2024 Mac mini network issues

I purchased a 2024 Mac mini w/ M4 Pro chip and have been having network connectivity issues frequently and randomly. This is noticeable in the following two ways:

Zoom freezes and/or displays the message "Your internet connection is unstable"
When using Google Drive (drive.google.com) my browser sometimes displays the message "You are offline"

I have 1G (download) service and frequently run speed tests, which are just fine.

I have a 2023 MacBook Pro and have no network issues with it. I recently replaced all network patch cables with Cat 8. Since my laptop has no issues, I can only assume it is one of two things:

a hardware issue with the 2024 Mac mini
a software issue with Sequoia (the Mac mini is the only Mac I have that is running Sequoia (15.2 - it's up-to-date))

NOTE: I prefer to run wired-only!! The issue does not seem to occur if I run dual (wired & WiFi) or just WiFi.

Is anyone else having trouble maintaining a steady and consistent internet connection with their 2024 Mac mini?

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to further pinpoint the source of the problem and/or correct it?

I am ready to return the Mac mini and thought I would try here before doing so.

(FYI - I had the same problem with the first unit I purchased. So, I bought a replacement and I am experiencing the exact same problems.)

Thanks in advance for your help!

Warm regards,

Mike L

Mac mini, macOS 15.2

Posted on Jan 26, 2025 11:52 AM

Top-ranking reply

gregober

Level 1

50 points

Posted on Jan 28, 2025 04:13 AM

I have a problem with the M4 which seems quite identical (we are network experts).

Problem can be described as follow:

1. Context:

MacMini 2024 with 10G Ethernet option
Connected to a 10G fiber switch with a proper transceiver fiber >> ethernet
FS switch: S3900-24T4S-R
Port known to work with 10G fiber

2. Problem:

speed auto-select does not work (fall back to 1G)
forcing speed to 10GbaseT allows interface to switch to 10G for few seconds (interface is up and can ping with no pb).
after a "few seconds" (random) interface disconnects / reconnects randomly and finally stays down
changing flow control or other settings does not solve the issue
only way to "solve" the issue is to lower port speed which is "not ok at all"

Cable is brand new (have bought one specially for this) and of course compatible with 10G speed.

I suspect a firmware problem with the 10G Apple interface -- not sure which manufacturer is behind this, probably some low end manufacturer

[Edited by Moderator]

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2024 Mac mini network issues

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