StarTech.com USB31000SW — USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, White
Gigabit EthernetUSB-A 5 GbpsASIX AX88179AWhite
The StarTech.com USB31000SW 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. The white housing matches white iMacs, older MacBooks and light-coloured desks, and StarTech.com’s Connectivity Tools software is supported. 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 7–11 and Windows Server, macOS 10.6–26.1, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and later, 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.
White finish
A white housing and cable that blend in with Apple desktops and white workspaces.
Technical Specifications
| Identification |
| Brand |
StarTech.com |
| Product |
USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter, 10/100/1000 Mbps, USB to RJ45 – White |
| Part Number |
USB31000SW |
| EAN / GTIN |
0065030849906 |
| 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 |
| Host Connection |
| Connector |
USB-A (5 Gbps) |
| USB |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) |
| Power |
USB bus powered |
| Compatibility |
| Operating Systems |
Windows 7–11 and Windows Server, macOS 10.6–26.1, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and later, ChromeOS |
| Physical |
| Colour |
White |
| Cable |
attached, 21.5 cm overall length |
| Dimensions |
26 × 16 × 215 mm (incl. cable) |
| Weight |
30 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 7–11 and Windows Server, macOS 10.6–26.1, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and later, 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 US1GC30W (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 USB31000SW for white Mac and PC setups with a USB-A port, and for IT teams that like a colour-coded adapter pool. The
USB31000S is the same adapter in black. Browse more
network cards or
network switches. Local support in Cyprus comes with every order.
Buyer’s Guide
Buy it if
You want a white Gigabit adapter for a USB-A port.
Skip it if
Your computer has only USB-C ports.
Also consider
StarTech.com US1GC30W — USB-C Gigabit adapter, white.