Recommended Free Tools
ASIX announced the AX88179 on December 31, 2012, describing it as the world’s first single-chip USB 3.0-to-Gigabit Ethernet controller. It is a component used inside USB Ethernet products—not, by itself, a finished adapter. ASIX’s later AX88179A family is the newer USB 3.2 Gen 1-to-Gigabit Ethernet generation.
What the AX88179 is
The AX88179 is a bridge/controller ASIC: it connects a host device’s USB port to a wired Ethernet network. ASIX’s announcement describes the chip as integrating a USB 3.0 physical layer and a 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet MAC and PHY in one package. It also supports USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 host connections, as well as Ethernet standards IEEE 802.3, 802.3u and 802.3ab. The announcement is dated December 31, 2012.
The “world’s first” wording is ASIX’s launch claim; EE Times also reported the product announcement, but that does not establish an independent comparative test of every competing product at the time. The AX88179’s published Ethernet capability is 10, 100 or 1000 Mbps. That is the supported link-rate range, not a guarantee that an adapter will deliver 1000 Mbps of application throughput: actual speed depends on the network connection and the finished product’s implementation.
What the original announcement specified
ASIX’s 2012 release listed the following chip-level details:
#1 Best Overall
- 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 - UE306 is a USB 3.0 Type-A to RJ45 Ethernet adapter that adds a reliable wired network port to your laptop, tablet, or Ultrabook. It delivers fast and stable 10/100/1000 Mbps wired connections to your computer or tablet via a router or network switch, making it ideal for file transfers, HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.
- 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝟑.𝟎 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬- Powered via USB 3.0, this adapter provides high-speed Gigabit Ethernet without the need for external power(10/100/1000Mbps). Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, it ensures reliable performance across a wide range of devices.
- 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡- Easily connect your Nintendo Switch to a wired network for faster downloads and a more stable online gaming experience compared to Wi-Fi.
- 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲- No driver required for Nintendo Switch, Windows 11/10/8.1/8, and Linux. Simply connect and enjoy instant wired internet access without complicated setup.
- 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲- Supports Nintendo Switch, PCs, laptops, Ultrabooks, tablets, and other USB-powered web devices; works with network equipment including modems, routers, and switches.
| Specification | AX88179 detail |
|---|---|
| USB host interface | USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 |
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000 Mbps; IEEE 802.3, 802.3u and 802.3ab |
| Integrated circuitry | USB 3.0 PHY and Gigabit Ethernet MAC/PHY |
| Clocking | One 25 MHz crystal can drive both PHYs |
| Package | 68-pin QFN, 8 × 8 mm |
| Commercial temperature range | 0°C to 70°C |
These are specifications attributed to ASIX’s 2012 announcement; they describe the controller, not necessarily the capabilities or physical characteristics of every adapter built around it.
Features beyond basic Ethernet connectivity
ASIX highlighted traffic-processing, power-management and wake-up features in its release. Check the implementation and driver support of a particular adapter before assuming every feature is exposed to its operating system.
Rank #2
- Connects a USB 3.0 device (computer/laptop) to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet to your network connection. Does not support Smart TV or gaming consoles (e.g.Nintendo Switch).
- Supported features include Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
- Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading
- Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS
- Checksum offload: IPv4 and IPv6 checksum operations can be handled by the controller.
- TCP large-send offload: Supports offloading certain TCP segmentation work from the host.
- Energy-efficient operation: Supports IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet and dynamic power adjustment in Gigabit mode.
- Link and cable handling: Includes crossover detection and auto-correction, plus dynamic cable-length detection.
- Wake-on-LAN: The announcement lists Magic Packet, Microsoft Wakeup Frame and Link Status Change triggers.
ASIX’s feature descriptions are in the original release. They should not be read as a promise that every finished product enables each option in every operating system.
Where the chip is used—and what buyers actually find
ASIX named desktops, notebook PCs, ultrabooks, cradles and port replicators, docking stations, game consoles, digital-home appliances and embedded systems with a standard USB port as intended applications. In consumer searches, the relevant product is usually an “ASIX AX88179 USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet adapter.” The controller is the internal chip; the adapter is the finished product with its own enclosure, connector, cable and driver package. Different brands can use the same chipset while still differing in those parts.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Ultra-Fast, Rock-Solid: The UGREEN usb to ethernet adapter is engineered for ultra-fast 1000Mbps network speeds. It delivers rock-solid stability and security, helping you boost productivity, unleash smooth gameplay, and browse seamlessly
- Seamless Compatibility with Nintendo Switch: The ethernet to usb adapter is fully compatible with Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED, just connect it to the dock’s ethernet port and dive into ultra-smooth, lag-free gaming
- Plug and Play: The ethernet adapter is driver-free for Windows 11/10/8.1/8, macOS, Chrome OS, and Android. It requires installing the driver on Windows XP/7/Vista and Linux, which you can easily install with our instructions
- Wide Compatibility: The usb to ethernet is compatible with most laptops and desktops featuring USB 3.0 ports, including MacBook Air/Pro, Dell XPS, Surface Book, and more
- Crafted to Last, Designed to Impress: Built with a sturdy aluminum shell for efficient heat dissipation and enhanced durability, the ethernet to usb is designed to last. The cable connection point features reinforced construction for extra strength and reliability. A yellow-green LED indicator keeps you instantly informed of its working status
When comparing adapters using this class of controller, consider:
- USB generation and connector: Confirm the computer’s port and the adapter’s plug. The controller’s support for older USB standards does not make every adapter’s connector or advertised behavior identical.
- Ethernet link rate: Look for 10/100/1000 Mbps support and check the negotiated link rate after connection.
- Operating-system drivers: Verify that the specific adapter revision has a driver compatible with your operating system. ASIX maintains materials for the newer AX88179A family, but that does not guarantee support for every AX88179-based product or system.
- Product construction: The chip specification does not establish enclosure quality, cable durability, thermal behavior or the quality of a finished adapter.
- Product type: Distinguish a finished adapter from a bare controller or evaluation board; they are not interchangeable purchase options.
What followed AX88179
ASIX’s corporate milestones identify AX88179 as its 2012 single-chip USB 3.0-to-Gigabit Ethernet controller launch and record the AX88179A in 2020 as a USB 3.2 Gen 1-to-Gigabit Ethernet controller. The company’s AX88179A product page continues to publish design documentation, compliance reports and operating-system driver materials. That makes AX88179A the relevant newer family when considering what followed the original controller; the available information does not establish current stock, pricing or regional compatibility for particular adapters.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN (1000Mbps) Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook/Pro/Air, Surface Pro, Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS [Aluminium Shell&Nylon Cable]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fk9DHmdwL._SL160_.jpg)
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable BENFEI USB A/C to Ethernet adapter connects your computer or tablet to a router,modem or network switch for network connection. It adds a standard RJ45 port to your Ultrabook, notebook or Macbook Air for file transferring, video conferencing, gaming, and HD video streaming.
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced IC chip works as the bridge between RJ45 Ethernet cable and your USB A/C devices. The driver-free installation with native driver support in Chrome, Mac, and Windows OS; The USB A/C Ethernet adapter dongle supports important performance features including Wake-on-Lan (WoL), Full-Duplex (FDX) and Half-Duplex (HDX) Ethernet, Crossover Detection, Backpressure Routing, Auto-Correction (Auto MDIX).
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - Supports full 10/100/1000Mbps gigabit ethernet performance over USB A/C's 5Gbps bus, faster and more reliable than most wireless connections. Link and Activity LEDs. USB powered, no external power required. Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1.✅ To reach 1Gbps, make sure to use CAT6 & up Ethernet cables.
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The USB A/C-Ethernet adapter is compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OSX 10.6/10.7/10.8/10.9/10.10/10.11/10.12, Linux kernel 3.x/2.6, Android and Chrome OS.Compatible with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u and IEEE 802.3ab. Supports IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet).❌Do Not Support Windows RT. (NOT compatible with Nintendo Switch.)
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
Rank #4
- Exploring the New Era of 2.5Gb: The UGREEN usb to ethernet adapter supports a internet speed of up to 2.5Gb and enables your devices to run at full speed. Enjoy unbelievably fast downloads with NAS, fluent streaming, immersive gaming
- Faster, Smoother, Cooler Realtek Chip: The ethernet to usb is equipped with an updated RTL8156BG chip, ensure the network always at peak run. When running 2.5Gb at full speed, it consumes low power, reduce heat dissipation and provide stable performance
- Flexibiliy Upgrade 1Gb to 2.5Gb: Immediately upgrade your 1Gb network, just pair it with 2.5Gb-capable devices like switches and routers to give your aged devices new life! This flexibility is an advantage for you transitioning to higher-speed network
- Instantly Add a 2.5Gb Ethernet Connection: Designed for modern USB laptops that no longer include an Ethernet port. Get fast, stable wired internet whenever Wi-Fi or Gigabit isn't enough
- Sleek, Strong, Stunning: The ethernet adapter for laptop adopts high-quality aluminum. The ports are resistant to plugging and unplugging and the reinforced design makes it very durable for use. Indicator lights make transmission status clear at a glance
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
