StarTech.com HB30C3A1GEA2 3-Port USB-C Hub with Gigabit Ethernet - USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps - Bus-Powered - Portable Laptop Hub
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This hub employs USB 3.2 Gen 1 technology with UASP support for improved data transfer efficiency, reducing CPU utilization during file operations. The Gigabit Ethernet controller complies with IEEE 802.3u/ab standards and supports jumbo frames up to 9KB for optimized network performance.
Each downstream USB port provides up to 4.5W of power, dependent on the host device's bus power delivery, with overcurrent protection to safeguard connected peripherals. The hub maintains backward compatibility with USB 2.0 devices and works with Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4 host ports.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, UASP Support. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This hub combines multiple connectivity solutions in one compact device, eliminating the need for separate adapters while maintaining high performance across all interfaces.
Integrated Gigabit Ethernet
Provides reliable wired networking with full Gigabit throughput, ideal for environments where Wi-Fi is unstable or security-sensitive applications require Ethernet connectivity.
- IEEE 802.3u/ab compliant
- Supports Wake-on-LAN
- VLAN tagging capability
- Jumbo frame support
Broad Compatibility
Works with virtually all modern computing platforms, from Windows and macOS laptops to iPadOS tablets and ChromeOS devices, ensuring versatile deployment across mixed environments.
- Windows 7 through 11
- macOS 10.11+
- Linux 4.11+
- iPadOS/Android tablets
Portable Design
The compact Space Gray housing weighs just 1.31 ounces with dimensions optimized for travel, while the extended cable provides flexibility without adding bulk to your workspace.
- Lightweight construction
- Extended reach cable
- Space Gray finish
- Minimal footprint
Deployment / Use Cases
This hub serves as an ideal docking solution for laptops with limited connectivity, particularly ultrabooks and tablets that sacrifice ports for slim designs. It enables simultaneous connection of USB peripherals and wired networking through a single cable.
Common deployment scenarios include office workstations where users need to connect multiple USB devices while maintaining reliable Ethernet connectivity, remote work setups requiring stable network connections for video conferencing, and educational environments with mixed device fleets.
Mobile Professional Setup
Perfect for business travelers using laptops like MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, or Lenovo X1 Carbon who need to connect external storage, peripherals, and hotel Ethernet simultaneously.
Tablet Productivity Station
Enables iPad Pro or Surface Pro users to connect USB keyboards, storage devices, and wired internet for enhanced productivity beyond wireless limitations.
Physical Profile
The hub features a compact Space Gray enclosure measuring 3.15" wide × 1.57" long × 0.55" high (80 × 40 × 14 mm), with a lightweight construction at just 1.31 ounces. Its portable form factor easily fits in laptop bags or pockets, while the integrated 1-foot cable provides sufficient reach without excessive slack.
- Width
- 3.15" (80 mm)
- Height
- 0.55" (14 mm)
- Weight
- 1.31 oz (37 g)
- Length
- 1.57" (40 mm)
Highlights
- 3 USB-A ports plus Gigabit Ethernet through single USB-C connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface with 5Gbps data transfer speeds
- UASP support for improved performance with compatible devices
- Bus-powered design requires no external power adapter
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iPadOS, and Android
- Works with Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4 host devices
- Includes MAC Address Changer and connectivity utilities
- Compact portable design with 1-foot attached cable
- Space Gray finish with lightweight construction
- 2-year limited warranty with RoHS/REACH compliance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | HB30C3A1GEA2 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | USB/Ethernet Combo Hub |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | USB/Ethernet Combo Hub |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | USB 3.2 (Gen 1) Type C |
| Media & Performance | |
| UASP Support | Yes |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of USB Ports | 3 |
| Number of USB 3.2 Ports | 3 |
| Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports | 1 |
| Software | |
| Operating System Supported | Windows 7,Windows 8,Windows 8.1,Windows 10,Windows 11,Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan,Mac OS X 10.12 Sierra,Mac OS X 10.13 High Sierra,Mac OS X 10.14 Mojave,Mac OS X 10.15 Catalina,Mac OS X 11.0 Big Sur,Mac OS X 12.0 Monterey,Mac OS X 13.0 Ventura,Linux 4.11.x,ChromeOS,iPadOS,Android |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Gray |
| Product Color | Space Gray |
| Form Factor | Portable |
| Height | 0.55" (14 mm) |
| Width | 3.15" (80 mm) |
| Length | 1.57" (40 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.31 oz (37 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Platform Supported | Windows,iPadOS,Linux,ChromeOS,Mac,Android |
| Country of Origin | Vietnam |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What devices are compatible with this USB-C hub?
The hub is compatible with laptops, tablets, and computers featuring USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 ports. This includes MacBook (Intel and Apple Silicon models), Dell XPS, Lenovo ThinkPad, Microsoft Surface devices, iPad Pro with USB-C, and ChromeOS laptops. It also maintains backward compatibility with USB 2.0 peripherals when connected to appropriate host systems.
Does this hub require external power?
No, this is a bus-powered hub that draws power directly from your laptop or tablet through the USB-C connection. Each downstream USB port can deliver up to 4.5W depending on the host device's power delivery capabilities. The hub includes overcurrent protection on all downstream ports to prevent damage to connected devices.
What Ethernet features does the built-in adapter support?
The integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller supports full 1000Mbps throughput and is compliant with IEEE 802.3u/ab standards. It includes support for Wake-on-LAN (WoL) for remote system activation, jumbo frames up to 9KB for improved network efficiency, and VLAN tagging for network segmentation. The adapter works with all major operating systems without requiring additional drivers in most cases.
Can I use this hub with my iPad or Android tablet?
Yes, the hub is compatible with iPadOS devices featuring USB-C ports, such as iPad Pro and iPad Air models, as well as Android tablets with USB-C connectivity. When used with tablets, you can connect USB storage devices, keyboards, and Ethernet simultaneously, though functionality may vary slightly depending on the specific tablet model and operating system version.
What utilities are included with this hub?
StarTech.com provides downloadable utilities including a MAC Address Changer for network identity management, USB Event Monitoring for tracking connected devices, and Wi-Fi Auto Switch for automatically disabling wireless when Ethernet is connected. These tools are available for Windows and macOS systems and help optimize both performance and security when using the hub in managed environments.
What is the warranty and environmental compliance?
This product comes with a 2-year limited warranty from StarTech.com. It is manufactured in Vietnam with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) compliance, ensuring it meets international environmental standards for electronic products. The hub is classified as environmentally friendly with reduced hazardous material content.