Use iMac as an Ethernet bridge

Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Messages
162
Reaction score
2
Points
18
Hello,
I have a device that requires Internet but only has an Ethernet port (no WiFi). Sitting right next to it is my iMac. I use Wifi to connect my iMac to the Internet and I was wondering if I could use the iMac as a bridge.

In other words, the iMac continues to connect to the Internet via WiFi but I then plug an Ethernet cable from the iMac to the device in question. Is it possible to do this via the Ethernet cable?
 

Raz0rEdge

Well-known member
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Jul 17, 2009
Messages
15,745
Reaction score
2,071
Points
113
Location
MA
Your Mac's Specs
2022 Mac Studio M1 Max, 2023 M2 MBA
Yes, you can share the Internet connection of your iMac to another device over Ethernet. It might or might not be exactly a bridge, but as long as the device on you want on the Internet gets there, it doesn't matter, right? :)

Open up System Preferences->Sharing, select Internet Sharing and then choose WiFi on top and Ethernet as the how and connect your device and see if it works.

Reference: https://support.apple.com/kb/ph25327?locale=en_US
 
Joined
Jul 12, 2018
Messages
38
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
London
Your Mac's Specs
2016 Apple Macbook Air
Yes! it is possible to use your iMac as an internet source. Just open System Preferences on your mac, click on Sharing, then you will see a menu, click Internet Sharing and then to share your connection from, choose WiFi and to computer using, choose Ethernet and Bluetooth PAN. Just follow this easy steps and hope this works on your mac. Goodluck!
 
OP
O
Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Messages
162
Reaction score
2
Points
18
Thanks Raz0rEdge & Maria,

I just tried that from your link and it seemed pretty easy but it's not working. I have it set up with Internet sharing on (indicator is green) to "Share your connection from WiFI" to "Computers using Ethernet" with a cable from the iMac to my device. The back of the device only has an orange light on (not green) and no connection. Do I perhaps need a crossover cable?

Thanks
 

Slydude

Well-known member
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Nov 15, 2009
Messages
17,596
Reaction score
1,072
Points
113
Location
North Louisiana, USA
Your Mac's Specs
M1 MacMini 16 GB - Ventura, iPhone 14 Pro Max, 2015 iMac 16 GB Monterey
That's possible depending upon the age of device you are trying to connect. Can you tell us what Mac and what other device you are connecting. The mopre information you can provide the better.
 

Slydude

Well-known member
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Nov 15, 2009
Messages
17,596
Reaction score
1,072
Points
113
Location
North Louisiana, USA
Your Mac's Specs
M1 MacMini 16 GB - Ventura, iPhone 14 Pro Max, 2015 iMac 16 GB Monterey
It's been a while since I had to use connection sharing. Perhaps someone else can chime in here.

I don't think the issue is a need for a crossover cable though. I haven't found a definitive answer yet but the iMac should be new wnough to have an autosesning network card that should mean a crossover cable isn't needed. I guess it's worth a try though.
 
Joined
May 21, 2012
Messages
10,702
Reaction score
1,158
Points
113
Location
Rhode Island
Your Mac's Specs
M1 Mac Studio, 11" iPad Pro 3rdGen, iPhone 13 ProMax, Watch S7, 2018 15" MBP, AirPods Pro
Do you have a broadband extender connected? Step 3 in the user guide?
 
OP
O
Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Messages
162
Reaction score
2
Points
18
Do you have a broadband extender connected? Step 3 in the user guide?

If by a broadband extender, you mean a power line adaptor no. The Mac is just connected to the Internet via the WiFi.
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top