Yes, the USB Ethernet adapter can throttle performance.
Yes, the USB Ethernet adapter can throttle performance.
Hello, Your question about cable type doesn't affect performance noticeably. Both direct Ethernet and USB-to-Ethernet adapters work similarly for your laptop.
For gigabit ethernet, speed isn't usually an issue. The adapters I've used work well above 900 Mbps. PCIe NICs, such as those on most boards, offer better performance, lower CPU overhead, and more driver support—use them if possible.
In short, they discussed options between Gigabit onboard and quicker USB connections. There was a test showing performance with USB-C 2.5Gbit to a switch, then switching to a 10Gbit NAS. Data transfer times were recorded, and CPU usage on USB was noted but likely minimal on current hardware. You might want to clarify your concern.