StarTech.com USB31000NDS — Compact USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Gigabit EthernetUSB-A 5 GbpsASIX AX88179ANo cable
The StarTech.com USB31000NDS is a compact 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 has no cable at all: the compact body plugs straight into the USB-A port, which suits laptops on the move and fixed installations alike. 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 XP–11 (incl. ARM), Windows Server 2003–2025, macOS 10.6–26.1, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS 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 jumbo frames, 802.1Q VLAN, Auto-MDIX, checksum offload / LSO, IEEE 802.3az EEE.
Cable-free design
Plugs straight into the port — nothing to coil or lose, and nothing hanging off the laptop.
Technical Specifications
| Identification |
| Brand |
StarTech.com |
| Product |
USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet NIC Network Adapter – 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Part Number |
USB31000NDS |
| EAN / GTIN |
0065030850810 |
| Network |
| Ports |
1× RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Speeds |
10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Chipset |
ASIX AX88179A |
| Features |
jumbo frames, 802.1Q VLAN, Auto-MDIX, checksum offload / LSO, IEEE 802.3az EEE |
| Host Connection |
| Connector |
USB-A (5 Gbps) |
| USB |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) |
| Power |
USB bus powered |
| Compatibility |
| Operating Systems |
Windows XP–11 (incl. ARM), Windows Server 2003–2025, macOS 10.6–26.1, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and later |
| Physical |
| Colour |
Black |
| Cable |
None — plugs directly into the port |
| Dimensions |
68 × 23 × 26 mm |
| Weight |
22 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), Server 2003–2025, 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 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 USB31000NDS for laptops and PCs where a cable-free, plug-in adapter is neater — it also covers a very wide range of Windows, Server, macOS and Linux versions. Prefer an attached cable? The
USB31000S uses the same ASIX chipset with a 13.5 cm cable. Browse more
network cards or
network switches. Local support in Cyprus comes with every order.
Buyer’s Guide
Buy it if
You want a small plug-in Gigabit adapter with broad OS support.
Skip it if
Neighbouring USB ports are tight — a model with a cable avoids blocking them.
Also consider
StarTech.com USB31000S — the same chipset with an attached cable.