Vantec U320GNA USB 3.0 Dual Port Gigabit Ethernet Adapter Review

TweakTown's Rating: 83%

The Bottom Line

Vantec's U320GNA is the perfect solution for anyone wanting a dual port USB 3.0 powered gigabit Ethernet solution for their PC no matter the job at hand.

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Along with the launch of the U300GNA single port gigabit solution we reviewed in late July, Vantec has released a dual port solution for those that need the flexibility of two gigabit Ethernet connections powered through a single USB 3.0 port.

A device such as the U320GNA is a convenient solution for IT administrators that need the ability to connect to and diagnose multiple networks. In addition, managing networked virtual machines and gateway management make this solution ideal for any crash cart solution.

The Vantec dual port gigabit Ethernet adapter supports a host of features including 9K Jumbo frame, crossover detection, adaptive equalization, crosstalk and echo cancellation, and timing recovery. With a list such as the one above, we also must mention operating system compatibility that includes Windows XP, 7, 8 along with OS X10.8+. MSRP of the Vantec U320GNA is listed at $49.99 with a one-year warranty.

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Packaging for the dual port gigabit adapter includes an image on the front, while marketing information resides below.

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Scope of delivery includes the USB 3.0 adapter, driver disc, and manual.

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Our first look at the adapter includes both ports on the bottom edge. Each port has a connection and activity LED, one on each corner.

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As you can see above, we have the same rounded edge USB 3.0 cable that we found with the single port solution.

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Above, we have our chart testing both ports of the adapter at once. As you can see, the results nearly mirror each other as the USB 3.0 connection carries plenty of bandwidth to support dual gigabit Ethernet.

The Vantec Dual Port Gigabit Ethernet adapter is great for users that have the need for two ports of connectivity. While this won't be the typical home user, for someone that manages large banks of systems, it is a must for their toolbox. Build quality of this solution seemed to be quite solid as everything from the enclosure of the adapter down to the cable feels to be put together well.

Performance, as seen in our chart above, was near full gigabit speeds on both ports touching just above 950 Mbps. When it comes down to pricing, the Vantec U320GNA carries an MSRP of $49.99. Comparing this to similar solutions, the Vantec solution comes in nearly $15 cheaper than the next dual port gigabit USB 3.0 solution.

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