F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Question Is connecting an ethernet cable to an ethernet port identical to using it with a RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter?

Question Is connecting an ethernet cable to an ethernet port identical to using it with a RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter?

Question Is connecting an ethernet cable to an ethernet port identical to using it with a RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter?

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Babou2908
Junior Member
18
07-11-2023, 05:33 PM
#1
Sorry I'm not familiar with tech terms. If I connect my Ethernet cable into an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (which is connected to a USB-C port)... does that work the same as plugging it into a built-in Ethernet port? Is the first more reliable than the adapter? Also, if they label it a "USB-C to Ethernet adapter," would that mean it supports my cable? But instead they call it a "USB-C to RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter." Are they referring to the same thing?
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Babou2908
07-11-2023, 05:33 PM #1

Sorry I'm not familiar with tech terms. If I connect my Ethernet cable into an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (which is connected to a USB-C port)... does that work the same as plugging it into a built-in Ethernet port? Is the first more reliable than the adapter? Also, if they label it a "USB-C to Ethernet adapter," would that mean it supports my cable? But instead they call it a "USB-C to RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter." Are they referring to the same thing?

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yArthur
Member
169
07-11-2023, 08:03 PM
#2
In general, yes. However, certain constraints apply. See below for details.
Stability can be measured in various ways.
For instance, connection stability remains consistent; here it matches because both connections are wired and not wireless, unlike Wi-Fi which may face stability problems.
But regarding overall stability, there are two main factors to consider.
First, using an adapter introduces an additional point of failure, potentially reducing reliability (the adapter might fail).
Second, the adapter type itself has specific restrictions.
1. The RJ45 connector on the other end.
2. The maximum bandwidth supported by the adapter, which is typically 1Gbps.
For Ethernet, there are numerous connectors beyond the standard RJ45. When the adapter name doesn’t specify the connector, purchasing one labeled simply “USB-C to Ethernet adapter” might not be ideal.
For more details:
https://www.cbtnuggets.com/blog/tec...ng...management
If the product description omits connector information, opting for a model with explicit details is preferable.
Further reading:
https://www.lindy.co.uk/images/100m-fibr..._image.jpg
Also, note that bandwidth has its own caps. For example, if your ISP offers 2.5G internet but you only get a Gigabit adapter, your speed will be limited to 1Gbps or 1000 Mbps instead of the full 2500 Mbps provided by the ISP.
Knowing the product name provides clearer guidance than vague specifications.
Y
yArthur
07-11-2023, 08:03 PM #2

In general, yes. However, certain constraints apply. See below for details.
Stability can be measured in various ways.
For instance, connection stability remains consistent; here it matches because both connections are wired and not wireless, unlike Wi-Fi which may face stability problems.
But regarding overall stability, there are two main factors to consider.
First, using an adapter introduces an additional point of failure, potentially reducing reliability (the adapter might fail).
Second, the adapter type itself has specific restrictions.
1. The RJ45 connector on the other end.
2. The maximum bandwidth supported by the adapter, which is typically 1Gbps.
For Ethernet, there are numerous connectors beyond the standard RJ45. When the adapter name doesn’t specify the connector, purchasing one labeled simply “USB-C to Ethernet adapter” might not be ideal.
For more details:
https://www.cbtnuggets.com/blog/tec...ng...management
If the product description omits connector information, opting for a model with explicit details is preferable.
Further reading:
https://www.lindy.co.uk/images/100m-fibr..._image.jpg
Also, note that bandwidth has its own caps. For example, if your ISP offers 2.5G internet but you only get a Gigabit adapter, your speed will be limited to 1Gbps or 1000 Mbps instead of the full 2500 Mbps provided by the ISP.
Knowing the product name provides clearer guidance than vague specifications.

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Rounyx
Posting Freak
838
07-13-2023, 08:57 PM
#3
Bottom line - when considering a used laptop with wired internet, should I include a model with an Ethernet port for better stability compared to one needing a USB-to-Ethernet adapter? My experience has shown that some Dell laptops had Ethernet ports that were difficult to remove, causing frustration.
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Rounyx
07-13-2023, 08:57 PM #3

Bottom line - when considering a used laptop with wired internet, should I include a model with an Ethernet port for better stability compared to one needing a USB-to-Ethernet adapter? My experience has shown that some Dell laptops had Ethernet ports that were difficult to remove, causing frustration.

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Xxunidemonxx
Member
214
07-14-2023, 05:03 AM
#4
Since the laptop now has a dedicated network connector, you can link the internet directly to it without using one of the limited USB ports (when an adapter is used). RJ45 connectors include a locking mechanism at the top that must be pressed before removal. If the plastic lock fails, extraction becomes challenging. Most PC connectors are difficult to take off except those built for removal, such as USB. Have you ever disassembled an old MOLEX connector? It was a 4-pin device carrying +12V and +5V, or pulling a 24-pin ATX power cable from MoBo?
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Xxunidemonxx
07-14-2023, 05:03 AM #4

Since the laptop now has a dedicated network connector, you can link the internet directly to it without using one of the limited USB ports (when an adapter is used). RJ45 connectors include a locking mechanism at the top that must be pressed before removal. If the plastic lock fails, extraction becomes challenging. Most PC connectors are difficult to take off except those built for removal, such as USB. Have you ever disassembled an old MOLEX connector? It was a 4-pin device carrying +12V and +5V, or pulling a 24-pin ATX power cable from MoBo?

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PaigeOfTheBook
Senior Member
733
07-14-2023, 06:19 AM
#5
It also relies on the laptop's age. Using a USB to ethernet adapter requires a USB3 port on your device. Earlier USB2 ports only support 400mbps due to overhead, making them slower. When purchasing an adapter, be cautious as some unscrupulous sellers offer gigabit adapters without USB3 ports. Generally, you'll find USB3 connections now, and the costs for USB2 and USB3 are nearly equal. I recommend choosing a model with an integrated Ethernet port to eliminate the need for an additional adapter.
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PaigeOfTheBook
07-14-2023, 06:19 AM #5

It also relies on the laptop's age. Using a USB to ethernet adapter requires a USB3 port on your device. Earlier USB2 ports only support 400mbps due to overhead, making them slower. When purchasing an adapter, be cautious as some unscrupulous sellers offer gigabit adapters without USB3 ports. Generally, you'll find USB3 connections now, and the costs for USB2 and USB3 are nearly equal. I recommend choosing a model with an integrated Ethernet port to eliminate the need for an additional adapter.

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ledfed
Member
96
07-14-2023, 02:42 PM
#6
If the plastic latch is damaged, then it would be challenging to take it out.
In line with that, if the plastic latch is protected by a rubber or soft plastic "anti-snag" cover, it becomes even harder.
Depending on the situation, I remove those covers – it significantly simplifies pressing on the real latch.
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ledfed
07-14-2023, 02:42 PM #6

If the plastic latch is damaged, then it would be challenging to take it out.
In line with that, if the plastic latch is protected by a rubber or soft plastic "anti-snag" cover, it becomes even harder.
Depending on the situation, I remove those covers – it significantly simplifies pressing on the real latch.

O
Omer_Bamani
Member
78
07-14-2023, 03:01 PM
#7
Fix a broken ethernet clip using masking tape without tools. Watch the tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX4RyHkRFJU
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Omer_Bamani
07-14-2023, 03:01 PM #7

Fix a broken ethernet clip using masking tape without tools. Watch the tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX4RyHkRFJU

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CiaoCow
Member
129
07-20-2023, 05:15 PM
#8
Thanks, I'm aware of the situation and aim to steer clear of any without an ethernet port.
Cruisetung, wow, what a video! That's interesting regarding masking tape, though it wasn't very clear where exactly he taped it. It reminds me of another hack someone used to boost the water flow in his bathtub faucet. Changing the aerator or restrictor doesn't really solve the water-flow issue nowadays, so he actually drilled a larger hole in the cartridge. That worked.
Not long ago, in a moment of desperation, I watched a video about someone removing a stuck ethernet cable. I double-checked, and it might have been the second video in that series that fixed my issue, or perhaps another similar one.
I remember definitely not needing a screwdriver.
Views: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGmnkfGRryE
Views: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akrfvsEwRbI
Bill, I was thinking about USB-C (which I think is 3.1 and smaller than the 3.0 models). It doesn't make sense to use a 3.0 port for an ethernet adapter if I also need the 3.0 ports for connecting my hub and Adesso split adapter, which has my keyboard plugged in.
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CiaoCow
07-20-2023, 05:15 PM #8

Thanks, I'm aware of the situation and aim to steer clear of any without an ethernet port.
Cruisetung, wow, what a video! That's interesting regarding masking tape, though it wasn't very clear where exactly he taped it. It reminds me of another hack someone used to boost the water flow in his bathtub faucet. Changing the aerator or restrictor doesn't really solve the water-flow issue nowadays, so he actually drilled a larger hole in the cartridge. That worked.
Not long ago, in a moment of desperation, I watched a video about someone removing a stuck ethernet cable. I double-checked, and it might have been the second video in that series that fixed my issue, or perhaps another similar one.
I remember definitely not needing a screwdriver.
Views: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGmnkfGRryE
Views: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akrfvsEwRbI
Bill, I was thinking about USB-C (which I think is 3.1 and smaller than the 3.0 models). It doesn't make sense to use a 3.0 port for an ethernet adapter if I also need the 3.0 ports for connecting my hub and Adesso split adapter, which has my keyboard plugged in.

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X_FredBear_X
Member
226
07-22-2023, 07:35 AM
#9
USB type-C refers only to the physical connection point. It doesn't specify the USB version, because the type-C port works with USB 2.0 and even higher standards (such as 480 Mbps and beyond).
Many USB 2.0 and 3.0 connectors are type-A (rectangular), while type-C (oval) connectors also exist.
For example, this USB 2.0 cable has a type-A end and a type-C end; it won't exceed 480 Mbps even though it uses a type-C connector.
Direct link if image doesn't load: https://img.av-connection.com/2/AVimg_23477.jpg
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X_FredBear_X
07-22-2023, 07:35 AM #9

USB type-C refers only to the physical connection point. It doesn't specify the USB version, because the type-C port works with USB 2.0 and even higher standards (such as 480 Mbps and beyond).
Many USB 2.0 and 3.0 connectors are type-A (rectangular), while type-C (oval) connectors also exist.
For example, this USB 2.0 cable has a type-A end and a type-C end; it won't exceed 480 Mbps even though it uses a type-C connector.
Direct link if image doesn't load: https://img.av-connection.com/2/AVimg_23477.jpg

M
92
08-08-2023, 01:37 PM
#10
Well, whatever happened... I kept trying but couldn't understand it. But it doesn't matter. All I needed was to find a built-in ethernet port, which was what I was really after, even though these kinds of things seem like tiny needles in haystacks. Thanks.
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MisteurKilling
08-08-2023, 01:37 PM #10

Well, whatever happened... I kept trying but couldn't understand it. But it doesn't matter. All I needed was to find a built-in ethernet port, which was what I was really after, even though these kinds of things seem like tiny needles in haystacks. Thanks.