The solutions in this article work with these Mac models, which have Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports:
Mac's and serial TTY's Mac's are excellent tools for accessing serial device TTY ports (to console into PBX's, switches, and routers). You just need a serial to USB adapter, the right driver, and some Terminal software.
iMac Pro
iMac models from 2017
Mac mini (2018)
MacBook Pro models from 2016 or later
MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
MacBook Pro (pictured), MacBook Air, iMac Pro, iMac, and Mac mini have multiple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports.
If your Mac has only one port like this, it's a MacBook with USB-C . That port supports all but the Thunderbolt solutions in this article.
MacBook has just one port, which supports USB-C but not Thunderbolt.
iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) have one USB-C port. Learn more about using the USB-C port on your iPad Pro.
Identify the connector used by your cable
To find the right solution for your Mac or iPad Pro, use these images to identify the connector on the end of the cable used by your device. Check the end that plugs into your Mac or iPad Pro, not the end that plugs into your device.
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
If you're using an Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable or other Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable with your display or other device, it should work with your Mac without an adapter.
The LG UltraFine 5K Display uses Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).
USB-C
If you're using a Belkin USB-C to USB-C cable or other USB-C cable with your display or other device, it should work with your Mac or iPad Pro without an adapter.
The LG UltraFine 4K Display uses USB-C.
Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2
If you're using a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable with a Thunderbolt display or other device, use the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter.
This is the correct solution for the Apple Thunderbolt Display.
Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are not the same as Mini DisplayPort , though the ports have the same shape. If you're using a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable with a Mini DisplayPort display, this solution won't work.
Mini DisplayPort
If you're using a Mini DisplayPort cable with a Mini DisplayPort display, use a third-party USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter. Check with its manufacturer for compatibility with your Mac and display model.
This is the correct solution for the Apple LED Cinema Display.
Mini DisplayPort is not the same as Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 . They have the same shape, but use different symbols on the cable and port.
DisplayPort
If you're using a DisplayPort cable with your display, use a third-party USB-C to DisplayPort adapter or cable, such as the Moshi USB-C to DisplayPort Cable.
HDMI
If you're using an HDMI cable with your display, use the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter or a third-party USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable.
VGA
If you're using a VGA cable with your display, use the Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter. Or use a third-party USB-C to VGA adapter, such as the Belkin USB-C to VGA Adapter.
Ethernet
If you're using an Ethernet cable with your device, use a third-party USB-C to Ethernet adapter, such as the Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.
USB-A
If you're using a USB-A cable with your device, use the Apple USB-C to USB Adapter. The Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter and the Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter also include a USB-A port.
To charge an iPhone, iPad, or iPod from a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or USB-C port without one of these adapters, you can use the Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable instead.
DVI
If you're using a DVI cable with your display, use a third-party USB-C to DVI adapter or cable. Check with its manufacturer for compatibility with your Mac and display model.
This is the correct solution for the Apple Cinema Display.
Learn more
You can use your USB-C Power Adapter and charge cable with any Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or USB-C port on your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, or iPad Pro.
If you have an Apple TV connected to your TV, projector, or other display, you can use AirPlay to wirelessly stream video to that display, or extend the desktop of your primary display.
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Using a computer in your business usually requires that you connect it to a network. For connection to a wired network, you’ll need a free Ethernet port on your computer. If one is unavailable, a USB Ethernet adapter will provide the necessary connectivity. When there’s no room near your system for an add-on, whether it’s the Ethernet adapter or the USB peripheral, you may need a USB extender to allow you to run cable to a more convenient location and still use the USB functionality of your system.
USB Technology
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port on your computer is a port that allows for high-speed data transmission between your computer and a peripheral such as a printer, keyboard, external hard drive or sound card. Introduced in 1995, USB has become a common feature in systems of all sizes. Along with a plug-and-play operating system, the USB port allows you to connect the peripheral quickly to your system with the OS automatically configuring the system for the connected device’s use.
USB Extenders
One limitation of a USB connection is in the recommended length of the USB cable. As cables reach and exceed the recommended length, the signal begins to degrade. For a USB 3.0 connection (the most current at the time of publication), this length is just under 10 feet. For your business systems, this means that any device using the USB port must be positioned within 10 feet of your computer system. However, this distance can be extended with the use of a USB extender. An extender is a two-part device that extends the distance between USB port and peripheral using a Cat5 UTP cable. One part of the device plugs into your USB port and the other part into your USB peripheral. The UTP cable is plugged into both parts, completing the connection. The signal is then transmitted through the cable between the extender parts to extend your USB connection beyond the 10-foot limit. Data speeds over an extender are slower than those over a direct USB connection, but most USB devices do not utilize the full 4.8 Gbps data rate capability of a USB 3.0 connection.
USB to Ethernet Adapters
Ethernet ports are used to connect computers to a wired local area network or to a modem that provides a broadband Internet connection. While most computers used in a business environment have one or more Ethernet ports available, some lighter notebook and tablet computers are designed for wireless connectivity with no Ethernet port included to save on system space. When you require a Ethernet connection and have no available ports, a USB to Ethernet adapter can be plugged into the USB port to provide you with Ethernet connectivity. These adapters are plug-and-play-ready and, when connected, provide for full-speed Ethernet data transfers. All that’s required to complete the network connection is to plug an Ethernet cable into the adapter and then into a network hub, router or modem.
Adapters Vs. Extenders
USB to Ethernet adapters and USB extenders perform distinctly separate functions. When distance is needed for a USB connection, an extender provides the extra cable length necessary. When you need to add wired networking capability to a computer without an available Ethernet port, a USB to Ethernet adapter is the device desired. Both can extend the usefulness of your system, helping to increase its worth to any small business.
References (4)
About the Author
Larry Simmons is a freelance writer and expert in the fusion of computer technology and business. He has a B.S. in economics, an M.S. in information systems, an M.S. in communications technology, as well as significant work towards an M.B.A. in finance. He's published several hundred articles with Demand Studios.
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Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
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Simmons, Larry. 'USB to Ethernet Adapter Vs. USB Extender.' Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/usb-ethernet-adapter-vs-usb-extender-48310.html. Accessed 15 December 2019.
Simmons, Larry. (n.d.). USB to Ethernet Adapter Vs. USB Extender. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/usb-ethernet-adapter-vs-usb-extender-48310.html
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