The Original Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, model MD463ZM/A, is a must-have accessory for Thunderbolt-equipped Mac computers. This adapter allows you to easily connect your device to an Ethernet network for fast and reliable internet access. With external interfaces including Ethernet and Ethernet (RJ-45), this adapter is compatible with Thunderbolt ports and RJ-45 connectors, making it a versatile and convenient solution for your networking needs. Whether you're in the office or at home, this Apple adapter ensures a seamless connection every time.
A gigabit ethernet adaptor that works well in many situations, although it is easily lost, forgotten, stolen, etc.
AVOIDING DISAPPOINTMENT BY KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THUNDERBOLT AND MINI DISPLAY PORT SOCKETS:
Now let's be clear here. This is a Thunderbolt 2 device, and like most Thunderbolt 2 devices, they use Mini Display Port (Mini DP) connectors. However, while a Thunderbolt 2 socket CAN run both Thunderbolt devices and mini display port connected monitors, the reverse will not work. Despite having the same connector, Mini Display Port sockets will NOT run Thunderbolt 2 devices, as the Thunderbolt technology requires additional circuitry, and better quality cables.
So if your socket has a little lightning/thunderbolt icon next to it, then you can use both Thunderbolt 2 devices and monitors... but if the socket has a little screen next to it, you can ONLY run a monitor from that Mini Display Port. Most Apple devices have this clearly labelled, however look up the specifications for your device if you're unsure BEFORE buying this device.
MAKE SURE THIS IS THE RIGHT ADAPTOR FOR YOU COMPUTER:
Please note: Apple makes another Ethernet Adaptor.... don't just pick it up randomly from the shelf... as it looks fairly similar...
The oldest Apple Ethernet adaptor is the USB 2.0 (or USB A plug) to Ethernet is 100Mb. It works well for MacOS, but it does NOT work very well at all for other operating systems like PFSense.. if you're re-purposing an old Mac to make a firewall. Some Linux distributions do support it... but I don't recommend this route if you want reliability.
You might be wondering... "So if that USB A adaptor is the oldest model, and this Thunderbolt 2 adaptor is also an outdated model.. what's the new stuff like?"
Apple seems to have skipped making the dedicated USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 to Ethernet adaptor, however several third-parties like Belkin, Comsol, and others do make them. These USB-C adaptors suit the latest generation of Macs. However, please note that the confusion between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 is almost exactly the same situation as the Thunderbolt 2/Display Port. Again, Thunderbolt 3 sockets are USB-C compatible... but USB-C sockets, still can't run Thunderbolt 3 devices. Thunderbolt has faster speeds, (40Gb/s) but USB-C is still no slouch either at 20Gb/s. However most Ethernet adaptors are still limited to a gigabit connection.
Most people who buy newer Macs purchase don't buy a plain Ethernet adaptor, but typically choose a hub, or a dock that has a variety of different ports, perhaps even sockets for memory cards and such. The more ports the hub/dock has, the more expensive. Similarly, Thunderbolt 3 hubs and docks are also more expensive than USB-C models due to the extra speed and capability. Many of these hubs/docs have Ethernet ports included, and most of them are gigabit. Some are faster 2.5/10Gb, but they're VERY expensive.
BACK TO THIS THUNDERBOLT 2 TO GIGABIT ETHERNET ADAPTOR:
Unlike the USB 2.0 to 100Mb adaptor, this thing will work for several Linux Distributions, including PFSense. That's really handy to know if you have an old Mac Mini, which makes an excellent router/firewall system in a space saving setup. This is what I bought mine for. (See attached images)
USING THE THUNDERBOLT 2 TO ETHERNET ADAPTOR WITH NEW MACHINES:
Thunderbolt has been an amazing technology for a long time, and it's incredibly reliable when stacking adaptors to bridge the divide between very new and very old machines.
I have used a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor, connected to this Ethernet adaptor and it works really well on new Apple devices. I haven't checked that with other operating systems, so you might need to experiment/research that a bit.
To take it to the extreme, I have used a chain of adaptors that include:
Thunderbolt 3 dock,
Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor,
Thunderbolt 2 to Ethernet (Yes this adaptor being reviewed)
.... all to transfer data from a iBook G3 (2003 model) to a 2019 MacBook Pro. That's three different technologies to bridge 16 years of computer evolution. Remember things are BACKWARDS compatible, but old software has no clue about new hardware... so you generally need to drive whatever transfer from the new device end.
CONCLUSION:
I think the adaptor does exactly what it's built for. It works for other operating systems natively or without much configuration. (More than I can say for many third party adaptors/hubs/and docks). I truly appreciate the reliability of Thunderbolt, and the extreme flexibility it provides as an interface that can be daisy-chained to other adaptors. My biggest complaint is that adaptors like these are easily left behind, lost, or forgotten... so docks might suit other people more...
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Works great for me, speeds are just like a Gb ethernet connection. My macbook doesn't get moved a lot and is mainly used as a desktop replacement, so having the plug dislodge is not an issue that affects me. The condition and price were good too. Just like a one from a store only cheaper.
No surprises here, does what the packet says. As seems to be the case with Apple in Australia, the new, in the box adapter is way to expensive for what it does. The one I bought was a used one which was much better value.
