Take a look at our
ThinkPads.com HOME PAGE
For those who might want to contribute to the blog, start here: Editors Alley Topic
Then contact Bill with a Private Message

Thinkpad X1 Yoga (2nd): ethernet adapter?

Discuss the ThinkPad-branded Yoga
Post Reply
Message
Author
awebber
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:19 pm
Location: Ottawa, ON

Thinkpad X1 Yoga (2nd): ethernet adapter?

#1 Post by awebber » Sun Dec 30, 2018 12:22 am

I'm trying to add Ethernet capability to my ThinkPad X1 Yoga (2nd), I think model 20JD. Wondering whether it's better to use USB-C, USB3.0, or the dedicated port. Don't have any known need for gigabit but I guess I could get it.

ThinkPad USB3.0 to Ethernet Adapter (4X90S91830) C$23.99
Lenovo USB-C to Ethernet Adapter (4X90S91831) C$27.99
ThinkPad USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapter (4X90E51405) C$30.04

ThinkPad Ethernet Extension Cable (4X90F84315) C$24.69

If not the latter, is it reasonable to tie up a USB port for just the network, or better to get a multi-function adapter? I think I have 2xUSB-C and 3xUSB3.0, both USB-C in use (for power and DVI) and one USB3.0 taken by a 7-port hub. So I have 1-2 free USB3.0 and 0 free USB-C, and don't think I need more at this time, but would add if it's a good idea.

OTOH I see really cheap no-name adapters on Amazon for C$10 and up (USB2.0-10/100, or USB3.0-gigabit).

So my questions, for which I haven't been able to find answers:
- Is there any benefit to using the dedicated Ethernet-ish port?
- Could a USB3.0/2.0 adapter work on the hub, or would it need to be directly in a USB port?
- Is there any real benefit to getting gigabit adapter (and upgrading other hardware)?

Thanks for any guidance on the best way forward.

=aw

dr_st
Admin
Admin
Posts: 9692
Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2005 6:20 am
Location: Israel

Re: Thinkpad X1 Yoga (2nd): ethernet adapter?

#2 Post by dr_st » Mon Dec 31, 2018 2:39 am

awebber wrote:
Sun Dec 30, 2018 12:22 am
- Is there any benefit to using the dedicated Ethernet-ish port?
It's Intel LAN, and the generic adapter are not. If you find Intel LAN more reliable, that is a possible advantage.
awebber wrote:
Sun Dec 30, 2018 12:22 am
- Could a USB3.0/2.0 adapter work on the hub, or would it need to be directly in a USB port?
It can, if there is enough power to the hub.
awebber wrote:
Sun Dec 30, 2018 12:22 am
- Is there any real benefit to getting gigabit adapter (and upgrading other hardware)?
If you use Ethernet, then yes.
Thinkpad 25 (20K7), T490 (20N3), Yoga 14 (20FY), T430s (IPS FHD + Classic Keyboard), X220 4291-4BG
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad

awebber
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:19 pm
Location: Ottawa, ON

Re: Thinkpad X1 Yoga (2nd): ethernet adapter?

#3 Post by awebber » Wed Jan 02, 2019 1:14 am

If you use Ethernet, then yes.
I think I worded my question badly. I have a Cat5 cable to my office upstairs, where my old networked printer is connected. There's also a hub or switch (not sure which, have to check) and a cable I used sometimes on my X220.

The WiFi signal isn't great, and I'm sure I should switch the X1 Yoga to a wired connection. I assume the dedicated Ethernet extension cable is gigabit, and if I go USB I have a choice of gigabit or 10/100. The savings on the latter are just a few bucks, but I'm sure I won't get any benefit from a gigabit adapter unless I replace the 100' Cat5 cable with Cat6, is that right? And then I'm not sure I'd benefit much from gigabit as I'm not moving massive amounts of data around the network.

So really the question is, if I choose a solution where there's a choice of 10/100 or gigabit, is it worth replacing the 100' Cat5 cable with Cat6, in my situation?

Thanks!
=aw

dr_st
Admin
Admin
Posts: 9692
Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2005 6:20 am
Location: Israel

Re: Thinkpad X1 Yoga (2nd): ethernet adapter?

#4 Post by dr_st » Wed Jan 02, 2019 4:20 am

CAT5 is limited to 10/100, CAT5E can do Gigabit, but performance may vary depending on cable length and quality.

There is no reason to get any hardware that does not support Gigabit these days, but whether to bother with replacing your existent infrastructure depends on how often you actually use it and for which amounts of data.
Thinkpad 25 (20K7), T490 (20N3), Yoga 14 (20FY), T430s (IPS FHD + Classic Keyboard), X220 4291-4BG
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad

Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “ThinkPad Yoga”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 31 guests