In this review we introduce UGREEN’s USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapter. A very useful small device that allows you to transfer data over the network with speeds up to 1000 Mbps, very useful for connecting modern PCs to wired networks for maximum performance and reliability
Nowadays, PCs are becoming more compact, lighter and thinner. Surely having thin and powerful laptops is very useful in everyday life because it allows you to carry these precious tools with us without excessive effort. However, you cannot have your cake and eat it too. Gradually the supply of communication ports has been decreasing, being reduced to USB only in some cases. One of the first ports to disappear was the RJ45 port also commonly called Ethernet, from the name of the famous network protocol. In fact, with the affirmation of increasingly advanced Wi-Fi technologies, the old network cable has gone into disuse. However there are still several advantages in terms of speed and stability that cable technology can offer. That’s why the UGREEN USB 3.0 Ethernet adapter can be really very useful, especially in the professional field where you need to interface with NAS and servers or connect to a wired LAN.
UGREEN Review USB Ethernet Adapter: Specifications
- Adattatore da USB 3.0 a Ethernet Gigabit, transfer rates up to 1000 Mbps (backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 10/100 Ethernet)
- IPv4 / IPv6 protocol support
- Supporto IEEE 802.3, 802.3u e 802.3ab (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX e 1000BASE-T)
- Support a
- Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8/7 / Vista / XP / Mac OS 10.5 – Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan, Linux kernel 3.x / 2.6 and Chrome OS. For Chrome OS, Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8 with no need to install drivers
- Windows 7 / XP / Vista, Mac OS 10.6 and above, Linux kernel 4.x / 3.x / 2.6.x need to install the correct driver for your operating system before use
UGREEN Review USB Ethernet Adapter: Design and Materials
The adapter is made of glossy black plastic, with the writing “UGREEN” in opaque dark gray color. It must be said that in its simplicity it is very elegant and functional. It is a very light device that fits easily even in jeans pockets. The 1o cm cable is more than enough to be able to orient the adapter as we please. Despite being lucid, does not retain dirt and fingerprints, making it an always presentable device even for use in public. An extra touch are the two status LEDs: one green that lights up when the adapter is plugged in and ready to use, the second yellow that blinks while you are using the adapter. The latter is very useful to avoid removing the cable while data is still passing.
UGREEN USB Ethernet Adapter Review: Field Test
The specifications of this Gigabit USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapter from UGREEN allow you to transmit data over the network through a normal USB 3.0 port reaching speeds up to 1000 Mbps (or a 1 Gbps, hence the name). A very high value and more than enough for any practical application of a laptop, however we must emphasize the fact that it is not completely saturating the maximum speed of the USB 3.0 standard which is 3.2 Gbps.
We have been using this USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapter Adapter for a few weeks under different conditions. The device is very easy to use: just plug it into the USB port and connect the network cable to the RJ45 port. Now you can surf the net through the wired connection. We tested the device in several situations: upload and download of large files, video streaming and web browsing. All without problems. During operation, even intensive, the device does not heat up excessively.
Our measurements found an average latency of 0.02 ms, which is practically negligible. We also had the opportunity to test the device in a very particular area. In fact we used it for connect the laptop to nothing less than a latest generation robot! In fact it is very common to make PCs and robots communicate through a local network. This is a very stressful situation because very heavy data passes through the network, including it uncompressed RGB-D camera streaming. Thanks to UGREEN’s USB 3.0 Ethernet adapter, we were able to read the robot room data from the robot to process it in real time. A fundamental requirement in the world of robotics.
Conclusions
Surely the adapter UGREEN’s USB 3.0 Ethernet adapter answered our needs. With a speed of 1000 Mbps it can satisfy any need in the home and most of the needs in the professional environment. Small, light and functional can expand the capabilities of your laptops as needed. Of course, you can always carry it with you and take it out of your bag at the right time. And if your laptop or tablet is equipped with USB-C ports, consider also the corresponding version of the adapter from UGREEN.
Better to have it than not to have it!
Points in favor
- Elegant and light
- Simple to use
- Status LED
Points against
- Speed limited to 1000 Mbps