StarTech.com USB31000SPTW — USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter with USB Port, White
Gigabit EthernetUSB-A pass-throughASIX AX88179AWhite
The StarTech.com USB31000SPTW is an USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet adapter with USB pass-through port that adds a wired Gigabit Ethernet port to a laptop, desktop PC, tablet or thin client through its USB-A port. It gives back the USB-A port it occupies: a 5 Gbps USB-A pass-through port on the adapter takes a mouse, keyboard or flash drive. It is built on the ASIX AX88179A + VIA/VLI VL817 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 XP–11 (incl. ARM), macOS 10.6–26.1, Ubuntu 20.04 and later. 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 4K jumbo frames, 802.1Q VLAN, Auto-MDIX, checksum offload.
USB-A pass-through port
One 5 Gbps USB-A port on the adapter replaces the port you plugged it into.
Technical Specifications
| Identification |
| Brand |
StarTech.com |
| Product |
USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter NIC w/ USB Port – White |
| Part Number |
USB31000SPTW |
| EAN / GTIN |
0065030851909 |
| Network |
| Ports |
1× RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Speeds |
10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Chipset |
ASIX AX88179A + VIA/VLI VL817 |
| Features |
4K jumbo frames, 802.1Q VLAN, Auto-MDIX, checksum offload |
| Host Connection |
| Connector |
USB-A (5 Gbps) |
| USB |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) |
| Power |
USB bus powered |
| USB pass-through |
1× USB-A, 5 Gbps |
| Compatibility |
| Operating Systems |
Windows XP–11 (incl. ARM), macOS 10.6–26.1, Ubuntu 20.04 and later |
| Physical |
| Colour |
White |
| Cable |
155 mm |
| Dimensions |
5.0 × 1.4 × 0.7 in |
| Weight |
44 g |
| In the Box |
| Included |
USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet adapter, driver CD, 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?
Depending on the system, yes — a driver CD is included and drivers are on the StarTech.com support page. Supported: Windows XP–11 (incl. ARM), macOS 10.6–26.1, Ubuntu 20.04+.
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 US1GC301AUW (USB-C, white).
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 USB31000SPTW for laptops with only one or two USB-A ports, where plugging in a network adapter would otherwise cost you a port. Same adapter in black:
USB31000SPTB. Browse more
network cards or
network switches. Local support in Cyprus comes with every order.
Buyer’s Guide
Buy it if
You need Gigabit and want to keep a free USB-A port.
Skip it if
You need more than one extra port — see the USB31000S2H hub.
Also consider
StarTech.com USB31000S2H — Gigabit adapter with 2-port USB hub.