StarTech.com USB31000S — USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, Black, TAA
Gigabit EthernetUSB-A 5 GbpsASIX AX88179ATAA compliant
The StarTech.com USB31000S is an USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet adapter that adds a wired Gigabit Ethernet port to a laptop, desktop PC, tablet or thin client through its USB-A port. It is TAA compliant and supports StarTech.com Connectivity Tools, which add MAC address pass-through and automatic Wi-Fi switching. It is built on the ASIX AX88179A controller and connects at 10/100/1000 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-A plug; on a laptop that only has USB-C ports, choose a USB-C model instead. It links at up to 1 Gbps with any standard switch or router port, and Cat5e cable or better is enough. Operating systems listed by StarTech.com: Windows 7 and later, Windows Server, macOS 10.14 and later, Ubuntu 20.04 (kernel 5.15+, LTS only), ChromeOS. Not sure it suits your laptop, dock or switch? Tell us the model and we check it.
Best For
✓ Laptops without an Ethernet port
✓ Stable video calls and remote desktop
✓ Office desks and hot desks
✓ Backups and large downloads
✓ Replacing a faulty built-in port
✓ IT toolkits and travel bags
Key Features
Gigabit Ethernet
Up to 1000 Mbps full duplex for steady calls, cloud work and file transfers; falls back to 100/10 Mbps automatically.
USB-A plug
Plugs into the standard USB-A port found on most desktops, older laptops, docks and monitors with a USB hub.
Network features
Supports Wake-on-LAN, 4K jumbo frames, 802.1Q VLAN, IEEE 802.3az EEE, Auto-MDIX.
Connectivity Tools
StarTech.com software adds MAC address pass-through and switches Wi-Fi off when the cable is connected.
Technical Specifications
| Identification |
| Brand |
StarTech.com |
| Product |
USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter, 10/100/1000 Mbps, USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapter (GbE), TAA Compliant |
| Part Number |
USB31000S |
| EAN / GTIN |
0065030848404 |
| Network |
| Ports |
1× RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Speeds |
10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Chipset |
ASIX AX88179A |
| Features |
Wake-on-LAN, 4K jumbo frames, 802.1Q VLAN, IEEE 802.3az EEE, Auto-MDIX |
| Host Connection |
| Connector |
USB-A (5 Gbps) |
| USB |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), works on USB 3.0/2.0 |
| Power |
USB bus powered |
| Compatibility |
| Operating Systems |
Windows 7 and later, Windows Server, macOS 10.14 and later, Ubuntu 20.04 (kernel 5.15+, LTS only), ChromeOS |
| Physical |
| Colour |
Black |
| Cable |
13.5 cm, attached |
| Weight |
28 g |
| In the Box |
| Included |
USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet adapter, instruction manual |
| 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, Windows Server, macOS 10.14 and later, Ubuntu 20.04 (kernel 5.15+, LTS only), ChromeOS. Where the system does not load a driver on its own, install the driver from the StarTech.com support page for this model.
Is it faster than Wi-Fi?
A wired Gigabit link gives up to 1 Gbps with steadier latency than most Wi-Fi connections — that is what video calls, remote desktop and large transfers benefit from. Your internet speed still depends on your connection.
Will it work on a USB-C-only laptop?
Not directly — it has a USB-A plug. For USB-C laptops choose StarTech.com US1GC30B (USB-C).
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 USB31000S for corporate laptop fleets where IT wants MAC address pass-through and automatic Wi-Fi switching on a USB-A adapter. The
USB31000SW is the white version; the
USB31000S2 uses a Realtek chipset with a longer cable. Browse more
network cards or
network switches. Local support in Cyprus comes with every order.
Buyer’s Guide
Buy it if
You need a proven Gigabit USB-A adapter with IT-friendly software features.
Skip it if
Your laptop has only USB-C ports.
Also consider
StarTech.com USB31000SW — same adapter in white.