StarTech.com 2-Port USB-C Hub with Gb Ethernet and RS232 FTDI Serial

Upgrade your laptop or desktop with a single, compact hub that blends high-speed USB-C connectivity, reliable Ethernet networking, and legacy RS-232 serial capability into one portable solution. The StarTech.com 2-Port USB-C Hub with Gb Ethernet and RS232 FTDI Serial is designed for professionals who juggle modern peripherals and legacy devices, whether you’re setting up a home office, a mobile workstation, or an industrial environment. This hub attaches to your computer via a built-in USB-C to USB-A dongle, delivering seamless compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS systems. It brings two USB-A 5Gbps ports for fast peripheral transfers, a Gigabit Ethernet port for stable, low-latency network connections, and an RS-232 serial interface powered by a dependable FTDI chipset for connecting POS systems, CNC equipment, modems, and other serial devices. A 100W USB-C Power Delivery pass-through ensures your host stays charged while you work, making this hub an ideal all-in-one solution for productivity and reliability on the go or at the desk.

• Two USB-A 5Gbps ports add high-speed compatibility for external SSDs, flash drives, keyboards, mice, cameras, and other peripherals, helping you expand your workspace without sacrificing performance.
• RS-232 serial (FTDI) support enables direct connection to legacy equipment and industrial devices that rely on serial communication, delivering reliable data transfer for time-tested setups and equipment calibrations.
• Gigabit Ethernet port provides fast, stable wired networking—ideal for video conferencing, large file transfers, and environments where Wi-Fi is unreliable or restricted.
• 100W USB-C Power Delivery pass-through keeps your host laptop fueled while you work, allowing you to charge and operate through a single USB-C connection without sacrificing device performance.
• Attached USB-C to USB-A dongle and 2 ft (60 cm) host cable simplify setup on laptops and desktops that use USB-C or USB-A connectors, reducing clutter and ensuring a clean, portable solution.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 2-Port USB-C Hub with Gb Ethernet and RS232 FTDI Serial

• Host connection: USB-C with an attached USB-C to USB-A dongle; 2 ft (60 cm) host cable included for flexible placement and easy compatibility with USB-A systems.
• USB ports: 2x USB-A ports supporting USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) bandwidth for rapid data transfer and device responsiveness.
• Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) port for dependable wired networking, ideal for work-from-home setups, file-heavy tasks, and low-latency online activities.
• RS-232 serial: FTDI-based RS-232 interface for legacy devices, enabling reliable serial communication with POS terminals, industrial controllers, instrumentation, and other serial equipment.
• Power delivery: 100W USB-C Power Delivery (PD) pass-through to the host—charges your laptop while the hub operates, ensuring uninterrupted productivity even with power-intensive peripherals connected.
• Compatibility: Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS systems, with driver support provided by FTDI for RS-232 devices and native USB functionality for USB peripherals.
• Cable and form factor: Compact, bus-powered design featuring a tethered USB-C to USB-A dongle and a 2 ft host cable, making it ideal for travel, classrooms, and desk setups where space is at a premium.
• Build and reliability: StarTech.com builds these hubs for durability and steady performance in home and professional environments, designed to handle ongoing daily use and multiple peripheral connections.

how to install StarTech.com 2-Port USB-C Hub with Gb Ethernet and RS232 FTDI Serial

• Unpack and locate the hub, the attached USB-C to USB-A dongle, and the 2 ft host cable.
• Connect the tethered USB-C dongle to your computer’s USB-C port. If your system only has USB-A ports, use the dongle to connect to a USB-A port on your device.
• Plug the hub’s USB-A ports into your USB devices (storage drives, keyboards, mice, cameras, or other peripherals) to begin expansion.
• Connect a network cable to the Gigabit Ethernet port for a fast, stable wired network connection. If you’re working in an environment with Ethernet access, this step is optional but highly recommended for reliability.
• Attach any RS-232 serial devices to the RS-232 port and configure your software to communicate with the serial interface. If needed, install FTDI drivers on your operating system to ensure full RS-232 compatibility.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What laptops or devices is this hub compatible with? A: It works with any USB-C enabled computer and many USB-A systems using the attached dongle. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS devices, and is designed to accommodate both modern peripherals and legacy RS-232 equipment.
• Q: Do I need external power for the hub? A: The hub includes a 100W USB-C Power Delivery pass-through to charge your host while you use connected devices. Most laptops will charge through the hub, but power delivery capability may depend on your host’s requirements and connected peripherals.
• Q: Is the RS-232 port plug-and-play? A: For most systems, RS-232 devices work with standard FTDI drivers. Some legacy equipment may require driver installation or configuration within your software to establish serial communication.
• Q: Can I still use both USB-A ports at full speed with the RS-232 and Ethernet in use? A: Yes. The two USB-A ports operate at up to USB 5Gbps each, while the RS-232 and Ethernet connections run independently. If you transfer very large files on USB drives while connected to the network, you’ll still benefit from the available bandwidth on both USB-A ports.
• Q: Is this hub hot-swappable? A: Yes. You can connect and disconnect devices while the host is running. As with any USB hub, safely eject removable storage when necessary to prevent data loss.