Question 1

Does it also work on a MacBook Pro and do i need to plug in the power for it to function or can it just run of the USB 3 port alone?

Accepted Answer

I normally use it with a surface 3, but I have a MacBook pro running mavericks.  So I connected the adapter to the mac and everything worked fine.  The mouse, keyboard, a 5TB external (powered) drive and USB (no external power) DVD drive.

All worked with or without the power plugged-in to the adapter.  Though admittedly I did not push it hard on I/O for example, just enough to see that it worked.

The Ethernet connection does not just work.  I think one has to install the software that came on the CD/DVD.  I did not try it out but I presume it would work?

Question 2

Can I use this to attach multiple usb devices (HDD, printer) directly to an Ethernet switch without a PC?

Accepted Answer

No, that is not supported. Only the PC that this adapter is plugged into can use the Ethernet port. For example, if you attach a HD to this adapter, the HD cannot see or use the Ethernet port. The PC operating system can read the HD, and can also use the Ethernet. Therefore, the PC can read the files from the HD and send them over the network, but the HD itself cannot use the Ethernet port.

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