5GbE and beyond ethernet adapters

[xiaofan]

Malwarebytes Web Protection seems to be a common culprit to slow down your Internet under Windows.

Whenever you have lower speed using wired connection, you may want to check if any of the 3rd party Antivirus program or other Security related apps are the potential cultprit or not.You may also want to upgrade your network adapter driver.

Referemce:
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/singtel-3gbps-5gbps-10-gbps-enhanced.7030365/page-30

Hi guys, First thing, Upgraded to Singtel 5GBPS plan I have all my hardware capable of pulling 5gbps, I did a speedtest(.net) on my PC and it's only showing 2.4gbps down and 4.7gbps up. The download is not normal too low.

What could be causing the bottleneck speed in my download? If my up can pull 4.7 it makes no sense for my down to not pull similar speeds too. Any advices? Using Realtek 8126 5gbps network card in PCIe x1 Gen3.0 slot

Were you able to get the around 4.6-4.7 for both up and down with Realtek 8126 on a Windows machine?

Currently I downloaded the latest driver provided by Realtek website but the speeds are the same, Running on Windows 10.

Driver Ver: 10.74.1128.2024
Driver Date: 28/11/2024

I've got it, It was my malwarebytes web protection that limited my speed. Getting the below now, Just need to get the latest driver from realtek website the Nov 2024 one to easily get this result. Thank you @xiaofan
Download Mbps
4693.20
Upload Mbps
4677.63

 

[gpgtmeowmeow]

Where do you guys source for these NICs?

Also how to spot fakes especially for Intels when getting from Ebay?

 

[fentyfold]

Where do you guys source for these NICs?

Also how to spot fakes especially for Intels when getting from Ebay?

Never get from Ebay, Common place for scammers with lousy dispute system. Get from Lazada, Shopee, Or Taobao (Cheapest) directly from China can't be cheaper elsewhere. All 3 have solid dispute resolution to clawback $ if the item is fake or damaged.

 

[xiaofan]

For laptop, Mac and Mini PCs, usually you have to have USB 4/TB4/TB3 ports in order to use 10Gbe NICs.

Note: quite some of this adapters are using Marvell AQC107 or AQC 113C chipset. You may encounter problems under Windows but usually no issues under Linux and macOS. Some users may have to reinstall Windows to get the right speed.

I have done some study and got the post here.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...home-networking.6653421/page-6#post-153892491

+++++++++++++++++++++++
1. USB 4 or Thunderbolt 4/Thunderbolt 3 to 10G NIC, mainly for Mac, laptop and mini PCs

1) Cheap ones based on AQC107 or AQC 113 chipset

IOCrest, GRiS and XikeStor have USB4/TB4/TB3 to 10G NICs. I have all three and they work fine. XikeStor version has the fan and I can hear the noise so I do not quite recommend it.

There are also other versions from Taobao which I have no experiences (mostly more expensive than the three).

I tend to recommend IOcrest version.
http://www.iocrest.com/index.php?id=2414

Reviews of the IOcrest USB4/TB4/TB3 to 10G NIC.
https://www.michaelstinkerings.org/iocrest-thunderbolt-10g-nic-review/
https://nascompares.com/2024/07/05/iocrest-usb4-to-10gbe-adapter-review/

IOcrest version Taobao link
【淘宝】http://e.tb.cn/h.gqZQByabhCtipZj?tk=M4Fl3hjLDLL HU9196 「乐扩 USB4网卡10G兼容雷电3/4单口万兆电口RJ45以太网适配器支持MAC」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开.

GRiS version Taobao Link
【淘宝】限时官方立减91元 http://e.tb.cn/h.gKcq2TiVs0tLuip?tk=t9C03hjo6Dq HU0854 「GRIS USB4.0万兆网卡AQC113雷电thunderboit4/3台式机AQC107笔记本10GB服务器电脑不支持Type-C 3.0.3.1.3.2」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开

XikeStor Taobao Link
【淘宝】99%买家好评 https://e.tb.cn/h.TImvx7vYPQbBOyt?tk=Aks4eitTGXl MF168 「兮克usb4网卡雷电3雷电4转10G万兆网卡RJ45转接器SKN-T310GT雷电口转网线口雷电拓展坞」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开

2) Orico has TB4/TB3 to 10G NIC as well with nicer outlook than the above three. It may be a better match of your nice Apple Mac Mini or Macbook laptops in terms of styles. It is also a more well-known brand compared to the above three.

It is available from Orico official Shopee Store. Price is subject to change: S$159.01 on 18 Feb 2025.
https://sg.shp.ee/7LwUZxc

Orico Taobao shop may not be cheaper if you add GST and Shipment, at RMB 699.
【淘宝】假一赔四 https://e.tb.cn/h.TIaxQ17wfdSXN1h?tk=UVVIeitjBN4 CZ009 「ORICO奥睿科雷电3转10Gbs万兆网络转换器网卡扩展坞雷电4/USB4万兆网卡苹果兼容Macmini适用」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开

3) More expensive and branded ones -- usually TB4/TB3 to 10G NIC

https://www.owc.com/solutions/thunderbolt-3-10g-ethernet-adapter (RJ45)
https://www.qnap.com/en-in/product/qna-t310g1s (SFP+)
https://www.qnap.com/en-in/product/qna-t310g1t (RJ45)
https://www.startech.com/en-eu/networking-io/tb310g2 (RJ45)
https://www.sonnettech.com/product/networking/ethernet-networking.html (SFP+, RJ45)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I just read the announcement that XikeStor will come out with a new version to replace SKN-T310G to make it smaller and look nicer. They will also reduce the fan noise significantly. The website is not updated yet. This may make it an viable alternative to the Orico version.

XikeStor SKN-T310G --> this is the old version which I have.
https://seekswan.com/user/custom-pages/SKN-T310GT.html

 

[xiaofan]

If you want more branded USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C to 5Gbe adapter than WavLink, this is one option.
https://plugable.com/products/usbc-e5000

Plugable USB-C to 5GbE Ethernet Adapter
$39.95 USD
SKU: USBC-E5000

 

[guangzong]

I got the ASUS XG-C100C v2, which is based on the Marvell AQC113C chipset, instead of the older AQC107 chipset. Just make sure you get the v2, as the v1 is based on the older AQC107. I am pleased to report there are no stability issues. I am able to achieve the maximum speed on my SingTel 5Gbps plan. To save some money, you could get the Wavlink one. To save more, you can get the Fenvi one which costs even less.

Previously i was using the Intel X710 T2L, but that card is rather long, and i do not require two RJ45 ports. This ASUS is smaller, and from my research does not run warm. I will re-deploy the X710 to another PC.

Before that, i used the Intel X540-T2, which runs extremely hot, even though my PC casing is well ventilated.

Spoke too soon. This works fine, as long as you are not on heavy load, e.g. Torrenting. Otherwise, you get the infamous "network disappearing":


Workarounds, disable:

Energy-Efficient Ethernet
Flow Control

Large Send Offload V1 (IPv4)
Large Send Offload V2 (IPv4)
Large Send Offload V2 (IPv6)

Priority & VLAN - Priority & VLAN Disabled

Recv Segment Coalescing (IPv4)
Recv Segment Coalescing (IPv6)

Wake on Magic Packet
Wake on Pattern Match

No significant performance impact with these disabled.

 

[gundamkitten]

Realtek USB FE / GBE / 2.5G / 5G Ethernet Family Controller Software

Win11 Auto Installation Program (NetAdapterCx) 1152.17.20 , 1153.17.20 , 1155.17.20 , 1156.17.20, 1157.17.20 (0228)

2025/03/19

https://www.realtek.com/Download/List?cate_id=585

 

[matique]

Realtek-based USB to Ethernet adapter drivers updates:

Win10 Auto Installation Program
10.63.20
2025/02/11
5 MB

Win11 Auto Installation Program (NetAdapterCx)
1152.17.20 , 1153.17.20 , 1155.17.20 , 1156.17.20, 1157.17.20
2025/02/11
6 MB

https://www.realtek.com/Download/List?cate_id=585

Updated, thanks. Still about the same perf, i guess hardware cap accounting for around 10% loss. I did check my MTU and it's maxed out at 1500.

 

[woodchuck]

I did OM4 fibre run when renovated the house, and it was pretty cheap alongside cat6 cabling. This makes it cheap to run 10G with SFP+ transceiver VS using 10Gbase-T that runs hotter and costs more.

Should future proof for 25G transition in the future too, just need get new transceiver and new switches. Kept the ethernet so can have POE if required.

Hi bro,

sorry I cannot PM - I am also renovating my house and thinking to lay fibre along with cat6(or cat 6a) ethernet cables to all the rooms for future proofing. Can share contact/lobang on who can help lay the fibre cables along with ethernet cables? TIA

 

[xiaofan]

Updated, thanks. Still about the same perf, i guess hardware cap accounting for around 10% loss. I did check my MTU and it's maxed out at 1500.

I tend to believe this is already about the best this chipset can go.

 

[sglandscape]

Hi bro,

sorry I cannot PM - I am also renovating my house and thinking to lay fibre along with cat6(or cat 6a) ethernet cables to all the rooms for future proofing. Can share contact/lobang on who can help lay the fibre cables along with ethernet cables? TIA

I actually bought my cables from Taobao, and got the reno contractor to do it with a pipe as trunking in the wall. Search OM4 LC, if you need more strands to the room, get the MTP one which would give you 12 strands (quite a bit of over capacity), then have the MTP connector break out in a LC cassette.

 

[woodchuck]

I actually bought my cables from Taobao, and got the reno contractor to do it with a pipe as trunking in the wall. Search OM4 LC, if you need more strands to the room, get the MTP one which would give you 12 strands (quite a bit of over capacity), then have the MTP connector break out in a LC cassette.

Thank you very much bro, will look into it and get contractor to install alongside with cat6 cable. Cheers!

 

[sglandscape]

Thank you very much bro, will look into it and get contractor to install alongside with cat6 cable. Cheers!

Good luck! Total cost of cabling itself should be 200-300 at most, excluding the renovation works (depends if you want to cut the wall or not). Get a LC/MTP patch for your db box or where your cables would end up at, so it'll be easy to connect to your future devices.

 

[xiaofan]

I just read the announcement that XikeStor will come out with a new version to replace SKN-T310G to make it smaller and look nicer. They will also reduce the fan noise significantly. The website is not updated yet. This may make it an viable alternative to the Orico version.

XikeStor SKN-T310G --> this is the old version which I have.
https://seekswan.com/user/custom-pages/SKN-T310GT.html

Now XikeStor SKN-U410GT is available, usual price RMB 658, offer price RMB 554.84.

【淘宝】大促价保 https://e.tb.cn/h.6Y5nwH3HhIxwj9c?tk=677eeIyR7z4 HU591 「兮克usb4网卡雷电3雷电4转10G万兆网卡RJ45转接器SKN-U410GT雷电口转网线口雷电拓展坞」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开

 

[ahkiat99]

Hi,

I recently juz bought the wavelink adaptor. For download speed, i can't hit even 800mbps for download but able to hit 3000mbps for upload. On Singtel 5Gbps plan and the port is connect to the 10G port.

I have updated to the latest driver, disabled all antivirus.

What else can i try ?

Thanks !

 

[xiaofan]

Hi,

I recently juz bought the wavelink adaptor. For download speed, i can't hit even 800mbps for download but able to hit 3000mbps for upload. On Singtel 5Gbps plan and the port is connect to the 10G port.

I have updated to the latest driver, disabled all antivirus.

What else can i try ?

Thanks !

What is the PC spec? What is the USB port spec? You need a USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps or better port.

 

[ahkiat99]

What is the PC spec? What is the USB port spec? You need a USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps or better port.

Intel i5 1135 2.4ghz
1xusb type c 4.0, 1x usb type c 3.2 gen2.

both ports same result.

 

[xiaofan]

Intel i5 1135 2.4ghz
1xusb type c 4.0, 1x usb type c 3.2 gen2.

both ports same result.

3rd party anti-virus program or other security program is usually the #1 reason.

Try to disable them to see if that helps.

If not, then I cannot help much. Hopefully others can help you better in that case.

 

[ahkiat99]

3rd party anti-virus program or other security program is usually the #1 reason.

Try to disable them to see if that helps.

If not, then I cannot help much. Hopefully others can help you better in that case.

Ya i disabled all the security programs that i know….

anyway thanks a lot for the response !!

 

[xiaofan]

Internet speed test --> with Singtel 5Gbps internet.

Singtel ONR bridged --> OpenWRT virutal router --> 2.5G/10G switch --> TP-Link Archer BE805 (Double NAT) --> Acer Swift Go 14 2024 model (intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, 16GB/512GB).

My WavLink USB to 5Gbe network adapter speed seems to be quite bad.

PS C:\work\speedtest\ookla-speedtest-1.2.0-win64> .\speedtest.exe -s 13623

   Speedtest by Ookla

      Server: Singtel - Singapore (id: 13623)
         ISP: Singtel Fibre
Idle Latency:     2.96 ms   (jitter: 0.45ms, low: 2.37ms, high: 3.45ms)
    Download:  4042.91 Mbps (data used: 4.7 GB)
                100.90 ms   (jitter: 75.10ms, low: 2.39ms, high: 674.51ms)
      Upload:  4385.69 Mbps (data used: 5.1 GB)
                 10.43 ms   (jitter: 1.28ms, low: 3.65ms, high: 17.82ms)
 Packet Loss:     0.0%
  Result URL: https://www.speedtest.net/result/c/3ff6e2cb-9d7d-47b4-bde9-ba8c0871bc1d

XikeStor USB 4 to 10G NIC is okay (older model, Marvell AQC107 chipset, with fan and audible noise).

PS C:\work\speedtest\ookla-speedtest-1.2.0-win64> .\speedtest.exe -s 13623

   Speedtest by Ookla

      Server: Singtel - Singapore (id: 13623)
         ISP: Singtel Fibre
Idle Latency:     3.07 ms   (jitter: 0.34ms, low: 2.74ms, high: 3.26ms)
    Download:  4989.26 Mbps (data used: 9.0 GB)
                  5.06 ms   (jitter: 2.06ms, low: 1.60ms, high: 13.51ms)
      Upload:  4981.27 Mbps (data used: 4.4 GB)
                  8.20 ms   (jitter: 0.82ms, low: 2.90ms, high: 11.39ms)
 Packet Loss:     0.0%
  Result URL: https://www.speedtest.net/result/c/d3400ba5-e287-49bb-a27c-ba1138b90850

XikeStor USB Type C hub with 2.5Gbe adapter.

PS C:\work\speedtest\ookla-speedtest-1.2.0-win64> .\speedtest.exe -s 13623

   Speedtest by Ookla

      Server: Singtel - Singapore (id: 13623)
         ISP: Singtel Fibre
Idle Latency:     3.34 ms   (jitter: 0.30ms, low: 3.04ms, high: 3.64ms)
    Download:  2318.84 Mbps (data used: 1.6 GB)
                 56.85 ms   (jitter: 62.02ms, low: 2.27ms, high: 493.05ms)
      Upload:  2309.91 Mbps (data used: 1.2 GB)
                 31.20 ms   (jitter: 3.14ms, low: 3.89ms, high: 34.83ms)
 Packet Loss:     0.0%
  Result URL: https://www.speedtest.net/result/c/f66e9279-029d-4f57-8f6a-56848ba54171