Sonnet Reveals USB 3.0-to-GbE Adapter ($39)

Sonnet Technologies Inc. introduced the compact Presto Gigabit USB 3.0, a USB 3.0-to-GbE adapter.

The adapter provides users with a way to add GbE-wired networking connectivity to Mac and Windows computers with USB 3.0 ports, exploiting the 5Gb/s USB 3.0 interface to deliver Gigabit speed performance with suitably equipped computers. This Sonnet adapter is also backward-compatible with USB 2.0.

With the introduction of thinner and lighter computers, manufacturers continue to remove ports that were once standard. One of the first to go was the bulky RJ-45 connector for Ethernet, the wired networking interface standard. The connector is no longer present on popular computers such as the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and many ultrabook devices. Presto Gigabit USB 3.0 adapter bridges the gap left by the missing onboard RJ-45 port, enabling wired file access and sharing at up to 1Gb/s.

The adapter supports 1000/100/10BaseT auto negotiation and full/half duplex communication, enabling it to connect with most networks. It also supports jumbo packet transfers (compared to 1,500-byte standard packets) to provide higher performance and reduced overhead when transferring large files.

The port-powered Presto Gigabit USB 3.0 is energy-efficient while in use, and consumes less power when no data is being transmitted.

This adapter includes a short USB 3.0 cable to keep the device close to the computer and allow the user to see its power, link, and activity LED indicators.

"The Presto Gigabit USB 3.0 adapter is a handy, affordable accessory for anyone whose computer lacks an Ethernet port," said Greg LaPorte, VP sales and marketing, Sonnet. "Its small size, detachable USB 3.0 cable, and bus-powered operation make it an ideal companion for the latest notebook computers. On older computers, this Sonnet adapter also delivers better performance when connected to a 480 MB/sec USB 2.0 port than an onboard 100 MB/sec Ethernet port, making it a great way to upgrade."

The Presto Gigabit USB 3.0 adapter (part number USB3-GE) is available at a suggested retail price of $39.