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.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The product gets shipped inside a small black and blue box that has a clear plastic section at the front from where you can see the TUC-ET2G adapter.

Listed in the left side of the box are the main product features while on the right side we see the bundle contents and contact information about TRENDnet.

At the rear we find the main product features in 7 languages right next to several product drawings showcasing the integrated cable and the proper use of the product.

Contained inside the box along with the TUC-ET2G adapter is a safety information paper and the quick installation guide.

THE TUC-ET2G

The TUC-ET2G 2.5G ethernet adapter features a plastic housing that measures 84mm in length, 32mm in width and 13mm in height and as mentioned earlier it features a 12.6cm long integrated USB type-C cable.

There are 3 activity LEDs on the adapter (power, 100/1000 connectivity and 2.5G connectivity).

The RJ45 (BASE-T) ethernet port is located at the front of the adapter.

A sticker located at the base of the adapter lists the hardware version, serial number and barcode.

For this test we'll be using the QSW-804-4C 10G ethernet switch by QNAP which also supports 2.5G/5G connectivity (a 10G Intel X550 card will be installed on the other test rig for our tests).

As expected, once you plug the adapter to a compatible switch and/or router the 2.5G activity LED will turn on.

TEST BED

TESTING METHODOLOGY

   2.5G or faster network adapters are very similar if not identical to network cards so once again we’ll be using roughly the same testing methodology here as well. In order to maximize the possible throughput of the adapter in hand our secondary test rig is equipped with a 10GbE (10G) Intel X550 card and also to have a better understanding as to what gains you'll be getting compared to 1GbE (1G - Gigabit Ethernet) we've also performed the same test with the built-in Intel I219-V Gigabit Ethernet card of our primary test rig (included in our charts are also tests with 10G cards so you can all see the performance difference between various connections). Our systems are placed roughly 15 meters away from each other and are connected via CAT7 cables to the QSW-804-4C 2.5/5/10G Ethernet switch by QNAP. As for what software we'll be using well once again we have the v9.0 networking benchmark suite by Passmark, ATTO v4.00.0f2, Crystal Disk Mark v6.0.2 and Sisoftware Sandra Pro v2016SP2). Each of the tests is repeated a total of 6 times after which the average scores are recorded into our charts. Our systems have Windows 10 Pro installed complete with all updates up until the date of our review.

TEST RESULTS

CONCLUSION

   As you can all easily tell from our charts even though 2.5G is nowhere near as effective as 10G it’s clearly over twice as fast as 1G (at least for the most part) so if you’re looking to build a faster local network for your laptop(s) this (or the faster 5G adapter) is the way to go. Of course, as we’ve already pointed out for desktop computers 10G is a much more efficient way to increase the speed of your local network (not to mention many times over) and with prices as low as USD100 for some “basic” 10G cards the cost is not really much higher compared to getting an adapter (and since you still need a compatible switch and/or router getting a 10G model instead shouldn’t set you back that much more).

   With a current price tag set at USD54.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and at 62.89Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) the TUC-ET2G 2.5GBASE-T Ethernet Adapter by TRENDnet is very affordable. On top of that add its compact size and also that it delivers on the promised performance and you have a product certainly worth of our Golden Award.

PROS

- Compact Size
- 2.5G Performance
- Backwards Compatible (100/1000Mbps)
- Integrated USB Type C Cable
- Compatible with Both USB 3.1 & Thunderbolt 3 Type C Ports
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- 2.5G Compatible Switch/Router Required (Extra Cost)
- Enclosure Quality (Plastic)