A USB Ethernet adapter is a small device that adds a wired Ethernet connection to a computer or other device through a USB port.

It is useful when a device does not have an Ethernet port or when its built-in network port is not working. The adapter lets the device connect to a router, switch or other wired network.

Common Uses

• Connecting laptops to wired networks.
• Adding Ethernet to devices without an Ethernet port.
• Troubleshooting a faulty built-in network port.
• Getting a more stable connection than Wi-Fi.
• Connecting computers to network switches.

Related Terms: Ethernet, USB, Network Adapter, Ethernet Port, Network Interface Card, Network Switch, Router, Wired Network, USB Port, Network Connection

Related Entries

• NIC
• Auto-Negotiation
• Wireless Access Point
• ARP
• Preventive Maintenance