I am seeking assistance regarding the Anker TB5 Docking Station, specifically concerning its networking function, which does not seem to work. Previously, I used an Anker 565 USB-C hub that only had two USB-C ports. I decided to upgrade to the Anker TB5 to gain additional USB-C and Thunderbolt ports, as the 565 had a working ethernet slot. After connecting the Anker TB5, I encountered issues with the networking connection.
My MacBook Pro (MBP) either received a strange IP address or indicated a self-assigned IP, making it impossible to access the internet via ethernet. The ethernet connection lights were on but did not flash, which typically indicates traffic. In an effort to troubleshoot, I restarted my MBP and the access point several times. Following an Anker website suggestion, I powered everything off for five minutes, then restarted and reconnected.
Unfortunately, these attempts yielded no results. I reverted back to the Anker 565, and it worked perfectly. I tried to find additional solutions through various searches but came up empty. I came across an older Reddit thread and decided to test an Anker Ethernet to USB-C dongle, specifically the “Powerexpand” USB-C to 2.5Gbps ethernet adapter.
Upon plugging the same network cable into the dongle and connecting it to the Anker TB5, it performed flawlessly, providing a normal IP address and an excellent connection. I am using a November 2023 MacBook Pro M3, fully updated to the latest version of Sequoia. This situation raises concerns regarding whether it’s a driver issue with the Anker TB5. Is there a way to resolve this problem without sacrificing a USB-C slot?
The docking station was a significant investment at $400, so any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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