StarTech.com USB 2.0 to 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Network Adapter Dongle
10/100 MbpsUSB 2.0 Type-AVLAN + Wake-on-LANASIX AX88772C
The StarTech.com USB2100 is a USB 2.0 to 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network adapter dongle that adds a Fast Ethernet RJ45 port to any laptop or desktop with a USB Type-A port. It is meant for replacing a failed on-board network port, adding a second network interface for a separate network, or connecting older equipment and service laptops to a LAN.
The adapter uses the ASIX AX88772C chipset, supports half and full duplex (up to 200 Mbps full duplex), auto MDI-X, IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging and Wake-on-LAN, and has Link and Activity LEDs. It has a 15 cm attached cable and a black plastic housing.
Before you order: This is a Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) adapter, not Gigabit. For faster file transfers on a Gigabit network, choose a USB 3.0 Gigabit adapter.
What's in the Box
- 1 x StarTech.com USB2100 USB 2.0 to 10/100 Ethernet adapter
- Driver CD
- Instruction manual
What It Means in Practice
- Enough bandwidth for internet access on most home and office broadband connections, video calls and web applications
- A handy second network port for configuring switches, firewalls or IoT devices on an isolated network
- Works on older PCs that only have USB 2.0 ports
- VLAN tagging lets it be used on managed networks that separate traffic by VLAN
What Will Not Work
- It will not run at Gigabit speed — the maximum is 100 Mbps
- It has no USB-C plug
- It is not suited to large NAS transfers or backups where Gigabit makes a real difference
- Current Windows and macOS versions are not on the OS list in StarTech's published manual — ask us before ordering for a new system
Key Features
Fast Ethernet
10/100 Mbps, IEEE 802.3i and 802.3u, up to 200 Mbps full duplex.
Proven chipset
ASIX AX88772C with broad driver support.
Network features
Auto MDI-X, IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging and Wake-on-LAN.
Status LEDs
Link and Activity indicators; 15 cm attached cable.
Technical Specifications
| Identification |
| Brand |
StarTech.com |
| Part Number |
USB2100 |
| EAN / GTIN |
0065030856645 |
| Product type |
USB 2.0 to 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network adapter dongle |
| Interface |
| Host connector |
USB 2.0 Type-A (480 Mbps) |
| Network port |
1 x RJ45 |
| Data rate |
10/100 Mbps, max 200 Mbps full duplex |
| Chipset |
ASIX AX88772C |
| Standards |
IEEE 802.3i, 802.3u, 802.1Q |
| Features |
Half/full duplex, auto MDI-X, Wake-on-LAN |
| LEDs |
Link, Activity |
| Physical |
| Cable length |
15 cm |
| Dimensions |
65 x 20 x 14 mm |
| Weight |
23 g |
| Housing |
Plastic |
| Colour |
Black |
| Software |
| Operating systems (manual) |
Windows 8/8.1/7/Vista/XP, Windows Server 2012/2008 R2/2003, Mac OS 10.x, Chrome OS, Linux 2.6.x/3.x |
| Drivers |
Included on CD |
| Warranty |
| Warranty |
1-Year Warranty (Singular) |
| Manufacturer Term |
2-year manufacturer warranty per StarTech.com — claims handled through Singular |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 100 Mbps enough?
For internet access on most broadband connections, yes. For copying large files to a NAS or server on your local network, a Gigabit adapter is noticeably faster.
Will it work on Windows 10 or 11?
The AX88772C chipset is widely supported, but StarTech's published manual lists older Windows versions. Tell us your OS and we will confirm before you order.
Can I use it for a second network?
Yes. It is a common way to add a second, separate network interface to a PC or laptop.
Singular Expert Insight · Buyer's Guide
The USB2100 makes sense as a cheap second interface or a spare for older machines. For a primary connection on a modern laptop, a Gigabit USB 3.0 or USB-C adapter from our
network adapters range costs little more and is ten times faster on a local network.
✓ Buy it if you need a basic 10/100 wired port on a PC with USB 2.0 ports, or a second network interface.
✕ Skip it if you need Gigabit speed or have USB-C ports only.
→ Also consider D-Link DUB-1312 or HP 4Z7Z7AA for Gigabit over USB-A.
Not sure it fits your setup? Send us the model of your laptop, PC or console and the switch or router it will connect to, and we will check compatibility before you order.