USB-C to Dual Gigabit Ethernet Adapter with USB Type-A Port — StarTech US1GC301AU2R, 5000 Mbit/s, USB-powered, RJ-45

The StarTech.com USB-C to Dual Gigabit Ethernet Adapter with USB (Type-A) Port adds wired network access to a laptop or desktop through a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port while also providing a USB 3.0 (Type-A) port for connecting legacy peripherals. The adapter offers two Gigabit Ethernet ports for reliable wired connections and is USB powered in a compact black enclosure.

Advantages

This adapter delivers full Gigabit network bandwidth by leveraging the 5 Gbps capability of USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1), reducing transfer bottlenecks for large files and fast network access. It includes an integrated USB Type-A port so you can connect USB 3.0 devices while the adapter provides network access, and it is backward compatible with USB 2.0 systems. The adapter supports useful networking features such as Wake-on-LAN, VLAN tagging, Auto-MDIX, checksum offload and large send offload. Native driver support for Chrome OS and Windows 8.1 simplifies setup, and Mac OS X (10.10) is supported with driver installation.

Suitable for

• Users who need reliable wired Gigabit connections on laptops or desktops with USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Environments where connecting two separate Ethernet networks or redundant links is required
• Users who need to connect USB Type-A peripherals while using a single USB-C port for networking

When it may not be suitable

This adapter requires a host device with a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 physical port; it is not suitable for systems that lack those ports. While the adapter supports Mac OS X with driver installation, native driver support is provided for Chrome OS and Windows 8.1, so macOS users may need to install drivers before use.

Key specifications

• Network interfaces: 2 × Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45)
• Host interface: USB Type-C connector (supports USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 speeds)
• Additional port: 1 × USB 3.0 (Type-A)
• Maximum data transfer rate over USB: 5 Gbps
• Power: USB powered
• Supported network features: Wake-on-LAN, VLAN tagging, Auto-MDIX, checksum offload (IPv4/IPv6/TCP/UDP), Large Send Offload
• Colour: Black

How to use

Plug the adapter into the USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port on your computer, connect Ethernet cables to the two RJ-45 ports and, if needed, plug a USB Type-A device into the integrated USB 3.0 port. On Chrome OS and Windows 8.1 the adapter should be recognised using native drivers; on macOS (10.10) follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the required driver. After connection, configure network settings in the host operating system as required.

What to consider before purchase

• Ensure your computer has a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port
• Check operating system compatibility and whether driver installation is required for macOS
• Confirm that two Gigabit Ethernet ports meet your networking or redundancy needs

Usage recommendations

For best performance, connect the adapter to a USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1-capable USB-C port and use CAT5e or better Ethernet cabling. If using macOS, install the provided driver before initial connection to ensure full functionality.