Plugable USB 3.0 3-Port Bus Powered Hub with Gigabit Ethernet

Product Description

The Plugable USB3-HUB3ME is an easy way to gain wired gigabit Ethernet network speeds for faster HD video streaming, gaming, web browsing, network storage and more while expanding USB connectivity. Connects to virtually any laptop, tablet, or desktop system computer via either of the included USB 3.0 or USB-C cables. The included USB hub supports USB 3.0 transfer rates up to 5Gbps (640MBps) to allow data to move quickly between devices, ideal for high-throughput devices such as USB hard drives, flash drives, and USB video adapters.

Common uses include adding wired gigabit Ethernet network support to Apple Macbooks, Macbook Pros, Microsoft Surface Pro, Dell XPS, UltraBooks, or notebooks with no Ethernet connection, or replacing or upgrading network adapters in desktop PCs. USB Ethernet network adapters typically provide much better speeds compared to 10/100 adapters and wireless networks.

Features

• 3-port USB 3.0 bus powered hub with 10/100/1000 gigabit RJ45 Ethernet adapter (powered from USB port, no external power adapter required)
• Includes two detachable 50cm cables for wide compatibility via either USB 3.0 or USB-C systems
• Compatible with most Windows 10, 8.1, 7, macOS, Linux (kernels 3.9 and later), and Unix systems
• Drivers are built-in to Windows 10, 8.1, most Macs with macOS/OSX, most Linux distributions, and Chrome OS systems
• Features single VIA VL817 hub chipset with the latest v9023 firmware and Realtek RTL8153 Ethernet chipset for maximum compatibility and performance with most USB 3.0 host controllers
• Sleek modern black aluminum finish, 3 ports on top with 1 port in front to minimize cable clutter and maximize accessibility

Compatibility

• 2.4Ghz wireless devices such as wireless keyboard/mouse receivers, Bluetooth and WiFi adapters, may not work in close proximity to USB 3.0 devices or hubs. Connecting wireless dongles to a USB 2.0 port is recommended for best results.
• Microsoft Windows systems prior to Windows 8.1 should install latest manufacturer USB 3.0 host controller drivers and Windows Updates for best results.
• Not recommended for use with older Texas Instruments, Fresco Logic, Etron, or Wistron USB 3.0 host controllers and USB 3.0 PCI-e add-on cards for older Apple Mac Pro systems because of limitations in their software support for USB 3.0 hubs.
• This hub is not a standalone charger and will not charge phones or tablets as it has no special charging functionality for charging an iPad, iPhone, or other tablet and smartphone devices with or without a PC connected. It is not BC 1.1 / 1.2 compatible.
• Some devices such as the Apple SuperDrive look for Apple-specific signaling and will not work when connected through any USB hub.

Network Performance

Plug into any laptop or desktop currently limited to 10/100 Ethernet, and benefit from faster transfers on your Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet network. In practice, most machines will see up to a doubling of network speed by moving from 100Mbs Fast Ethernet to 1000Mbs Gigabit Ethernet via USB 2.0, and could see up to ten times the gain on USB 3.0.

Ethernet Driver

Microsoft signed 32/64-bit drivers for Windows 10, 8.1, and 7. Not compatible with ARM-based Windows RT systems (MS Surface, Asus ASUS VivoTab RT). macOS 10.6 through 10.14. Linux kernels 3.9 and later includes driver (3.8 and earlier require rebuild of kernel module from source). Not compatible with Android tablets, Tivo Series 2, Wii or other non-PC/Mac platforms. See the Plugable USB2-E100 for an adapter compatible with these.)

In The Box

USB3-HUB3ME Gigabit Ethernet adapter (female RJ45 jack) with USB 3.0 4-port bus powered hub with one 50cm USB 3.0 to B cable, and one 50cm USB-C to B cable.

FAQ

Q: What are the differences between the hardware revisions of the USB3-HUB3ME?
A: Hardware version 1 was available from 2015-early 2018 and used a VIA VL812 Hub and AX88179 Ethernet controller. Version 2 (available October 2018) offers a modular design with USB 3.0 and USB-C cables, and uses the updated VL817 Hub controller and RTL8153 Ethernet controller.

Q: I have a USB3-HUB3ME purchased prior to 2018. Where can I download drivers?
A: Drivers for the previous version of the adapter can be downloaded on our ASIX driver download page.

Q: Is an AC power adapter required?
A: No. This hub is powered completely from the host computer USB port.

Q: What does the blue light mean?
A: The blue light indicates the hub is receiving power from the host computer USB port. The blue light should be on, if it’s not there’s something wrong — contact us at support@plugable.com for assistance.

Q: What do the green and amber LEDs on the Plugable USB3-HUB3ME RJ45 connector indicate?
A: The green link LED on the Plugable USB3-HUB3ME is an indication that the Ethernet cable plugged into the adapter is live and it stays steady as long as the live cable is plugged in. The blinking amber activity LED is an indications that data is transferring through the adapter. Both these LEDs will not light up when:

1. The adapter is not receiving enough power because it is plugged into a port that does not provide the required 900mA (max) of power.
2. The drivers for the adapter have not installed properly or are corrupted.
3. The Ethernet Cable plugged in is not live or is faulty.
4. The adapter has failed.

Q: Since this hub is not designed to charge devices like my phone and tablet, is there a hub that can?
A: Yes! We have 7-port USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Charging Hub with 60W Power Adapter that supports BC 1.2 CDP, DCP/Android, Apple 1A, Apple 2A, Apple 2.4A, and Samsung 2.4A charging signals. Click here for more information on the USB3-HUB7BC.

Q: Can the hub support 3 devices which use the full 900mA current allowed by the USB 3.0 power specification?
A: This may work on some systems, but is not recommended. This hub (like all bus powered hubs) is limited to the total power available from the host computer USB port.

Q: My wireless keyboard/mouse isn’t working at all, or isn’t working properly (laggy or twitchy input) when connected to the hub.
A: 2.4Ghz wireless devices such as wireless keyboard/mouse receivers, Bluetooth and WiFi adapters, may not work in the USB 3.0 ports on the hub.

This happens because USB 3.0 host controllers and USB 3.0 devices may emit 2.4GHz interference. We have written about this in more detail in our blog post on the subject here. For even more information please see Intel’s whitepaper here.

If the problem still occurs, a short USB 2.0 extension cable to move the wireless device further from the dock will often resolve the issue.

Q: Are there any known software conflicts?
A: For Mac users, there is a known conflict with the Android File Transfer Program.

Q: Can I use this USB3-HUB3ME to add a network port to my printer’s USB port?
A: No. This product is not a solution for connecting a USB device like a printer to a network.

Q: Is this hub a good match for my Raspberry Pi?
A: Because the Raspberry Pi is a USB 2.0 device and can’t take advantage of USB 3.0 functionality as well as mixed results from users, we do not recommend this hub for use the Raspberry Pi. The hub we do recommend is our 7 port USB 2.0 hub

Here’s a link with more details: A USB Hub that Works Well with the Raspberry Pi.