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Why is my iPad not connecting to Ethernet through a splitter?

hi all,


I have an iPad which I then connect an Apple branded lightening to usb powered camera connector and attach a Belkin Ethernet to usb adapter - to get Ethernet connectivity to my iPad. This has always worked.


I installed an Ethernet splitter which feeds both the iPad and the Mac. This worked.


then I recently updated my software of my iPad. Now it won’t work with the splitter. Only if I connect the Ethernet cable directly without the splitter. Splitter works fine on the Mac.


i just bought a new Apple camera connector and still same issue.


this is driving me crazy as I can’t get good wifi here, and I use my iPad as a second screen for certain things.


any solutions?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 19, 2024 1:04 AM

Reply
4 replies

Oct 19, 2024 5:31 AM in response to Applebee232

Internet connection difficulties are usually an indication that your device does not have a routable IP Address - your IP Address usually being assigned by DHCP. When problems occur, your iPad may only have a self-assigned link-local IP address that begins 169.254.x.x.


You can verify your DHCP-assigned IP Address from settings:

Settings > Ethernet > [Your Ethernet Adapter] > IP Address



If you have a VPN App or profiles installed, or a security/AV/firewall App such as Norton, these may be interfering with DHCP and preventing your device from obtaining a valid IP Address for the network interface with which you are attempting to connect to your wired Ethernet network. The resolution is usually simple; if installed, you may only need to temporarily disable or remove the Security App and/or VPN.


DHCP is frequently used to automatically obtain an IP Address. Until your iPad has a valid IP Address to connect to your network, you will not have an internet connection. Disabling or removing VPN and/or the offending security App should allow DHCP to operate normally - allowing connection to your network and the internet.


If this resolves your issue, the VPN and/or security App can be reinstated after the connectivity problem has been resolved.


You may find that a restart of your WiFi Router, followed by a restart of your iPad will clear the problem….


To restart your router, disconnect power from the router for at least 30 seconds - then reconnect power to restart. After your router reboots (which may take several minutes), force restart your iPad:


Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




If you continue to have difficulties, try resetting your iPad's Network settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Network Settings



Oct 19, 2024 1:50 AM in response to Applebee232

Daisy-chaining Adapters can have very unpredictable results - in particular for older iPad models that use a Lightning port instead of the newer (and considerably more flexible) USB-C connection.


As for your ethernet arrangement, an "ethernet splitter" can mean different things to different people. Are you referring to an Ethernet hub, or an Ethernet switch? What are its specifications?

Oct 19, 2024 2:16 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks for your reply.


Yes my iPad has a lightning port .


When I said Ethernet splitter - this is what I have -

TP-Link 5-Port 10/100Mbps Desktop Unmanaged Ethernet Switch - if you search that it should come up- basic thing I bought off Amazon. Plug and play.


Essentially though, everything was working absolutely brilliantly for longer than 6 months with this set up, and I had internet on the Mac and on the iPad. No wifi. No mobile tethering. Etc.



All I did was update the iOS to 18.0.01 last week or week before and it just stopped working. I noticed my apple cable was starting to look old and worn so I actually initially thought that was the cause and replaced that today - and still couldn’t get it to work.


Now I realise it was simply because I updated the iOS. When I remove the splitter, and connect directly , I have internet again on the iPad. Typing like this right now.



It’s just frustrating as I have to choose between the Mac or the iPad and I really found work more productive with the two screens.




Why is my iPad not connecting to Ethernet through a splitter?

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