StarTech.com
StarTech.com StarTech USB 2.0 to 10/100Mbps Ethernet Network Adapter
Bottom line: The StarTech.com StarTech USB 2.0 to 10/100Mbps Ethernet Network Adapter ($18.16 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Adds wired 10/100 Ethernet over USB 2.0 without opening the case; main trade-off: capped at 100Mbps, so gigabit lines will be bottlenecked.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Adds wired 10/100 Ethernet over USB 2.0 without opening the case
- ✓ Dongle design with integrated cable avoids cramped port clusters
- ✓ IEEE 802.3i and 802.3u compliant (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX)
- ✓ Supports half- and full-duplex operation
- ✓ USB-powered and pocketable, no external adapter brick
Cons
- ✗ Capped at 100Mbps, so gigabit lines will be bottlenecked
- ✗ USB 2.0 host bus limits throughput versus USB 3.0 NICs
- ✗ No PoE, VLAN, or managed-switch features listed
- ✗ Occupies a USB port full-time on port-limited laptops
Manufacturer description
Add a 10/100Mbps Ethernet port to your laptop or desktop computer through USB - The USB2100 USB 2.0 to 10/100 Mbps Network Adapter lets you add a Fast Ethernet port to your laptop or desktop computer through USB.This compact USB network adapter offers a dongle design with a built-in cable to avoid cramped connections, making it a perfect solution for adding wired Ethernet connectivity to your desktop without opening the case, or to replace a failed onboard network adapter on your laptop system. Providing half or full-duplex operation, this USB 2.0 Ethernet adapter supports data transfer…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored StarTech.com StarTech USB 2.0 to 10/100Mbps Ethernet Network Adapter 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.
Key Features
- Add a 10/100Mbps Ethernet port to your laptop or desktop computer through USB
- USB 2.0 to 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Network Adapter Dongle
- USB Network Adapter
- USB 2.0 to 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Network Adapter Dongle
- USB NIC
- Avoid crowded connections with the integrated USB cable
Full Specifications
| Brand | StarTech.com |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | USB2100 |
| Built-In Media | Network adapter |
| Item Type Name | Startech.Com USB 2.0 to 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Network Adapter Dongle (USB2100) |
| Mfr Part Number | USB2100 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Data Link Protocol | USB |
| Data Transfer Rate | 200 Megabits Per Second |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet, USB 2.0 |
| Warranty Description | 2 year warranty |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 6"L x 7"W x 5"H |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00065030856645 |
| Full listing title | StarTech USB 2.0 to 10/100Mbps Ethernet Network Adapter, Dongle | USB Network Adapter, USB 2.0 Fast Ethernet Adapter, USB NIC |
Ready to buy?
StarTech USB 2.0 to 10/100Mbps Ethernet Network Adapter, Dongle | USB Network Adapter, USB 2.0 Fast Ethernet Adapter, USB NIC 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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