INTRODUCTION

   Even though 10GbE (10G) peripherals have finally become quite affordable this type of connectivity is almost entirely aimed towards desktop computers and servers thus leaving laptop users with the typical 1GbE connectivity most of us have been using for over a decade now. Thanks to the introduction of USB 3.1 type-C to 2.5G/5G ethernet adapters last year however this has changed and so laptop users (at least those with relatively new models) can now enjoy up to 5 times better network performance (as long as the router or switch used support such speeds). It's been a while since we last had something from TRENDnet in the lab but since they were the very first to officially introduce such devices in the market, we decided to start with them and so today with us we have their TUC-ET2G USB-C 3.1 to 2.5GBASE-T Ethernet Adapter.

   TRENDnet is a global provider of award-winning networking and surveillance solutions to small and medium-sized business and home users. Building networking solutions since 1990, TRENDnet enables users to share broadband access, multimedia content and networked peripherals for true anywhere connectivity. TRENDnet's diverse product portfolio includes Wireless, Internet Cameras (IP Cameras), Switches, Power over Ethernet (PoE), Fiber, Gigabit, Home Automation, Network Video Recorders (NVR), Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM), Print Servers, Powerline, NAS Media Servers, Multimedia Accessories, and more. To learn more about TRENDnet, please visit www.trendnet.com.

   The brand new TUC-ET2G USB-C 2.5GBASE-T adapter by TRENDnet is based on the Realtek RTL8156 network controller which is not only compatible with the latest 2.5G (IEEE 802.3bz 2500Mbps) connection but it's also backwards compatible with both the "classic" fast (IEEE 802.3u 100Mbps) and gigabit ethernet (IEEE 802.3ab 1000Mbps) connections. Aside being able to use it with a USB 3.1 type-C port the TUC-ET2G can also be used with a Thunderbolt 3 USB type-C port which means it's fully compatible not only with "regular" laptops but also with every MacBook out there. As mentioned earlier in order to fully utilize the speed of the TUC-ET2G (or its faster 5G brother the TUC-ET5G) you will need equipment compatible with the new 2.5G connection so either your switch or your router need to support it. So, let's move forward with today’s review and see just what performance levels you can expect from the TUC-ET2G USB 3.1 to 2.5G ethernet adapter by TRENDnet.