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Compact black aluminium network adapter with braided cable and dual USB-A and USB-C connectors

Plugable ES-C2500B 2.5Gbps USB-A & USB-C Ethernet Adapter

SKU CH-BDE5-K4S3V

Adds 2.5Gbps wired networking through USB-A or USB-C ports for compatible laptops and tablets

  • ColorBlack
  • 5 Gbps wired speed for smooth 4K streaming and large file transfers
  • Dual USB-A 3.0 and USB-C connectors fit almost any laptop without extra dongles
  • Realtek 8156 chipset upgrades existing 1 Gbps gear to 2.5 Gbps
  • Works with MacBook Air, Pro, iMac, Mac mini and Dell XPS models from 2016 to 2023
  • Requires Cat6 cable and USB 3.0 port for full performance

What this adapter does

The Plugable ES-C2500B adds a 2.5Gbps wired Ethernet port to laptops, tablets and desktops that lack one. It connects through either a USB-A 3.0 or USB-C socket so you can upgrade older 1Gbps links without replacing your router or switch. The Realtek 8156BG chipset handles the conversion and supports Thunderbolt 3 and 4 hosts.

Speed depends on the link

Full 2.5Gbps throughput only appears when every piece in the chain — router, switch, server and cable — is rated for 2.5Gbps. A Cat6 or higher cable is required and the host USB port must run at USB 3.0 or faster. If any segment stays at 1Gbps the adapter will negotiate down to that speed.

Not for every device

The adapter does not work with Android phones or tablets, Nintendo Switch, TV boxes or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE and SM-P610. Buyers who need wired Ethernet on those platforms must choose a different solution.

Highlights

  • 5 Gbps wired speed for smooth 4K streaming and large file transfers
  • Dual USB-A 3.0 and USB-C connectors fit almost any laptop without extra dongles
  • Realtek 8156 chipset upgrades existing 1 Gbps gear to 2.5 Gbps
  • Works with MacBook Air, Pro, iMac, Mac mini and Dell XPS models from 2016 to 2023
  • Requires Cat6 cable and USB 3.0 port for full performance

Specifications

BrandPlugable
ModelES-C2500B
ColorBlack

Questions about this item

Does the Plugable ES-C2500B come in any other speed versions or port configurations?

No, this model is a single 2.5Gbps adapter that includes both USB-A 3.0 and USB-C connectors in one unit.

What real-world throughput should I expect when the adapter is connected to a USB 3.0 port?

Up to 2.5Gbps, provided the host port is USB 3.0 or higher, the cable is Cat6 or better, and the router or switch also supports 2.5Gbps Ethernet.

Which interface standard does the ES-C2500B use, and what speed does that standard cap at?

It uses USB 3.0, which caps at 5Gbps, so the 2.5Gbps Ethernet link runs well within the available bandwidth.

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