Do USB to Ethernet Adapters Exist for Broadband Modems? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking

Do USB to Ethernet Adapters Exist for Broadband Modems?

When you have one USB and one Ethernet

By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 25, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking Broadband The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless A USB-to-Ethernet adapter is a device that can provide an interface between a USB connection and an Ethernet connection. They're useful in situations where one device only has a USB port and the other only has an Ethernet port.

Different Ports

If the two could be connected together, it would allow the USB device to directly communicate with the Ethernet device. This may be required if the two do not share a similar connection port. One example where such a setup would be useful is when dealing with a DSL or cable modem that provides only a single USB port for connecting to a home network and not an Ethernet port. If the older Ethernet broadband router, switch, or computer lacks USB and only has an Ethernet port, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter would be the solution.

Do They Exist

Connecting a USB-only modem to an Ethernet-only network device does not work. USB-to-Ethernet adapter cables exist that join a USB port to an RJ-45 Ethernet port. These network cables connect two computers, but for them to work properly, special network drivers must be used to manage the USB end of the connection. On a computer, these drivers can be installed through the operating system like any other. However, such a situation is not possible with USB modems since these types of devices lack general-purpose computing capabilities. The only scenario where a USB modem could connect to an Ethernet device is if the adapter were specially made by the manufacturer of the modem. Then it would provide the necessary software components to the modem for the connection to be established. This would have to take place through either a firmware update or some sort of built-in mechanism in the adapter. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Choose an External Hard Drive What Is an Ethernet Port? How to Fix Windows 11 Ethernet Driver Problems Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? How to Connect a Router to the Internet How to Connect a Mac to a Router How to Connect Your Phone to Your TV With USB The 4 Best Wireless Printer Adapters of 2022 What Is an Internet or Network Dongle? How to Connect a USB Modem to a Wireless Router What Is an Ethernet Card Network Adapter? How to Set Up a Router How to Connect an Ethernet Cable to a Laptop What Is a Wi-Fi Adapter? How to Connect an iPad to a Wired Ethernet Internet Port How to Fix It When Chromecast Is Blinking White Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies