Question about Ethernet adapters

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Rickles

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#280648 31-Dec-2020 15:12

If I have a computer with a 900mbps internet connection and an internal Ethernet adapter with a spec of 10/100mbps, I accept that the best download speed I can expect is around the 80 - 90mbps marks.

However, if I then use a USB Ethernet adapter of Gigabit spec, I presume downloads would be around 400mbps if connected to a USB2.0 port, or in the 700 - 800mbps range if a USB3.0 port?? Is this correct?

Tks.

richms

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#2628592 31-Dec-2020 15:19

They are very CPU intensive compared to PCIe network adapters, IME 450-600 is about where a USB3 ethernet adapter sits for thruput. But CPU is high during that so about all that is good for is speedtests, even file copies are slower.

Richard rich.ms

Rickles

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#2628596 31-Dec-2020 15:43

@richms ... thanks for that. Would the est 450 - 600mbps be with a USB2.0 or 3.0 port? Aren't USB 2.0 limited to 400mbps?

cyril7

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#2628597 31-Dec-2020 15:48

Hi, as Rich says a USB adaptor has a big software driver component that a PCIe card does not require, this puts limits on things, even via USB3.

As a result through puts vary considerably from host to host for USB3.

Cyril

richms

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#2628599 31-Dec-2020 15:57

Never used a gigabit adapter on a USB 2 port to really know what it does.

The one on the raspberry pi 3 is on USB 2 and delivers OK speeds for what it is, but not sure under windows. Really dont see the point of bothering to put a gigabit ethernet adapter on a machine so old that it lacks USB3 too.

Richard rich.ms

Rickles

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#2628605 31-Dec-2020 16:17

Tks all ... I'm helping out an elderly friend with limited resources 😁

djtOtago

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#2628607 31-Dec-2020 16:25

If it is a computer, as per your OP, and not a laptop, maybe you could look at installing a 1Gbs network card.

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NETTPL3468/TP-Link-TG-3468-32-bit-Gigabit-PCIe-Network-Adapte

Dell

Shop now for Dell laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

Rickles

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#2628610 31-Dec-2020 16:31

@djtOtago ... yeah, it's a laptop, mea culpa, I should have said.

shrub

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#2628611 31-Dec-2020 16:37

yep ran into the same issue with backup and restore to mates new SSD on a 2016 HP laptop. I found it was faster over WIFI than LAN. Still it only got 14-20mb/s and took about 3hrs to copy 300gb of crap back to the laptop... I should of just removed the drive and plugged it into another PC.

sbiddle

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#2628689 31-Dec-2020 20:01

If the PC is so low spec that it doesn't have a Gigabit ethernet port you should not expect to get any more than maybe 200 or 300Mbps with a USB adapter. If you get more it'll be a bonus.