Introducing Plugable’s New 2.5G USB Ethernet Adapter

The Plugable USBC-E2500 plugged into a MacBook

Today we’re launching our first next-generation 2.5 Gigabit networking device, the Plugable 2.5Gbps USB Ethernet Adapter (USBC-E2500). With USB-C and USB 3.0 (USB-A) connectivity included, you can quickly and affordably upgrade nearly any modern workstation or laptop with more than double the performance of a traditional Gigabit Ethernet connection.

While most Ethernet adapters only support 1 Gigabit link rates, this USB adapter supports wired speeds up to 2.5 times faster than the 1Gbps standard when used with Cat 5e cabling (commonly found in existing network environments), and a 2.5Gbps-capable router or switch. With 2.5Gbps routers still somewhat rare in home environments, users who would benefit from the increased network throughput—but don’t wish to yet invest in a 2.5Gbps router or switch—can use 2 of these adapters to create a direct peer-to-peer network between 2 systems. With this increased performance, users can take advantage of advances in high-speed networking and storage technologies, without requiring a difficult or expensive setup.

We are only in the early stages of the shift to 2.5Gbps network equipment arriving in our homes and workplaces, but you’re likely to see much wider adoption of 2.5Gbps network equipment supporting the 2.5GBASE-T / 802.3bz standard in the year ahead. Our 2.5Gbps USB Ethernet adapter allows you to future-proof your setup while also being backwards compatible with current 1Gbps network environments. This adapter is ideal for early adopters—and IT professionals—to modernize their network environment with higher network throughput, without needing to run new cables. It also benefits users such as content creators whose work may be bottlenecked by 1Gbps network transfer rates.

Our USBC-E2500 2.5Gbps USB network adapter can connect to a system with USB-C ports, and also includes an attached USB-C to USB 3.0 (USB-A) adapter, allowing you to easily use it with any type of USB port you may have (USB 3.0 required for full performance). The adapter is backwards compatible with earlier networking standards such as Gigabit (10/100/1000) networks, and supports key features such as jumbo frames, auto-negotiation, and is compatible with both full-duplex and half-duplex networks, making it an ideal choice for current and future network connectivity.

The 2.5Gbps USB network adapter works with all modern versions of Windows (10, 8.x, and 7), macOS (10.12 and above), and Linux (kernel 3.2 and above). Please be aware a driver download and installation (using an existing network interface, or with a USB flash drive) may be required on some OS and kernel versions.

The Plugable 2.5 Gigabit USB Ethernet Adapter is available in the US on Amazon.com (with a limited time $10 off coupon), NewEgg, Walmart, and globally on Amazon Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and Japan. For business buyers, it’s also available through distribution via Ingram Micro.

If you have any questions at all, please comment below or email support@plugable.com anytime and our experts we’ll be glad to help!

Buy the Plugable 2.5G USB-C and USB to Ethernet Adapter