We take cryptocurrency — so the coins you hold can buy real hardware.Pay in crypto, spend it on real hardware. Free insured shipping worldwide over $399. Plain, unbranded boxes, sent from Germany.Free insured shipping over $399. Your rate is locked for 30 minutes once checkout opens.Rate locked 30 minutes. Every item sealed, serial-checked and covered by a 24-month warranty.Sealed, 24-month warranty.

Saved items Sign in
Small rectangular USB 3.2 Type-A Gigabit Ethernet adapter with attached cable and RJ45 port

STARTECH

STARTECH USB31000S2 USB 3.2 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

SKU CH-QJ2Q-4KWMW MPN USB31000S2

Adds a Gigabit RJ45 port via USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A with Realtek RTL8153 chipset for native driver support across Windows, macOS and Linux

  • Setup requirementsWindows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 8.1 Win
  • Product typeGigabit Ethernet Card
  • Key featuresTechnical Information Chipset Manufacturer: Realtek Chipset
  • Product dimensionsHeight: 7.7 in Width: 0.6 in Depth: 0.9 in
  • Product weight(Approximate): 0.5 oz
  • Add a Gigabit network port via USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
  • Realtek RTL8153 chipset gives native driver support in Windows macOS Linux
  • Supports 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds on Cat5 Cat5e Cat6 Cat6a cabling
  • Compact 7.7 x .6 x .9 inch design weighs .50 oz for travel
  • 30 cm attached cable and plug-and-play setup replaces missing or broken Ethernet ports

Portable Gigabit Network Adapter

The StarTech USB31000S2 adds a single RJ45 port through a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A connection. It suits laptops and desktops that lack a built-in Ethernet socket or need a replacement for a failed onboard port. The Realtek RTL8153 chipset delivers native driver support across Windows, macOS and Linux without extra software. Plug-and-play operation makes it practical for IT staff and mobile professionals who move between workstations.

Sustained throughput on busy networks

When connected to a USB 3.2 Gen 1 or higher host, the adapter maintains Gigabit-class transfer rates during extended file copies and streaming sessions. Auto-MDIX and 9K jumbo-frame support reduce protocol overhead on managed switches. VLAN tagging allows the device to participate in segmented corporate networks without reconfiguration. Performance scales down cleanly to 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps links when cabling or switch ports dictate.

Thermals noise and power draw

The dongle draws all operating power from the host USB port, eliminating an external supply and keeping desk clutter minimal. Its compact plastic housing stays cool to the touch during continuous gigabit traffic, with no active cooling to generate audible noise. The 30 cm attached cable provides enough reach for typical laptop layouts while avoiding strain on the USB port. Weight of 0.50 oz makes it negligible in a travel bag.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Wi-Fi Cards & USB Adapters, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $26.99
Pricier than about 67% of the 1,565 comparable items (median $18.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameStarTech.com
Part numberUSB31000S2
Product typeGigabit Ethernet Card
Size & build
Product dimensionsHeight:
7.7 in
Width:
0.6 in
Depth:
0.9 in
Product weight(Approximate):
0.5 oz
Shipping weight0.45 kg
Package size216 × 121 × 13 mm

Questions about this item

How much heat or power does the RTL8153 chipset draw when the adapter runs at 1000 Mbps all day?

The adapter is bus-powered from the USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port and uses the low-power Realtek RTL8153 controller, so it adds minimal heat and draws only the current the port supplies.

What must my computer already have for this USB31000S2 to work?

A free USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port (also compatible with USB 3.0) and an operating system with native RTL8153 support such as Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS or Linux.

Will the 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 port negotiate correctly with my older Cat5 cabling and 100 Mbps switch?

Yes, the port auto-negotiates down to 10 or 100 Mbps and supports Auto-MDIX, so it works with Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a cables and legacy 100 Mbps switches without configuration.

More in Wi-Fi Cards & USB Adapters

Similar items