The 2017 Mac Pro Ethernet Dilemma: Finding a Reliable Solution

As many users of the 2017 Mac Pro know all too well, finding a reliable and efficient Ethernet solution can be a frustrating experience. The built-in Ethernet port is no longer an option for those looking to upgrade their connectivity capabilities. Instead, many have turned to USB-based Ethernet adapters as a viable alternative. However, these adapters often come with one major drawback: high CPU overhead.

Most 1GbE USB Ethernet dongles on the market are based on the older RTL8153B chip, which means that users are stuck using generic built-in Apple drivers for the USB CDC-NCM and CDC-ECM device classes. Unfortunately, this results in a significant amount of CPU overhead, making it less than ideal for those who require a reliable and efficient Ethernet connection.

One potential solution is to opt for a 2.5G dongle based on the Realtek RTL8156B chip. These adapters are available for sub-$30 prices and promise faster speeds than their 1GbE counterparts. However, even these adapters come with their own set of limitations. macOS doesn't support NDIS (Network Driver Interface Specification), a Windows networking driver standard that allows for TCP/IP checksum offload.

In the past, hardware vendors often provided KEXT drivers to take full advantage of NDIS in their hardware. However, Big Sur, Monterey, and M1 have killed off these old KEXT drivers, making it more difficult for users to get the most out of their Ethernet adapters. The lack of support for NDIS is a significant drawback for many users who rely on high-speed network connections.

Another option for Mac Pro users is to opt for a USB-C 2.5GbE adapter. These adapters are available at affordable prices and promise faster speeds than traditional 1GbE adapters. However, it's worth noting that the built-in Wi-Fi in the Mac Pro is capable of gigabit network speeds, but as many users know, Wi-Fi is often unable to live up to its theoretical potential.

Apple has a Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter available for $29, which could be a viable option for those who need a reliable Ethernet connection. However, it's worth noting that this adapter does not support TB4 or 2.5 Gbps speeds, which would be a significant upgrade over the current offering.

In conclusion, finding a reliable and efficient Ethernet solution for the 2017 Mac Pro can be challenging. While there are options available, many come with their own set of limitations. The lack of support for NDIS is a significant drawback for many users who rely on high-speed network connections. Until Apple updates its Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter to support TB4 and 2.5 Gbps speeds, users may need to continue searching for alternative solutions that meet their needs.

2017 mac pro ethernet