StarTech.com C22G — 2.5GbE USB-C to Ethernet Adapter, Space Grey
2.5 GigabitUSB-C 5 GbpsRealtek RTL8156BGSpace Grey
The StarTech.com C22G is an USB-C to 2.5GbE Ethernet adapter that adds a wired 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port to a laptop, desktop PC, tablet or thin client through its USB-C port. At just 18 g it is one of the lightest 2.5G adapters, and StarTech.com lists support for Apple Silicon and ARM systems. It is built on the Realtek RTL8156BG 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 adapter has a USB-C plug and does not fit USB-A ports; any USB-C data port works, including Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4 ports. 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 StarTech.com: Windows 7 and later, Linux LTS 4.19 and later, macOS, iOS, ChromeOS (Intel, AMD, ARM and Apple Silicon). 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 plug
Fits the USB-C port of current laptops, tablets and PCs, including Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4 ports.
Network features
Supports Wake-on-LAN, 802.1Q VLAN, 16K jumbo frames (not on macOS), PXE boot, promiscuous mode.
Only 18 g
A lightweight, space-grey adapter with a 15 cm cable for the laptop bag.
Technical Specifications
| Identification |
| Brand |
StarTech.com |
| Product |
2.5GbE USB-C to Ethernet Adapter, NBASE-T NIC, USB 3.0 Type-C 2.5/1G Multi Speed Network Adapter |
| Part Number |
C22G-USB-ETHERNET |
| EAN / GTIN |
0065030910415 |
| Model |
C22G |
| Network |
| Ports |
1× RJ45 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Speeds |
10/100/1000/2500 Mbps |
| Chipset |
Realtek RTL8156BG |
| Features |
Wake-on-LAN, 802.1Q VLAN, 16K jumbo frames (not on macOS), PXE boot, promiscuous mode |
| Host Connection |
| Connector |
USB-C (5 Gbps) |
| USB |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Type-C |
| Power |
USB bus powered |
| Compatibility |
| Operating Systems |
Windows 7 and later, Linux LTS 4.19 and later, macOS, iOS, ChromeOS (Intel, AMD, ARM and Apple Silicon) |
| Operating Temperature |
0–45 °C |
| Physical |
| Colour |
Space Grey |
| Cable |
15.2 cm |
| Weight |
18 g |
| In the Box |
| Included |
2.5GbE USB-C Ethernet adapter |
| Not Included |
Network cable, switch or router |
| Warranty |
| Warranty |
1-Year Warranty (Singular) |
| Manufacturer Term |
StarTech.com publishes a 2-year warranty for this part number in its official datasheet. 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 StarTech.com: Windows 7 and later, Linux LTS 4.19 and later, macOS, iOS, ChromeOS (Intel, AMD, ARM and Apple Silicon). Where the system does not load a driver on its own, install the driver from the StarTech.com 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.
Can I use it on a USB-A port?
No, it has a USB-C plug only. For USB-A computers choose StarTech.com U2GA-USB-C-ETHERNET (with USB-A converter).
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 C22G for USB-C laptops, MacBooks with Apple Silicon and Chromebooks that connect to a 2.5G switch or NAS. Need USB-A support too? The
U2GA-USB-C-ETHERNET is the same adapter with a USB-A converter in the box. Browse more
network cards or
network switches. Local support in Cyprus comes with every order.
Buyer’s Guide
Buy it if
Your laptop has USB-C and your switch or NAS offers 2.5G.
Skip it if
Some of your computers have only USB-A ports.
Also consider
StarTech.com U2GA-USB-C-ETHERNET — with USB-A converter.