Question Is plugging ethernet cable into ethernet port the same as plugging into RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter ?

[minni]

Sorry I'm not savvy at tech jargon. So:

If i plug my ethernet cable into an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (which is plugged into a USB-C port)...does that have the same effect as plugging my ethernet cable into a built-in ethernet-port?
Is the latter more stable than an adapter?

BTW, if they'd call it a "USB-C to Ethernet adapter" - i might understand that it supports my ethernet cable.
But instead they call it a USB-C to RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter. So is that the same?

 

[Aeacus]

.does that have the same effect as plugging my ethernet cable into a built-in ethernet-port?

Generally: Yes.

But there can be limitations. Read below.

Is the latter more stable, than an adapter?

Stability can be defined many ways.

E.g connection stability. For this, it is equal between both since both are wired connections and not wireless, like wi-fi, which can have stability issues.
But for e.g overall stability. Well, using adapter gives one more point of failure and it may be less reliable (adapter can malfunction).

BTW, if they'd call it a "USB-C to Ethernet adapter" - i might understand that it supports my ethernet cable.
But instead they call it a USB-C to RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter. So is that the same?

Latter includes 2 specific limitations.

1. RJ45 - what type of connector it has on the other end.
2. Gigabit - max bandwidth of the adapter. 1G.

For Ethernet, there are actually far more connectors than the common RJ45. So, when it is defined in the adapter name, you know off the bat if you get the right one.
Further reading: https://www.cbtnuggets.com/blog/tec...ng-essentials-connectors-and-cable-management

If it wouldn't state the connector type, and you buy one named just "USB-C to Ethernet adaper", you could end up with this:

Bigger version of the image: https://www.lindy.co.uk/images/100m-fibre-optic-usb-3-2-type-c-extender-p13383-16136_image.jpg

Btw that one is USB-C to LC (fiber optic) 10G Ethernet adapter.

And for bandwidth, there are limitations as well. E.g when your ISP provides you 2.5G internet but you only buy Gigabit adapter, then you're limited to 1G, or 1000 Mbps speeds, rather than 2500 Mbps provided by ISP.

Having more info on the product name is always better than having less info.

 

[minni]

Thanks. Bottom line - i'm looking to buy a used laptop, and I use Wired-internet. So should i factor in that a laptop which includes an ethernet port will be more stable than one which requires a USB-to-ethernet adapter in order to enable Wired-Internet?

Though actually i've also experienced a Dell laptop whose ethernet port was a horribly tight fit. It was a major hassle to remove, and also painful to my fingers.

 

[Aeacus]

So should i factor in that a laptop which includes an ethernet port will be more stable than one which requires a USB-to-ethernet adapter in order to enable Wired-Internet?

Yes. Since when laptop has dedicated network connector, you can connect internet to it directly, without it taking up one of the few USB ports (when using adapter).

Though actually i've also experienced a Dell laptop whose ethernet port was a horribly tight fit. It was a major hassle to remove, and also painful to my fingers.

RJ45 connectors have a latch on top that you need to press down, before you can pull it out.

If the plastic latch is broken, then yes, it would be difficult to remove.

Though, most connectors PC has, are hard to disengage. Other than those designed to be removed, like USB.
Ever tried to take apart old MOLEX connector? 4-pin one that carries +12V and +5V. Or pulling 24-pin ATX power cable from MoBo?

 

[bill001g]

It also depends on how old the laptop is. When you use a USB to ethernet adapter you need to have a USB3 port on your laptop. Older USB2 ports can only go 400mbps and there is overhead so it is less than that. You also have to be a bit careful buying the adapter. Some very shady companies will sell a so called gigabit adapter that dose not have a USB3 port. Most you find have USB3 connections, the costs to make USB2 and USB3 are now almost the same.

I would look for one with a ethernet port built in just to avoid the hassle of carrying around a extra adapter all the time.

 

[Ralston18]

Per @Aeacus

"If the plastic latch is broken, then yes, it would be difficult to remove."

Agree.

And even more so if the plastic latch is covered by some rubber or soft plastic "anti-snag" shield.

Depending on circumstances I trim those shields off - makes pressing the actual latch much easier.

 

[cruisetung]

Broken ethernet clip easy fix with masking tape if you don't have any tools

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX4RyHkRFJU

 

[minni]

Thanks, i'm duly warned, and hope to avoid one without an ethernet port.

cruisetung, wow, what a video! That's interesting re: masking tape, though it wasn't quite clear to me exactly where he taped it. Sorta reminds me of another hack someone did to improve gpm (water-flow) of his bathtub faucet. Changing aerator/restrictor fails to fix water-flow these days, so he actually drilled to widen the hole in the cartridge. Voila, that worked.

Not long ago, in desperation, i had found a video where someone removed a stuck ethernet cable. I just checked again, and I believe it may have been the 2nd of the following video's which had resolved my stuck ethernet. Or else it was a similar video.
I do recall that i definitely did not need a screwdriver.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGmnkfGRryE

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akrfvsEwRbI


Bill, i had been referring to USB-C (which i believe is 3.1 and is smaller than 3.0 ones). It doesn't make sense to monopolize a 3.0 port for an ethernet adapter if i need the 3.0 ports for connecting my hub and my Adesso split adapter to which my keyboard is plugged.

 

[Aeacus]

Bill, i had been referring to USB-C (which i believe is 3.1 and is smaller than 3.0 ones).

USB type-C is just the physical port. It doesn't define the USB version, since USB type-C port is used with USB 2.0 and faster protocols (480 Mbps and faster).

Now, most USB 2.0 and 3.0 connectors are type-A (rectangular ones), but there are type-C (oval ones) as well.

E.g here's one such USB 2.0 cable, type-A in one end, type-C at the other end;
This cable will not provide any faster speed than 480 Mbps, despite it having type-C connector.

Direct link if image doesn't load: https://img.av-connection.com/2/AVimg_23477.jpg