Abstract:

This video reviews the Wavelink USBC to 5Gbps Ethernet adapter, testing its performance for both internet and local network speeds across a MacBook and a Windows laptop. The adapter consistently achieved internet download speeds around 4.6 Gbps and upload speeds of ~4.3 Gbps on standard speed tests, with the MacBook even exceeding 5 Gbps on one service. However, an anomaly was noted where the Windows laptop struggled to reach comparable speeds on fast.com. Driver installation was plug-and-play for macOS but required a manual download for Windows. Local network tests to a 10Gbps Mac Mini server showed consistent near-5Gbps performance from both laptops. When testing directly between the two laptops using two adapters, an interesting asymmetry emerged, with one direction (download or upload) performing at near full speed while the other was slower, a phenomenon attributed possibly to the dual USBC-to-Ethernet conversions. Despite minor inconsistencies, the reviewer concludes the adapter is a good value and generally performs as advertised.

Wavelink 5Gbps USB-C Ethernet Adapter: Performance Review and Speed Tests

• 0:00 Introduction to Wavelink Adapter: The video introduces a new Wavelink USB-C to Ethernet adapter, designed to provide internet and local area network speeds of up to 5 Gigabits per second (Gbps).
• 0:27 Test Setup: The reviewer uses two of these adapters to test with a MacBook (M1 Max chip, ~3 years old) and an MSI Windows laptop (~1 year old) for comprehensive internet and local speed evaluations.
• 0:55 Internet Speed Test (Speedtest by Ookla):
  • The MacBook achieved strong internet speeds: 4.6 Gbps download and almost 4.3 Gbps upload, close to the advertised 5 Gbps maximum.
  • The Windows laptop showed similar good speeds on this platform.
• 2:20 Internet Speed Test Anomaly (Fast.com):
  • The MacBook surprisingly hit over 5 Gbps download (e.g., 5.3 Gbps) on Fast.com.
  • However, the Windows laptop struggled significantly on Fast.com, only reaching 1.7-2 Gbps, an unexplained discrepancy compared to Ookla's results.
• 3:40 Driver Installation:
  • The MacBook was plug-and-play, immediately recognizing and utilizing the adapter without any additional setup.
  • The Windows laptop, conversely, required manual driver download and installation from Wavelink's official website to achieve optimal fast speeds.
• 4:31 Local Speed Test (to 10Gbps Mac Mini):
  • Both laptops were tested against the reviewer's Mac Mini, which has a built-in 10 Gbps Ethernet port.
  • Both achieved consistent speeds very close to 5 Gbps, highlighting the adapter's performance in a controlled local environment.
• 5:41 Local Speed Test (between Laptops):
  • When testing speeds directly between the two laptops (each using a Wavelink adapter), an interesting asymmetric result was observed.
  • For example, when the MSI laptop connected to the MacBook, the download speed was lower, but the upload speed was fast. The inverse was true when the MacBook connected to the MSI.
  • The reviewer speculates this might be due to the double conversion process (USB-C to Ethernet and back) occurring in this setup.
• 9:18 Overall Conclusion & Value:
  • Despite the minor inconsistencies in certain tests (e.g., Fast.com on Windows, inter-laptop speeds), the adapter generally delivers speeds close to its 5 Gbps claim, especially for single-adapter use.
  • The reviewer highly recommends the product for its performance relative to its price point.
  • He invites viewers to comment if they have insights into the observed speed anomalies.