i-tec C31METAL25LAN — USB-C / USB-A Metal 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
2.5 GigabitUSB-C + USB-ARealtek RTL8156BMetal body
The i-tec C31METAL25LAN is an USB-C / USB-A metal 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet adapter that adds a wired 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port to a laptop, desktop PC, tablet or thin client through a USB-C or USB-A port. The integrated 30 cm cable ends in a USB-C plug with a built-in USB-A connector, and i-tec lists it for USB-C, Thunderbolt 3/4/5 and USB4 ports. It is built on the Realtek RTL8156B controller and connects at 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps. It draws its power from the USB port, so there is no separate power supply to carry. A cable connection is the dependable answer when Wi-Fi is weak, crowded or not allowed, when a slim laptop has no network socket, or when backups, large downloads and video calls need a steady, low-latency link.
Compatibility — check before buying:
Check the port: the combined connector fits either a USB-C or a USB-A port, so one adapter covers new and old computers. 2.5 Gbps needs a 2.5G partner: the switch, router or NAS port must also support 2.5GBASE-T, otherwise the link runs at 1 Gbps. Use a USB 3.x (5 Gbps) port — on USB 2.0 the speed drops sharply. Cat5e cable is enough for 2.5 Gbps. Operating systems listed by i-tec: Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, iPadOS, ChromeOS, Linux. Not sure it suits your laptop, dock or switch? Tell us the model and we check it.
Best For
✓ 2.5G switches, routers and NAS
✓ Fast file transfers to a NAS
✓ Laptops without an Ethernet port
✓ Video editing and large media files
✓ Multi-gig internet connections
✓ Faster network backups
Key Features
2.5 Gigabit (NBASE-T)
Up to 2.5 Gbps over ordinary Cat5e cable — 2.5× a Gigabit port — and backwards compatible with 1 Gbps and 100 Mbps networks.
USB-C and USB-A in one
A combined connector fits both USB-C and USB-A ports, so one adapter covers every computer in the office.
Network features
2.5 Gbps with automatic fallback to 1 Gbps and 100/10 Mbps, LED indication, no external power.
Tablets and phones too
i-tec lists Android and iPadOS alongside Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Linux.
Technical Specifications
| Identification |
| Brand |
i-tec |
| Product |
i-tec USB-C/USB-A Metal 2.5Gbps Ethernet Adapter |
| Part Number |
C31METAL25LAN |
| EAN / GTIN |
8595611703898 |
| Network |
| Ports |
1× RJ45 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Speeds |
10/100/1000/2500 Mbps |
| Chipset |
Realtek RTL8156B |
| Features |
LED indication, no external power needed |
| Host Connection |
| Connector |
USB-C plug with built-in USB-A connector |
| Power |
USB bus powered |
| Compatibility |
| Operating Systems |
Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, iPadOS, ChromeOS, Linux |
| Physical |
| Housing |
Metal |
| Cable |
approx. 30 cm, integrated, USB-C plug with built-in USB-A |
| Dimensions |
61 × 23 × 17 mm |
| Weight |
35 g |
| In the Box |
| Included |
i-tec USB-C/USB-A Metal 2.5Gbps Ethernet Adapter, user manual |
| Not Included |
Network cable, switch or router |
| Warranty |
| Warranty |
1-Year Warranty (Singular) |
| Manufacturer Term |
i-tec publishes a 2-year warranty in the datasheet of this adapter (plus lifetime technical support, which is support, not warranty). Singular’s direct warranty is 1 year; beyond that we assist you with the manufacturer’s warranty process for its full duration. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install a driver?
Supported systems listed by i-tec: Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, iPadOS, ChromeOS, Linux. Where the system does not load a driver on its own, install the driver from the i-tec support page for this model.
Will I get 2.5 Gbps?
Only when the other end supports 2.5GBASE-T — a 2.5G switch, router or NAS port — and the adapter sits in a USB 3.x port. Connected to a normal Gigabit port it runs at 1 Gbps.
Does it work on USB-A and USB-C?
Yes. The connector fits either type. For full speed use a USB 3.x (5 Gbps) port.
Does it work through a dock or USB hub?
Usually yes — it is a standard USB network device. For full speed the hub or dock port must be USB 3.x, and bus-powered hubs should have enough power for all connected devices.
Singular Expert Insight
We suggest the C31METAL25LAN for mixed fleets of laptops, tablets and Chromebooks — the built-in USB-A connector means one adapter fits every port type. Browse more
network cards or
network switches. Local support in Cyprus comes with every order.
Buyer’s Guide
Buy it if
You need a 2.5G adapter that fits both USB-C and USB-A and supports tablets as well.
Skip it if
Your network is Gigabit only.
Also consider
ICY BOX IB-LAN301-C3 — another USB-C/USB-A 2.5G adapter.