 100mbps - yet Cox offers a 300mbps package. So am not sure which route to take, or why they'd claim a 300 capable package in the area yet independent tests are only recording max as I said shy of 100.
 
satcomer said:
Look up the specs of the router and the Ethernet cables you are using! The ISP router port are probably only 100mbs! So get a router that has 10/100/1000 ports on the back, that is VERY important! Plus make sure you get some modern CAT 6 Ethernet Cable.
Click to expand...

Just checked, as I recently had my Modem/Router replaced and it does have 10/100/1000 ports. 4 Ports total.
Which do I know are the designated 1000 port?
Going to buy a Cat 6 cable today as well.
Thanks guys!!
 
Sam5281 said:
Just checked, as I recently had my Modem/Router replaced and it does have 10/100/1000 ports. 4 Ports total.
Which do I know are the designated 1000 port?
Going to buy a Cat 6 cable today as well.
Thanks guys!!
Click to expand...
That means they would all four work with any of those three speeds listed.
 
Weaselboy said:
That means they would all four work with any of those three speeds listed.
Click to expand...

Excellent! Thanks for the wealth of information on this forum.

Will be shopping for pieces / reading up on best ethernet cable to pick up. Any recommendations on Brand specifics?
 
Sam5281 said:
Excellent! Thanks for the wealth of information on this forum.

Will be shopping for pieces / reading up on best ethernet cable to pick up. Any recommendations on Brand specifics?
Click to expand...

As long as you don't buy some crummy cables off eBay and buy from a reputable source, they are all pretty much the same. I like the ones from Monoprice satcomer mentioned or these from Amazon.
 
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Weaselboy said:
As long as you don't buy some crummy cables off eBay and buy from a reputable source, they are all pretty much the same. I like the ones from Monoprice satcomer mentioned or these from Amazon.
Click to expand...

Going to give one of the Amazon cables a go.
Any specific recommendation? or favorite?
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Guys thanks again!

To report back got the Cat6 and adapter in and am pleased with direct speediest numbers I am pulling!

Theres always a want for faster - but these will suffice for now! :)
 
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The Apple Store sells a 10 Gbit thunderbolt adapter.... I doubt your router has such a connection, though.
 
Sam5281 said:
Does quality of ethernet cable play part as well (IE: More expensive/ the better?)
Click to expand...
Never rely solely on price for anything. Check the specs.

A chain is only as strong as the weakest link. It's the same with connectivity. Your connection is only as fast as the slowest connection between your machine and the remote server. You can control everything from your computer to the router but, as stated above, there's a lot of other stuff out there that will impact your speed as well.
 
jerwin said:
The Apple Store sells a 10 Gbit thunderbolt adapter.... I doubt your router has such a connection, though.
Click to expand...

No I wish it did. No service I know of comes close to providing a Gig.

takeshi74 said:
Never rely solely on price for anything. Check the specs.

A chain is only as strong as the weakest link. It's the same with connectivity. Your connection is only as fast as the slowest connection between your machine and the remote server. You can control everything from your computer to the router but, as stated above, there's a lot of other stuff out there that will impact your speed as well.
Click to expand...

Very wise response. I've only got control of what I can have control over. So attempting to make best possible choices on my end via cable etc.
 
Sam5281 said:
Attempting to take advantage of full ISP speeds I am currently paying for. Wireless is okay - but understand a direct connect will always yield better results. Anyone use the Apple Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter with good result? Does quality of ethernet cable play part as well (IE: More expensive/ the better?)

Thanks in advance for your replies!
Click to expand...

Perform a test with speedtest.

I compared wifi with ethernet on a 2008 macbook and found no difference.
 
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