Why is wired ethernet not working on Chromebook CB315 CB315-4H) with a USB-C to ethernet adapter?

I bought a USB-C to ethernet adapter, plugged it in, it was detected, but it will only go to 'connected' and never gets 'internet'. I see network activity at the adapter itself, at the switch port it's connected to. at first, I was going to go with DHCP, but it always says 'DHCP Setup failed' in the 'Configure' drop-down, even though my router has plenty of available addresses. So I turn off 'get an address automatically' and give it a static IP in the subnet of my router. and it goes to 'connected' but never gets 'internet'. the 'Configure' dropdown is very confusing, talks about EAP security and some mysterious 'identity' and 'password' that I have no idea what it really wants. If anyone knows the answer to this, I am grateful. I can live with the built-in Wi-Fi, but I like to have 'backup' if you know what I mean. Thank you.

[Edited the thread to add model number to the title]

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StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/718474/configuring-wired-ethernet-on-chromebook-cb315

What is the exact Chromebook CB315-xxx model? As not all USB-C ports support Ethernet. In order to use Ethernet with a USB-C port, the port must be equipped with either an Ethernet controller or the appropriate driver software in order to enable the connection. Even if a USB-C port is equipped with an Ethernet controller, it may still require a special adapter to connect an Ethernet cable. Additionally, some devices may only support certain speeds or types of Ethernet connections. It is important to check with your device’s manufacturer for compatibility before attempting to use an Ethernet connection. see this guide here. Good luck.

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SirCharles

The Chromebook Model is CB315-4H. The adapter is the TP-LINK UE300C, and the Vendor claims compatibility with Chromebook. I am using the USB-C port on the right as I face the device. The 'guide' you provided was of little use. What I REALLY NEED is some documentation that describes the correct parameters in the 'Configure' dropdown for the Ethernet connection. And WHY it can't acquire a DHCP IP address even though my router has plenty such addresses available. And WHY even a static IP 'connects' but never gets 'internet'. Thank you for trying, away, but I suspect the real answer lies in the parameter settings of the 'Configure' dropdown, and the 'User Manual' sheds no light on what those parameters need to be.

StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1317254#Comment_1317254

All I can think of and suggest is for you to either change the TP-LINK UE300C adapter to a normal 3.2 USB type adapter and use the normal Chromebook 3.2 USB port on the right side, or buy a USB 3.2 to USB-C adapter and use that to connect the TP-LINK UE300C and see if it will connect and play better into that port than the USB-C, as the adapter is connecting but it might be that the USB-c protocol can’t make the internet connection with your laptop and the USB 3.2 port will do so, see this guide here as its quite comprehensive. Good luck.

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SirCharles

An adapter for the adapter, and pray to my Deity of Choice that will work? This is turning into a Monty Python sketch. I think I need to take this directly to ACER, what I REALLY need is the Obscure Document 'somewhere' in ACER's Tech Support that CLEARLY describes all the parameters that go in the 'Configure' dropdown for ethernet, and what those parameters need to be. THIS is the 'Configure' dialogue I'm talking about

See? WHAT goes in all those fields? Whose 'Identity'? What is 'Subject Match'? There is no easily to locate document that discusses these parameters. It's as though ACER hopes NO ONE will ever want use a wired ethernet connection with this Chromebook, and they'll never have to deal with this. But thank you again for trying.

SirCharles

Finally, I have it working. I had to switch from 'Automatic DNS Servers' to the specific DNS IP's I use everywhere else in my network. WHY 'Automatic' didn't do the job I have no idea, but now I don't care.

I'm sure glad it's New Year's Eve, I think I'll start drinking early.

billsey

It sounds like there was some issue with the DHCP process. Maybe it was only setting IPv6 up instead of IPv4. Providing a static address should work fine for your environment, but it will fail as soon as you move the laptop to a different WiFi connection. As you found, a static address needs the address itself, a default gateway and one or more DNS servers before it will work fully.