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Add Gigabit Ethernet Network Connectivity to A Laptop Or Desktop Through A USB 3
StarTech.com

Add Gigabit Ethernet Network Connectivity to A Laptop Or Desktop Through A USB 3

Bottom line: The Add Gigabit Ethernet Network Connectivity to A Laptop Or Desktop ($27.92 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): ASIX AX88179A chipset gets native drivers on Windows, macOS 10.14+, Linux 4.11+, ChromeOS; main trade-off: type-A only, so USB-C laptops need a separate adapter or dock.

$27.92

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Buy on Amazon — $27.92 Compare to similar retro networking cards

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ ASIX AX88179A chipset gets native drivers on Windows, macOS 10.14+, Linux 4.11+, ChromeOS
  • ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A at 5 Gbps leaves headroom for sustained full gigabit throughput
  • ✓ VLAN tagging plus 4K jumbo frames suit managed switches and NAS transfers
  • ✓ Wake on LAN support lets you power headless or lab machines remotely
  • ✓ TAA compliant, so it clears government and enterprise procurement rules

Cons

  • ✗ Type-A only, so USB-C laptops need a separate adapter or dock
  • ✗ Caps at 1 Gbps; no help on 2.5GbE or faster home networks
  • ✗ Bus powered from one USB port, competing with other peripherals for power
  • ✗ Linux support is listed for LTS kernels only, so rolling distros may need manual drivers

Manufacturer description

The StarTech.com USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter gives any laptop, desktop, or 2-in-1 a wired RJ45 port when the built-in NIC is missing, dead, or you simply want to stop fighting WiFi. Built around the ASIX AX88179A chipset, it delivers native driver support on Windows 7 and up, Windows Server, macOS 10.14 and up, Linux kernels 4.11+ (LTS), and ChromeOS, so most machines recognize it on plug-in without a driver hunt. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A connection provides 5 Gbps of host bandwidth, enough headroom to sustain full 10/100/1000 Mbps throughput instead of the bottlenecked speeds USB…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Add Gigabit Ethernet Network Connectivity to A Laptop Or Desktop… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro networking cards category. StarTech.com's retro networking cards lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for retro networking cards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install drivers to use this adapter?

In most cases no. The ASIX AX88179A chipset has native support in Windows 7 and up, Windows Server, macOS 10.14 and up, Linux with kernel 4.11 or newer (LTS distributions), and ChromeOS, so the adapter is typically recognized on plug-in.

Will this actually hit full gigabit speeds, or is it throttled like USB 2.0 dongles?

It connects over USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A at 5 Gbps, which is well above the 1 Gbps the Ethernet side needs, so it supports full-bandwidth 10/100/1000 Mbps connections. It still works in USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, but a USB 2.0 port will limit throughput.

Does it work with USB-C laptops and MacBooks?

The connector is USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, so a USB-C only machine needs a USB-C to USB-A adapter or a dock with a Type-A port. macOS 10.14 and later is supported on the driver side once it is physically connected.

Does it support VLANs, jumbo frames, and Wake on LAN?

Yes to all three. The adapter handles VLAN tagging, 4K jumbo frames, Wake on LAN, Energy Efficient Ethernet, and Auto-MDIX twisted-pair crossover auto-detection, which covers most managed-switch and headless-server setups.

Is this a reliable pick, and what warranty comes with it?

It includes status and activity LEDs for quick link troubleshooting. StarTech.com backs the adapter with a warranty; check the product listing for the current warranty terms and support details.

Key Features

  • USB NETWORK ADAPTER: USB to RJ45 adapter adds an Ethernet port to your computer supporting up to Gigabit speeds on 10/100/1000 Mbps Networks; Ideal for reliable wired gigabit network connections, or as an alternative to WiFi
  • FULL FEATURED: USB to Ethernet dongle; Uses ASIX AX88179A Chipset for native compatibility with laptops and desktops, and 2-in-1's computers; USB Bus Powered; Status & Activity LED's indicators
  • OS COMPATIBILITY: USB NIC adapter for laptop; Works with Windows versions 7 and up, Windows Server, macOS 10.14 and up, Linux distributions with kernel 4.11 and up (LTS only), and ChromeOS, TAA Complaint
  • TECHNICAL SPECS: USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps); Compatible with USB 3.0/2.0; 1x RJ45; 4K Jumbo Frames; VLAN Tagging; Wake on LAN; Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE); Supports twisted pair crossover & auto detection (Auto-MDIX); Color: Black
  • CONNECTIVITY TOOLS: Provided with this device, the application improves performance and security, featuring MAC Address Changer & Wi-Fi Auto Switch utilities

Full Specifications

BrandStarTech.com
ColorBlack
Unit Count1.0 Count
ConnectivityUSB, WiFi
Model NumberUSB31000S
CompatibilitySwitch, Mac, Linux
Built-In Media1xDriver CD,1xInstruction Manual
Item Type NameGigabit Ethernet Card
Connection TypeWired
Mfr Part NumberUSB31000S
CONNECTIVITY TOOLSProvided with this device, the application improves performance and security, featuring MAC Address Changer & Wi-Fi Auto Switch utilities
Compatible DevicesDesktop, Laptop, Nintendo Wii / U
Data Link ProtocolEthernet
Data Transfer Rate1 Gigabits Per Second
Hardware InterfaceUSB 3.0 Type A
Warranty Description2 Year
Item Dimensions L x W x H2.6"L x 1"W x 0.6"H
External Testing CertificationCE, FCC, TAA, REACH
Global Trade Identification Number00065030848404

Ready to buy?

Add Gigabit Ethernet Network Connectivity to A Laptop Or Desktop Through A USB 3 is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $27.92

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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Add Gigabit Ethernet Network Connectivity to A Laptop Or Desktop Through A USB 3
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