Axagon ADE-25RC test. USB-C adapter for faster Ethernet

Conclusion

We tested an external network adapter that is supposed to be useful for connecting older or cheaper desktops, laptops to faster routers or switches. The ADE-25RC, as Axagon refers to this Ethernet adapter, connects using a USB-C interface and is sized to fit just right between your fingers. Its small size makes it well suited for use with mobile devices. And you shouldn’t expect a tradeoff in performance either.

Conclusion

Test results confirmed the promised speeds of up to approximately 293 MB/s in both directions.

The Axagon ADE-25RC network adapter thus ranks next to, or even slightly above, the 2.5-gigabit adapters on more modern motherboards. But this is not so important and the important thing is that with the ADE-25RC, on devices with slower Ethernet, you can achieve noticeably higher speeds. For example, when combined with a Gigabyte A620M Gaming X motherboard the speed is 2.5x higher. And it will be similar on other computers that have only 1 Gb ethernet at their disposal. The Axagon adapter is aimed at such conditions and will do its job well. It is also an option for laptops that are reliant on wireless (and WiFi) only. Typically because of their very thin profile, into which the RJ-45 connector will not fit. But the USB-C connector (with the RJ-45 connector outside the laptop body) already does.

The installation of the ADE-25RC is very simple. After inserting the adapter into the port (USB-C), it appears as a disk drive among the connected devices. Clicking on it installs the driver and you’re up and running, no more worries. That is, unless you have more detailed network settings management planned. These are rather austere and it should be kept in mind that “only” a Realtek (RTL8156B) is used.

It is primarily intended for mainstream users who want to increase the speed of their connection beyond what the built-in capabilities of their devices allow. For more detailed management or other, above-standard requirements, the Axagon ADE-25RC is not very suitable, but the manufacturer does not have such intentions with it either.

But for a connection from which you expect stability and high transfer speeds, it’s a choice we can’t complain about. In specific cases, the ADE-25RC can also be used as a second, additional network adapter. Such a configuration may be particularly suitable for small, simple servers from which, again, no miracles are expected. Due to the USB-C connector, the compatibility is partially limited and the Axagon adapter cannot be directly connected to devices equipped with only USB Type-A connectors. However, you can get around this using an adapter, which solves this complication, but is not included in the accessories. You have to buy it separately. Or, there is the option of the ADE-25R, which is also an Axagon adapter, but is equipped only with a USB-A connector. The 2.5 Gb network bandwidth is retained.

The Axagon ADE-25RC thus embodies a simple, affordable solution for extending network connectivity in all types of devices where gigabit Ethernet is too slow or where a single network adapter is simply not enough.

English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš

• Contents
• Ethernet adapter Axagon ADE-25RC
• Speed test results
• Conclusion