USB-C to Ethernet Cables, Adapters, and Hubs
Make a speedy wired network connection with these USB-C to Ethernet connectors
USB-C ports are not only fast, they are also extremely versatile—so much so that they can even give you a hand up when you are fighting with slow and unreliable wireless internet service. With the assistance of a simple USB-C to Ethernet connector, you can connect your laptop or similar device directly to a local area network (LAN) for maximum efficiency and speed.
The difference between USB-C and Ethernet
USB-C is a type of industry-standard connector that can be used to transmit both data and power simultaneously. It is growing more common with increasing popularity among many heavy-hitters in the tech world, and you will find USB-C integrated into products by Apple, Nintendo, and many more. Users also love USB-C even more compared to previous iterations of USB due to the symmetry in the connector plug, which can be inserted regardless of orientation (unlike USB and micro-USB plugs which have a “top” and “bottom” and must be oriented correctly).
Conversely, Ethernet is a means by which systems are connected across a LAN, or “local area network”. The average user however will more commonly recognize Ethernet as the prevalent technology in homes and businesses used to carry the “Internet Protocol” (IP), making it a key component of internet access.
When to use a USB-C to Ethernet Connector
A USB-C to Ethernet adapter can be especially useful for network connectivity when wireless (Wi-Fi) signals are inconsistent and unreliable. Devices with a USB-C input (such as an Apple MacBook for example) can utilize a USB-C to Ethernet adapter to connect directly to wired networks, thus making for much more stable (and often faster) access to the internet.
Types of USB-C to Ethernet Connectors
The simplest way to make a USB-C to Ethernet connection is with a USB-C to Ethernet adapter. These adapters feature a male USB-C end connected by a short length of cable to a female Ethernet port. You may then plug an existing Ethernet cable into the adapter to complete the connection.
There are also a number of USB-C to Ethernet hubs available, which typically feature a single male USB-C plug connected to a hub that may incorporate a number of different types of ports. These hubs can offer a lot of versatility, and can often serve to make multiple connections simultaneously and even generate additional device-charging power options as well.