Struggling with slow Wi-Fi or unreliable connections on your laptop? The Ethernet Adapter lets you add a fast 2.5 Gbps wired link to any device with a USB-C or USB-A port, turning a simple cable into a stable, high-speed network connection for work, streaming or cloud backups.
Benefits of StarTech.com Ethernet Adapter
You enjoy smoother video calls without lag, quicker file transfers that save you time, a more secure connection that protects sensitive data, and the peace of mind that comes from a plug-and-play solution that works across Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Linux. Its bus-powered design means no extra adapters or power bricks clutter your desk, and the built-in cable keeps your workspace tidy for the long term.
Key Features of a 2.5Gbps Ethernet Adapter
- Ports: 10M/100M/1G/2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. Supports all common speeds for flexible networking.
- Connectivity Technology: Wired. Guarantees a stable link unaffected by radio interference.
- Auto-negotiation: Automatically selects the optimal speed for your network.
- WOL (Wake-on-LAN): Allows remote powering of your device over the network.
- Auto-uplink (auto MDI/MDI-X): No need to worry about crossover cables; it adapts automatically.
- Full duplex mode: Enables simultaneous send and receive for maximum efficiency.
- USB powered: Draws power directly from the host, eliminating extra power supplies.
- PXE support: Enables network booting for advanced IT tasks.
- VLAN Tagging: Provides network segmentation for improved security.
- Thunderbolt compatible: Works with high-performance Thunderbolt 3 ports for future-proofing.
Usages of a 2.5Gbps Ethernet Adapter
Ideal for everyday scenarios where speed and reliability matter:
- Connecting a MacBook or Chromebook to a corporate LAN for faster downloads.
- Attaching a Windows laptop to a home office router for seamless video conferencing.
- Linking a tablet or iPhone to a wired network when Wi-Fi is congested.
- Providing a stable link for cloud sync on a busy workstation.
- Enabling network boot for IT technicians handling multiple devices.
StarTech.com Ethernet Adapter
Many buyers worry that an adapter will be difficult to install or limited to a single operating system. Others fear they will need extra power bricks or that performance will drop compared with a dedicated Ethernet card. This adapter removes those doubts: it offers native driver support for Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux and even iOS, and it powers itself directly from the USB port. With a built-in 6-inch USB-C cable and an optional USB-A converter, it fits neatly into any setup while delivering true 2.5 Gbps speeds on existing Cat5e cabling.
Specifications
| Miscellaneous |
| Miscellaneous / Cables Included | 1 x USB-C cable (integrated) - 6 in ¦ 1 x USB-C to USB-A adapter (external) |
| Miscellaneous / Color Category | Gray |
| Miscellaneous / Compliant Standards | FCC, RoHS, WEEE, RCM |
| Networking |
| Networking / Ports | 10M/100M/1G/2.5 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Networking / Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Networking / Features | Auto-negotiation, WOL, auto-uplink (auto MDI/MDI-X), full duplex mode, USB powered, PXE support, VLAN Tagging, promiscuous mode, Thunderbolt compatible |
| Networking / Data Transfer Rate | 2.5Gbps |
| Networking / Cabling Type | Ethernet 2.5GBase-T |
| Networking / Interface (Bus) Type | USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 / Thunderbolt 3 |
| Networking / Data Link Protocol | 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Networking / Type | Network adapter |
| Networking / Compliant Standards | IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3i, IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.3bz |
| Header |
| Header / Product Line | Startech |
| Header / Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| System Requirements |
| System Requirements / OS Required | Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 / 2012 R2 / 2016 / 2022 |
| General |
| General / Device Type | Network adapter |
| General / Form Factor | External |
| General / Interface (Bus) Type | USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 / Thunderbolt 3 |
| Expansion / Connectivity |
| Expansion / Connectivity / Interfaces | 1 x 2.5Gb Ethernet - RJ-45 - female |
| Software / System Requirements |
| Software / System Requirements / OS Required | Google Chrome OS, Apple iOS, Apple MacOS X 10.11 - 10.15, Apple macOS Big Sur 11.0, Apple macOS Monterey 12.0, Microsoft Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 / 11, Apple macOS Ventura 13.0, Linux Kernel 2.4.20 or later (LTS versions only), Windows 10 (on ARM), Apple macOS Sonoma 14.0, Windows 11 (on ARM), Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 / 2012 R2 / 2016 / 2022 |
| Summary Details |
| Connectivity technology | Wired |
| Host interface | USB Type-C |
| Interface | Ethernet |
| Maximum data transfer rate | 5000 Mbit/s |
| Product colour | Grey |
