[Naaaaak]

(I'm not certain if this should go in the networking forum or here. I'm inclined to think it is more of an issue with the MacPro.)

I would like to use the two ethernet ports on my MacPro as a switch to get internet access on the MacPro and another device plugged into the MacPro. Previously both the MacPro and this device were plugged into a switch that was connected to a router and both devices worked fine.

My Setup:
I have a patch cable going from a router into MacPro ethernet port 2, then a patch cable going from ethernet port 1 into the other device. Under System Preferences -> Sharing -> Internet I turned on "Share your connection from Built-in Ethernet 2" and checked "Built-in Ethernet 1" from the list.

For those who like pretty diagrams it looks something like:


Internet access works on the MacPro but not on the other device connected; in fact the other device does not even acquire an IP. Firewall settings are off, and I have tried connecting the MacPro to the other device via a crossover cable to see if that changed anything (it didn't).

I'm not particularlly good with networking, but it seems like a setup this simple should just work.
What else should I do to get the MacPro to operate as a switch?

[Naaaaak]

It appears the problem is more complicated than it seems. From Apple - Support - Discussions - Use 2nd ethernet port as hub to access ... it appears I would have to screw with the routing tables. Unfortunate.

[ghporter]

What's the purpose behind going from using purpose-built hardware to share your connection to using your rather expensive computer to do this-all the while reducing (maybe not much) the computing ability of the computer because it has to handle other stuff?

I really don't know what your aim here is, can you explain?

[Naaaaak]

I forgot to bring my switch with me before I left for break.