3-Port USB-C Hub with Gigabit Ethernet - USB-C to 3x USB-A - USB 3.0 (5Gbps) - Includes Power Adapter - TAA

Questions & Answers

How do I install my network card in Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11? (.exe method)
To install a network card driver in Windows, download the latest driver package from StarTech.com, extract the files, run Setup.exe as an administrator, and restart the computer if prompted. Explanation: Before installing the network card driver, ensure that Windows is fully updated with the latest service packs, security updates, and feature updates available for your operating system. To install the driver: Download the latest driver package from the StarTech.com Drivers & Downloads page. Locate the downloaded ZIP file and extract its contents. Open the folder that matches your version of Windows, if applicable. Right-click Setup.exe and select Run as administrator . Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Restart the computer if prompted. After Windows restarts, the operating system will complete the driver installation and the network card should be ready to use. Note: If the Run as administrator option is unavailable, ensure that you are launching Setup.exe from the extracted folder and not directly from within the ZIP file.

How do I install my network card in Mac OSX 10.6.x - 10.9.x?
Download the latest drivers from the StarTech.com website at www.startech.com/Support . The part number and product ID are on the product packaging. Note: Mac OS X usually saves the files to the Downloads folder that is associated with your user account and is located on the drive where Mac OS X is installed (for example, Macintosh HDUsers your_name Downloads). Double-click the [ASIX88179] Mac USB Network Adapter.zip file. Press and hold the Control key and click the dmg file. To mount a drive on the desktop, click Open . Double-click the drive that you just mounted on the desktop. Press and hold the Control key and click the setup file. Click Open . Complete the instructions to install the device drivers, and restart your computer when prompted to. After your computer restarts, connect the device to your computer.

Why did the software not install properly in macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later?
Starting in High Sierra 10.13, macOS enforces stricter security policies than previous revisions. As a result of these changes, software packages, like those used in this installation, will need to be allowed within the macOS Security and Privacy settings, immediately after the software has been installed, in order for the device to operate. To allow the software, follow these steps after you've completed installation on your Mac: Open System Preferences . Open Security & Privacy . Click the Allow button near the bottom of the General tab. Note: The option to allow the software will be available within the Security & Privacy settings for 30 minutes. If the software is not allowed within that time frame, the software must be reinstalled in order for macOS to grant the opportunity to allow it again.

I am having issues with my new network interface card (NIC) and my on-board NIC is still enabled. What do I do in Windows?
Sometimes an on-board network interface card (NIC) conflicts with a new NIC. In these cases it is best to disable the on-board NIC. The best way to disable your on-board NIC is to go into your BIOS and disable it there if possible. To do this, consult your motherboard manual. You can also disable any NIC in Windows. Here is how you do this: First click Start , or, in Windows 10 and 8, hold down the Windows key and press X . Then click Control Panel . Windows 10 Click Network and Internet . Click Network and Sharing Center . On the left, click Change adapter settings . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable . Windows 8 Click Network and Sharing Center . On the left, click Change adapter settings . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable . Windows 7 Click Network and Internet . Click Network and Sharing Center . On the left, click Change adapter settings . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable . Windows Vista Click Network and Sharing Center . On the left, click Manage network connections . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable . Windows XP Click Network Connections . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable .

Why do I have speed or connectivity issues?
If you are experiencing speed or connectivity issues, it is best to set a specific speed at half or full duplex in your settings. You can set your network adapter to perform at a certain speed, but the device that the adapter is connected to (whether it is a router, switch, or computer) must also be able to perform at the same speed. Note : You must log in as the local administrator before you continue. To open Device Manager: Press Windows key + R . Type devmgmt.msc . Click OK . Open the Networking adapters section. Right-click the network adapter that you want to change and select Properties . Click the Advanced tab. Scroll down to Speed & Duplex . By default, it is set to Auto-Negotiate . Select any of the speeds that you see in the list. Click OK and restart your computer.

Why does my USB device stop working after my computer wakes back up from sleep mode in Windows?
If the USB device does not work after your computer has been in extended hibernation, it is likely that Windows has automatically turned off the USB Root hub to save power. The steps below outline how to configure the USB root hub to stay on during hibernation, to prevent this from happening. Windows 10 / 8 On your keyboard, press the Windows key + X and select Control Panel . Click Hardware and Sound , then click Power Options . Click Change plan settings for the plan you want to change. Click Change advanced power settings . Click the plus sign (+) next to “USB settings” and “USB selective suspend setting” to expand the options and change the setting to Disabled . Click OK to apply the setting. Note : You may need to disconnect and re-connect your USB device after applying these settings to re-establish the connection. Windows 7 / Vista Click the Start button and select Control Panel . Click Hardware and Sound , then click Power Options . Click Change plan settings for the plan you want to change. Click Change advanced power settings . Click the plus sign (+) next to “USB settings” and “USB selective suspend setting” to expand the options and change the setting to Disabled . Click OK to apply the setting. Note : You may need to disconnect and re-connect your USB device after applying these settings to re-establish the connection. Windows XP On your desktop, right-click the My Computer icon and select Properties . Click the Device Manager tab. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers by clicking the arrow to the left of it. Right-click the first USB Root Hub device and select Properties . Click the Power Management tab. Clear the box next to Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power . Click OK to apply the setting. Repeat steps 4-7 for any remaining devices in the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section with “ Root Hub ” in the name. Note : You may need to disconnect and re-connect your USB device after applying these settings to re-establish the connection.

Can I use my network card for a Preboot Execution Environment (PXE)?
StarTech.com does not support a Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) as this requires third-party software. However, our devices can be used as long as the following conditions are met: The BIOS must support PXE. The BIOS must see the card. The environment must have drivers for the chipset used in the card. If using a USB networking card, the environment must have support for USB devices as well.

How to Set a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) Tag With a Network Card in Windows
Virtual local area network (VLAN) tagging requires that the network interface card (NIC) and the router or switch that you use support protocol IEEE 802.1q. Depending on the NIC, you can set your VLAN ID in Device Manager. Not all NICs that support VLAN tagging have this option. Setting your VLAN ID in Device Manager Note: Log in as the local administrator before continuing. To open Device Manager: Press Windows key + R Type devmgmt.msc Click OK . In Device Manager, open Network adapters . Right-click on the NIC and choose Properties . Click the Advanced tab. Scroll down to VLAN ID . Set the ID that you would like the NIC to have and click OK . Setting up your VLAN Tagging and Setting a VLAN ID How you perform this task depends on your router or switch. Consult the manual or manufacturer of your router or switch for more details. In your router or switch, you can VLAN tag a device by the VLAN ID if you set one previously, or by the MAC address of the computer. Your router or switch will list all IP devices by MAC address. For products related to this article, click here .

Can a USB hub be used without a power adapter, and how does this affect performance?
Yes, a USB hub can be used without a power adapter , but doing so reduces the available power to connected devices and may prevent high‑power devices from functioning properly. Explanation Some USB hubs can operate without an external power adapter by drawing power directly from the host computer’s USB port. In this configuration, the available power is shared across all ports on the hub, which limits the amount of power delivered to each connected device. As a result, high‑power USB devices—such as external hard drives—may not start or may function unreliably when connected to an unpowered hub. When a power adapter is connected, the USB hub can supply more power to each port than a single computer USB port can provide. This improves overall stability and compatibility with power‑intensive devices. Low‑power USB devices, such as keyboards and mice, typically function without issues on an unpowered hub. Additionally, USB devices that use their own external power adapters rely on the hub only for data transfer and do not draw power from the hub. Recommendation For consistent performance and full device compatibility, using the included power adapter is recommended whenever it is available.

What is USB-C?
USB-C is a reversible USB connector type that can support data transfer, video output, and power delivery, depending on the capabilities of the connected devices, cables, and host ports. Explanation: USB-C is a physical connector standard used by multiple USB and Thunderbolt technologies. Depending on the supported protocol and hardware, USB-C connections can support: USB data transfer speeds ranging from USB 2.0 up to USB4 performance levels USB 10Gbps, 20Gbps, 40Gbps, and higher data transfer rates, depending on the USB or Thunderbolt specification USB Power Delivery (USB PD) for bidirectional power delivery, including charging support up to 240W with supported devices and cables Alternate Modes, such as DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode), for video output over USB-C Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 functionality on compatible systems Not all USB-C ports, cables, or devices support the same features or performance levels. For example, some USB-C connections may only support charging or basic USB data transfer, while others support video output, high-speed data transfer, or Thunderbolt functionality. To use a specific USB-C feature, such as DisplayPort video output, USB 40Gbps data transfer, or USB Power Delivery, the USB host port, cable, and connected device must all support that feature. Refer to the technical specifications provided by the manufacturer to verify compatibility. For more information about Thunderbolt capabilities over USB-C, refer to the following FAQ: https://www.startech.com/faq/thunderbolt-3-port-capabilities

What DC barrel connector power plug types do StarTech.com products use, and what are their dimensions?
StarTech.com DC barrel connector plug types are defined in the “Plug Type” field of the technical specifications, using a letter code that specifies the connector’s outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID) in millimeters for power adapter compatibility. Explanation: In StarTech.com technical specifications, the “Plug Type” field is a standardized identifier for the exact DC barrel connector size required to power a product. Each plug type is assigned a letter code that corresponds to a specific combination of outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID), measured in millimeters. Common DC barrel plug type dimensions Plug Type OD ID A 2.35 mm 0.7 mm B 4.0 mm 1.7 mm C 4.75 mm 1.7 mm H 3.4 mm 1.3 mm L 5.0 mm 2.5 mm M 5.5 mm 2.1 mm N 5.5 mm 2.5 mm The DC barrel connector plug type must match both the outer diameter and inner diameter exactly. A mismatch between the StarTech.com product requirement and the power adapter connector can prevent proper fit or stable power delivery, which may result in device startup failure or intermittent operation. The plug type defines only the physical connector size. The plug type does not define electrical power requirements such as voltage, current, or polarity. The power adapter used with a StarTech.com product must match the product’s specified electrical requirements. Using an incompatible power adapter can cause device malfunction or permanent damage. This standardized DC barrel connector plug type system enables IT professionals and procurement teams to verify connector dimensions, ensure power adapter compatibility, standardize hardware deployments, and identify the correct replacement power supply for StarTech.com products.