Weird Ethernet Problem

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by EJ123, Sep 16, 2009.

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  1. EJ123, Sep 16, 2009

    EJ123 macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2009
    #1
    Hi,

    Background:
    I wonder if anybody has had a similar problem. I have 2 ethernet outlets at work, with a G5 into one, and I connect my MBP 17 (bought in April 09) into the other one. Since I got my MBP, I made it my "communication" machine with all email, browsing, writing, up to date stuff on it. The G5 became pure computing.

    Problem:
    One fine day in late may, the ethernet (cable not wireless) at work stopped working for the MBP. Simply shows: "Cable unplugged". and ever since. Note that it DID work for a month.

    My MBP ethernet (cable - not wireless) works at home, in hotels, in other places. I have been to the apple store twice: They tell me they see nothing wrong in it.

    The IT people at work tell me that they have no idea what's going on and my outlets work. It must be my laptop. In fact my G5 ethernet works in both outlets on my office wall and my MBP works on none.

    But recall, my MBP ethernet port works in every other building, city, where I have tried it.

    ??? Thanks for any hint
     
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  2. neilhart, Sep 16, 2009

    neilhart macrumors 6502

    neilhart

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2007
    Location:
    SF Bay Area - Fremont
    #2
    Interesting Problem

    Well I wonder what you would see if you put a multiport Ethernet hub or switch between your MBP and your work Ethernet port?

    Hubs and switches usually have the link status lights that can give a clue to what is happening. The MBP not having these status LEDs is some what blind.

    Anyway just a thought.

    Neil
     
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  3. electroshock, Sep 16, 2009

    electroshock macrumors 6502a

    electroshock

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2009
    #3
    Cable unplugged sounds like it's not seeing link.

    I've seen issues with ethernet cables where over time, a poorly crimped cable can sometimes actually have at least one pin come just slightly loose inside the connector in a way it no longer makes electrical contact with the metal bits inside the connector.

    First debugging tip I'd suggest is to try another cable. I.e. swap the MBP and G5's ethernet cables to see if the problem now follows the swapped cable or if it 'stays' with the MBP.
     
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