Sonnet Solo5G 5-Gigabit USB-C Ethernet Adapter for Mac, Windows, Linux

Boost your network speeds by up to 500% without touching a single cable. The Sonnet Solo5G USB-C to 5 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter brings powerful multi-gig networking to your Mac, Windows, or Linux device — with no drivers, no hassle, and no rewiring.

Designed to work with standard Cat 5e cabling and any NBASE-T (multi-gig) switch, the Solo5G lets you take advantage of ultra-fast 5GbE, 2.5GbE, 1GbE, and 100MbE connectivity. Whether you’re working from home, transferring large files to a NAS, or just upgrading your office workflow, you’ll instantly experience up to 5x faster network performance over your existing infrastructure.

Built for portability and durability, the bus-powered aluminum enclosure fits in the palm of your hand and connects via an integrated USB-C cable. There’s no software to install — just plug it in and go.

Highlights

• 5x Gigabit Performance – Achieve up to 5Gbps transfer speeds using existing Cat 5e cabling
• Multi-Gig Support – Backward compatible with 2.5Gbps, 1Gbps, and 100Mbps networks
• Zero Configuration Needed – No drivers or software required; fully OS-integrated setup
• Portable & Rugged – Compact 3.2" aluminum body with integrated USB-C cable
• Works with Thunderbolt or USB-C Ports – Full compatibility with Mac, Windows, and Linux systems
• Power Efficient & Silent – Runs cool with support for Energy-Efficient Ethernet (IEEE802.3az)
• Faster NAS Access – Ideal for speeding up backups, file sharing, and large media workflows

Package Contents

• Solo5G USB-C to 5 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (with captive 6-inch [0.15-meter] USB-C cable)

Specifications

• Part Number: SOLO5G-USBC
• Warranty: 2-year
• Form Factor: USB-C adapter
• External Connectors: One RJ45 port
• 5GbE Controller: Realtek RTL8157
• Network Support: 5GBASE-T, 2.5GBASE-T, 1000BASE-T, 100BASE-TX (up to 100 meters using Cat 5e or better cabling)
• Packets: Jumbo Frames – Max packet size up to 16,352 bytes2
• Data Rates Supported: 5 Gb/s, 2.5 Gb/s, 1 Gb/s, 100 Mb/s
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 1.2 × 3.2 × 0.7 in (31 × 80.1 × 17.8 mm)
• Weight: 1.3 oz (37g) including cable
• Compliance: RoHS 3 (Directive 2015/863); IEC62368-1 and IEC62368-2 Safety
• Package Contents: Solo5G USB-C to 5 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (with integrated 6-inch USB-C cable)
• Technical Notes:
• • macOS 13–14 may show incorrect 100Mb status despite full 5GbE performance.
• • macOS 15 and later displays 5GbE correctly.
• • Max frame size on macOS is 1500 bytes, which has negligible effect on performance.

Compatibility

Mac Compatibility:

• Macs with USB-C or Thunderbolt port
• macOS 13 and later
• Fully compatible with macOS Sequoia

Windows Compatibility:

• Windows computers with USB-C or Thunderbolt port
• Windows 11

Linux Compatibility:

• Linux computers with USB-C or Thunderbolt port
• Linux Kernel 6.12 and later

• Note: macOS 13–14 may display incorrect 100Mb status; fixed in macOS 15 and later.

Product videos

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