USB to Ethernet adapter

[martin54]

Just looking at setting up a laptop to use with a UC400 ETH & found that UCCNC had adaptors in their webshop. Are these the same as any other USB adaptors ? Just that with delivery costs & time to reach the UK I can buy one cheaper & get it quicker if I buy in the UK

[A_Camera]

In theory you can use any Ethernet adapter if you need an adapter and don't have a built in in the laptop. In fact, my machine is connected through a LAN switch and have no issues at all, so there is really no need for a second Ethernet port.

[martin54]

The laptop has a port but it means keep changing it over if I want to connect to the internet, with a usb adaptor I can just set that up as a dedicated port for the cnc machine

[ger21]

Does it have wifi? Use wifi for the internet.

[cncdrive]

A USB to ethernet adapter is nothing more or less, but a network card with USB connection.
It is a card like a PCI ethernet card placed into a PC, but instead of PCI a USB port is used for the connection.
PCI cards are better because PCI has very high possible data throughput speed while USB can have a much lower connection speed, especially when talking about USB 1 and 2., however I've not seen a USB 3 network card so far. Maybe they exists, but probably not for the price range you looking for.
Hawever USB 1 and 2 speed is still enough for the UCCNC.

And to extend the single ethernet port you have on the computer you could also use a network router or switch, I mean to do that is also possible.

[A_Camera]

The laptop has a port but it means keep changing it over if I want to connect to the internet, with a usb adaptor I can just set that up as a dedicated port for the cnc machine

That's why I have a LAN switch. The UC300ETH is connected to the switch and the PCs I am using are either using WIFI or wired LAN connection can always connect. I don't disconnect any of them from the Internet, it's never a problem for me. The only time UCCNC loses connection is when the periodic backup is started, if I forget to deactivate it and let it run.

[Gary Campbell]

Martin...
If you have a choice, use the LAN port for the machine and USB to wireless adapter for wireless comm to the machine. A side benefit is that you can unplug the wireless when not needed, keeping many of todays programs or updates from "helping you out" with an unscheduled update while cutting.

[martin54]

Thanks for the replies people, sorry about the late reply, not been online much the last few days. Networks aren't one of my strengths which was why I asked

No wifi on the laptop but there must have been a card at some point as I have an icon on view bar, the CNC is at my industrial unit & I don't have a landline up there so no internet but I do take the laptop home sometimes & when I do it gets connected to the hub in the house which is why I thought a second network port might be the best idea

It's an old HP Business laptop so might just be easier to try & find a wifi card, sure there will be some on that well known auction site