Slow download speed with USB/Ethernet adapter under Windows10

[Tom4711]

We got a new 1 Gbps connection from comcast. After setup the system, we get on a "standard" pc a download speed around 900 Mbps (cable) and around  350 Mbps 5Ghz.

Same connection with the HP Spectra X360 with:

AmazonBasics USB 3.1 Type-C to 3 Port USB Hub with Ethernet Adapter

Linksys USB3GIG USB / Ethernet adapter

download speed around 120 Mbps (cable) and around 350 Mbps on 5Ghz.

The same test / setup / cable / adapter with the HP Spectra X360 and Ubuntu live CD: download speed around 900 Mbps (cable) and around 350 Mbps on 5Ghz, same as pc.

We have updated all drivers, etc. still very slow download speed  (cable). What can I do now?

Regards

[David_J_W]

USB to Ethernet adapters have a lot more latency (more 'stuff' in the way between the processor and the Ethernet controller) and likely less hardware acceleration than a conventional Ethernet controller connected via PCI Express or that is part of the motherboard chipset. High speed Internet operation exposes the slightest limitation in your network hardware because of the way the TCP protocol behaves.

I think you are simply coming up against the limitations of relatively inexpensive USB Ethernet controllers for high speed Internet use. Your Spectre x360's Wi-Fi hardware is connected via PCI Express or is part of the motherboard chipset, also this will have some hardware acceleration.

If yours is a system that supports Thunderbolt, a Thunderbolt 1000Base-T (copper gigabit) or 10GBase-T (copper 10 gigabit) adapter will likely perform closer to the 'standard' PC's Ethernet adapter, as you are back to a PCI Express connected controller that will hopefully have a fair amount of hardware acceleration. If you want to try this option make sure you buy an adapter with drivers for Windows; some might be Mac OS X only.