Ethernet adapters conversion from MacBook Air (Mid 2012, 13") to MacBook Pro (Late 2019, 16")

So I've just bought the latest MacBook Pro (late 2019, 16") and bumped into the common issue of not finding 1 piece of Ethernet adapter. I want to use only Apple made adapters, so I'm left with the option of buying Apple Thunderbolt 2 to Ethernet adapter AND the Apple Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter and daisy chain them. So, since I've been using MacBook Air (mid 2012, 13"), I already own an Ethernet to Thunderbolt adapter (Apple made). The only thing that I'm still not certain about is - does the adapter I already have use Thunderbolt 1 or Thunderbolt 2? According to Apple's spec, MacBook Air (mid 2012, 13") has Thunderbolt 1, but I have a feeling it's actually Thunderbolt 2, because when I look at system's preference, I see that the thunderbolt connection throughput is 10GB/s * 2 (written exactly like that - * 2!) So.. 10*2 is 20, and 20GB/s is equivalent to Thunderbolt 2, right? I also tried to read the specs of the Ethernet to TB adapter I have, but it doesn't mention which TB it is!

Bottom line: can I simply purchase the TB2 to TB3 adapter and chain it to the current Ethernet to TBx (x=1/2, I don't know!) I already have? Thanks!


The Belkin USB-C to gigabit adapter that Apple sells online is the best bet for you.

  • Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

Much better than chaining Apple gear in performance, reliability, price and power usage. The Apple thunderbolt 2 model works fine with the Apple adapter - just you have overkill and two joints to manage.


I wanted to update, in case anyone would ever bump into this thread - I bought the TB2 to TB3 adapter, and chained it with my old TB2 to Ethernet adapter and it's all working perfectly :)