Jun 08, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
Apple has been the top-notch company when it comes to keeping its devices secured. It holds its security standards by providing the latest security and other relevant updates at all latest time possible. But, this time the new kernel update has created a lot of turmoil for the Ethernet users due to some minor bugs in the incomplete kernel configuration data.
This new kernel update has rendered the Ethernet port 'Broadcom BCM5701 driver' in Macs useless. Although many of the newer models do not have the Ethernet port, many users of Mac still have the Ethernet port and use it to access the Internet.
Fortunately, Apple has solved the problem very soon. It is now time to learn the method on how to fix Mac Ethernet problems as soon as possible and start using the Ethernet connection as usual. The main premise of the solution is to install the new update Incompatible Kernel Extension Configuration Data 3.28.2 and update your system. In that way, the error will be removed, and you will be able to use your Ethernet connection as usual.
Now, to download the new update you will need the Internet connection on your Mac. For users who have the Wi-Fi connection, it will be easy for them to download the update and fix the problem but for those who do not have any other means will have to follow through a number of additional steps to fix the problem. So, let us take a look at how to fix the Mac Ethernet Problems in the subsequent sections.
Installed the 10.2.8 version on my Beige G3 withthe Apple PCI 10/100 card of the same vintage. Much to my suprise, the ethernet connection still works - then again, it already worked fine. I installed Sierra and all drivers for motherboard, but ethernet is not working. I tried to install all different drivers from multibeast. Also usb 3 ports are not working only usb 2.0. I installed Nvidia fix in multibeast and it looks ok, but i am not sure how to check if its ok.
Related: What if the Wi-Fi is not working on Mac now? Read here and learn how to fix Mac Wi-Fi problems..
Dec 04, 2017 starting with macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 there will be native support for Aquantia AQtion based 10GbE network cards. Digging around in the latest developer beta of 10.13.2 revealed a KEXT named 'AppleEthernetAquantiaAqtion.kext'. Path to the KEXT.
How to Fix Mac Ethernet Problems
As we discussed, the error is due to a bad update by the Apple. But is it the case with your Mac too? So, in order to check that, we need to know what is the current update that is installed on your computer. After we know that, we can then proceed with steps on how to fix Mac Ethernet problems. To know what is your Mac version, you should:
While holding down the 'option' key, click on the 'System Information' from the Apple menu in the menu bar.
Open the 'software' section and then click on the 'installation' section.
Then sort the information by clicking on the 'software name' column.
Proceed with searching the update 'Incompatible Kernel Extension Configuration Data' in the list.
Here is the sample screenshot of how the screen will look like at the end of the steps 4.
If the latest update version is 3.28.2, then you are on right path and need not worry about the port problem. On the other hand, if you are stuck to 3.28.1, then you have got a bad update. You will need to fix the problem by updating to latest version 3.28.2. So, let us see two methods on how to fix the problem:
1. If you can connect to the Internet:
In case, you have Wi-Fi, and you can connect to the Internet, then you are on the sunny side. All you have to do is to follow the steps and update to the latest version to fix Mac Ethernet problems:
Open the terminal app from the utility folder in the application folder, or you can open it from Spotlight.
Now, copy the following code in the terminal app and press on the return key to run the command.
sudo softwareupdate --background
Enter the system password and proceed by clicking on the return key.
Close the terminal app and restart your Mac by clicking on the Apple menu in the menu bar.
2. If you cannot connect to the Internet:
In case, you cannot connect to the Internet because Ethernet was the only mean, then you will need to revert back your update to a version when your port was working and then update the system so that you can get back your system to the version which is free from the bug:
You will need to launch the Mac in 'recovery mode'. For that, restart the Mac and go into recovery mode. Going into the recovery mode disables a lot of apps, and only the necessary one function in the background.
When you enter into the 'recovery mode', select the 'Utility Disk' in the OS X Utility list.
Select the primary boot drive on the left side sidebar. By default, Macintosh HD is the boot drive. If you have changed the main boot drive then select that drive.
Related: Get four ways to fix a Mac that can't be booted into Recovery Mode.
If you have FileVault, then in that case the main boot drive would be greyed out or not selectable. In that case, go to File -> Unlock and then centre the FileVault password to open the main boot disk. You can skip this step if that is not the case.
Mount the main boot disk by going to File -> Mount in the menu bar.
While being in the recovery mode, launch the terminal app.
Enter the code given below and tap the return key. Enter the password if necessary.
Note: Replace Macintosh HD in the command line with the name of main boot drive if you have some other boot drives.
Close the terminal app and restart the Mac
When you reopen the Mac, your Ethernet port should be working fine.
Now, update your system to the latest version by opening the terminal app and running the following command line.
Enter the password if asked to enter.
sudo software update –background
Restart the Mac, and everything now should be working fine.
Conclusion
It can be challenging to deal with Mac Ethernet problems, but it is not impossible. The article can help you fix Mac Ethernet problems very well. But if the problem persists, it is advisable to follow the Apple forum or can take help of a Mac Expert to resolve your issue.
Related: To recover lost or deleted data on Mac, you need to use Recoverit MacBook File Recovery.
What's Wrong with Mac
Recover Your Mac
Fix Your Mac
Delete Your Mac
Learn Mac Hacks
Check compatibility
You can upgrade to macOS High Sierra from OS X Mountain Lion or later on any of the following Mac models. Your Mac also needs at least 2GB of memory and 14.3GB of available storage space.
MacBook introduced in late 2009 or later MacBook Air introduced in late 2010 or later MacBook Pro introduced in mid 2010 or later Mac mini introduced in mid 2010 or later iMac introduced in late 2009 or later Mac Pro introduced in mid 2010 or later
Ethernet Driver For Mac Os High Sierra Download
To find your Mac model, memory, storage space, and macOS version, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu . If your Mac isn't compatible with macOS High Sierra, the installer will let you know.
Make a backup
Before installing any upgrade, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Learn how to back up your Mac.
Get connected
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you have a reliable Internet connection. If you're using a Mac notebook computer, plug it into AC power.
Download macOS High Sierra
For the strongest security and latest features, find out whether you can upgrade to macOS Catalina, the latest version of the Mac operating system.
If you still need macOS High Sierra, use this App Store link: Get macOS High Sierra.
Begin installation
Mac Ethernet Dongle
After downloading, the installer opens automatically.
Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
Ethernet Mac Address
If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.
Ethernet Driver For Mac Os High Sierra 2
Allow installation to complete
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar, or show a blank screen several times as it installs both macOS and related updates to your Mac firmware.
Mac Os High Sierra 10.13.6
Learn more
Ethernet Driver For Mac Os High Sierra 10 13 6
If you have hardware or software that isn't compatible with High Sierra, you might be able to install an earlier macOS, such as Sierra or El Capitan.
macOS High Sierra won't install on top of a later version of macOS, but you can erase your disk first or install on another disk.