Realtek RTL8157 5 GbE adapters with 10 Gb USB interface - Wavlink, WisdPi

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Tinkerer

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Sep 5, 2020
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udev rules dont change how a kernel driver behaves, nor does it make it stable or unstable. They take care of detection and naming of devices. I verify the driver is loaded. Having said that, the dkms installers I linked install the udev rules so they are in place.

Is the Wisdpi device just as instable? I glanced over this thread and I don't really see my level of instability from anyone. Makes me wonder if it has to do with the PC's I use (HP Prodesk 405 G6, HP Elitedesk 805 G6).
 
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jerrythea

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Sep 12, 2022
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On Linux they are unstable enough that I cannot use them for any real work.

They are useful on client devices like laptops that’s about it.

maybe in 6 months once the driver is fully supported by kernel development.
 
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Tinkerer

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In my case its completely unusable. Even a ping will cause a driver to stop functioning. And if that works, a little bit of throughput will definitely crash the driver. But I can only test on these HP prodesk and elitedesk PC's. Besides the M1 Macbook I have nothing else with a USB-C 10Gbps port.
 
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spuwho

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Jan 10, 2024
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The reason they apply a different part # to the same item is because the private label maker was different.

I have the Wavlink WL-NWU340G REV a

I used 2 different laptops, both with 10Gbps USB 3.2 ports. Both with Linux kernel 6.8.

On a Dell Latitude it negotiated a 708Mbps rate on a 10GbE/NBASE switch.

On a Lenovo IdeaPad it negotiated a 1Mbps rate. Same OS, same kernel level, same switch.

On the same Lenovo laptop with W11 (23H2) it negotiated 2.5Gbps on the first boot.

Windows reported a new Realtek driver set was required, so I downloaded it.

When the driver updated, I saw the LED light switch from 2.5 to 5Gbps.

But when I put tests on it, it cant get past 310Mbps of throughput.

My Ugreen 2.5Gbps USB-C adapter does better than that.
 
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andrebrait

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UGREEN also released their version of this device, model number 35921

I bought it from Amazon via this link: https://www.amazon.nl/UGREEN-Ethernet-5000Mbps-Netwerkadapter-compatibel/dp/B0DNSTHRGQ

I also bought one of their USB 3.2 Gen 2 (a.k.a. 10Gbps) hubs with PD passthrough and an HDMI 2.0 port, model number ‎45363 from this link: https://www.amazon.nl/UGREEN-Revodok-Adapter-Compatibel-MacBook/dp/B0D1XLNWP2/260-6976936-6127449

Some things I noticed while testing with MacOS 14 and 15:

1. It uses the native USB LAN driver com.apple.driver.usb.cdc.ncm and not the high CPU usage one, com.apple.DriverKit.AppleUserECM.
2. I could get the full 5Gbps on SpeedTest when downloading, but not when uploading. I got a maximum of 1Gbps on uploads.
3. Connecting the network adapter directly onto the MacBook would restore it to full speed both ways.

Then I realized I was using a 1m USB-C cable extension, theoretically rated for USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps). However, it seems it affects this sort of thing.

I switched to one rated for 40Gbps and 240W PD (so, essentially USB4), also 1m long, and it did the trick. I can now get full 5Gbps download and about 3~4Gbps upload, consistently.

These USB4 extensions are somehow not reversible and you need to flip them to get USB 2.0 devices to work (in case they don't work when you plug it the first time), despite being theoretically USB-C compliant.

Anyway, now I get full speed on everything connected to the hub, including the UGREEN 5GbE LAN adapter with the Realtek RTL8157 chip.
 
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spuwho

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I kicked off another round of testing when I saw a small sticker on the box that said "Must use USB 3.2 C-Port".

I have a mini-PC with both a USB 3.1 Gen 2 10Gbps C-Port and a USB4 port.

The results on the USB4 port were excellent. 4.76Gbps on iperf3.

I ran USBView in Windows and noticed the device reports itself as USB 3.2 to the USB Controller.

I was using the Microsoft Realtek drivers that came with Windows Update.

But the results on the USB 3.1 Gen 2 port were terrible.It worked (briefly) then refused to ping or iperf. I thought it was hung so I power cycled (not a reboot) and tried again. This time it wouldn't work at all.

So I power cycled again, but moved it back to the USB4 port and everything was golden. ping, iperf all went through no issues and I got the same results 4.76Gbps.

So I am under a working assumption that USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (which is what I had on my laptops) are not up to the task, or vary so much in implementation that either there is a USB fallback issue, or a USB timing problem with the USB 3.2 bridge chip in the adapter.

I have a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port on another system. I will see if I have better results there.
 
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andrebrait

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spuwho said:
I kicked off another round of testing when I saw a small sticker on the box that said "Must use USB 3.2 C-Port".

I have a mini-PC with both a USB 3.1 Gen 2 10Gbps C-Port and a USB4 port.

The results on the USB4 port were excellent. 4.76Gbps on iperf3.

I ran USBView in Windows and noticed the device reports itself as USB 3.2 to the USB Controller.

I was using the Microsoft Realtek drivers that came with Windows Update.

But the results on the USB 3.1 Gen 2 port were terrible.It worked (briefly) then refused to ping or iperf. I thought it was hung so I power cycled (not a reboot) and tried again. This time it wouldn't work at all.

So I power cycled again, but moved it back to the USB4 port and everything was golden. ping, iperf all went through no issues and I got the same results 4.76Gbps.

So I am under a working assumption that USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (which is what I had on my laptops) are not up to the task, or vary so much in implementation that either there is a USB fallback issue, or a USB timing problem with the USB 3.2 bridge chip in the adapter.

I have a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port on another system. I will see if I have better results there.
Click to expand...
What if you put a USB 3.2 Gen 2 hub in between the 3.1 Gen 2 on your Mini PC and that? Perhaps it's some crazy incompatibility of the firmware or something
 
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spuwho

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andrebrait said:
What if you put a USB 3.2 Gen 2 hub in between the 3.1 Gen 2 on your Mini PC and that? Perhaps it's some crazy incompatibility of the firmware or something
Click to expand...
I am currently testing on just that, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 hub connected to the same, a 3.2 Gen 2 port.

At first it kept reporting it only had 5Gbps (SuperSpeed) available to it, so I switched it to a different hub port and now I get the full 10Gbps SuperSpeed Plus notification. But it only gets a 705Mbps link speed right now. Updating that OS currently.
 
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sitymarz

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Mar 27, 2025
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spuwho said:
I am currently testing on just that, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 hub connected to the same, a 3.2 Gen 2 port.

At first it kept reporting it only had 5Gbps (SuperSpeed) available to it, so I switched it to a different hub port and now I get the full 10Gbps SuperSpeed Plus notification. But it only gets a 705Mbps link speed right now. Updating that OS currently.
Click to expand...
With the 705Mbps handshake, I would try replacing the cable, keep it as short as possible.
 
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spuwho

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Jan 10, 2024
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sitymarz said:
With the 705Mbps handshake, I would try replacing the cable, keep it as short as possible.
Click to expand...
Same cable as before when I got 5Gbps, so I don't think that's it.

I got this email from Wavlink today:

Has your WAVLINK adapter arrived safely? We care deeply about ensuring your package arrived intact and with all components included. If anything appears damaged or missing, please let us know right away so we can make it right!
Important Tips for Optimal Performance

To help you get the most out of your new adapter, I wanted to share a couple of key tips:
1. Driver Update Recommendation: For the best possible experience, please manually update the driver using the installation guide included in your package. This ensures all features work properly and you get maximum performance.
2. USB Port Requirements: For optimal speeds, please connect the adapter to a USB 3.2 port or higher (10Gbps minimum). Using a 5Gbps USB port will significantly limit your network speed and overall performance.
How's It Going?
Are you experiencing any difficulties setting up or using your new USB C to Ethernet Adapter? We understand that technology can sometimes be challenging, and we'd love to know if you've encountered any issues or have questions about optimizing your connection.
We're Here to Help!
If you need any assistance at all, please don't hesitate to:
- Contact us directly through Amazon's messaging system
- Email us at [e-mail address removed]
- Call our support line at +1 888-973-0883 (UTC -5, Monday - Friday, 9AM - 10PM)
Your satisfaction means everything to us, and we're committed to ensuring you have the best possible experience with your WAVLINK product!
 
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sitymarz

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Mar 27, 2025
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OK, for my case, I have narrowed issues down to the mini PC I am using.

in another system using the exact same USB Proxmox Boot drive with TrueNAS - I have no issues with 300GB+ transfer tests.
2x WisdPi 5gbe adapters
also tested using 2x Sabrent 5gbe adapters

I need to troubleshoot more on the specific mini PC where these are failing.
 
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spuwho

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Judging by my testing thus far, the Wavlink USB adapter has 2 key dependencies:

- The USB port must be v3.2 Gen 2 compliant. If it attempts to negotiate on a lesser port, results are just too inconsistent. My results on a v3.1 Gen 2 port (a 10Gbps port) verify that. (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt) If you have a USB4 port, it works no issues.
- The driver must be consistent. For Windows use the Realtek driver set via Windows Update. Linux does not have the driver integrated into the kernel, so the Realtek download must be compiled. The RTL8157 isn't even listed in the Linux Hardware Database yet.

I have a Thunderbolt 4 hub to test the adapter on and will share results.
 
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spuwho

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Jan 10, 2024
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I have completed my testing with a Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Hub (Intel Goshen Ridge) and the difference is noticeable.

The Wavlink was plugged into the C port of the Belkin Hub.

I plugged the TB4 hub in the following ports:

USB 3.1 Gen 2 C Port (10Gbps)
USB 4 C port (40Gbps)
USB 3.2 Gen 2 C port (10Gbps)

I tested with both Windows 11 with the Microsoft Driver set and 2 flavors of Linux with the default Realtek kernel driver (not the one on the Realtek website)

The adapter was 100% stable with all of the traffic I put (so far) and iperf3 showed 4.71Gbps on all tests regardless of port used.

The Linux spins I tested, one was kernel 6.8 and the other was 6.11. On Linux the data rate was displayed as 708Mbps on the network status but the actual data rate was 4.71Gbps.

When I ran the USBView on Windows, the TB4 Hub shows as a "Intel USB 3.2 hub".

When I ran lsusb -t on Linux, the TB4 hub shows as an "Intel USB 3.2 hub (10Gbps)"

Both OS'es show the Wavlink as a USB 3.2 device running at SuperSpeed Plus.

I will do some more stress testing and see if it hangs or overheats, but so far this is the most stable I have seen it since I bought it.
 
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spuwho

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Jan 10, 2024
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FWIW: I have a laptop with a Thunderbolt 3 C port on it and will hook up the TB4 hub on it and give the adapter a spin.

Technically the hub should step down to TB3 speeds, but what I really want to test is the stability of the Wavlink.

I think that Intel chipset provides better USB timings at the USB 3.2 spec and that is why it might be more performant and more stable.

Even if you plug that TB4 hub in a less than perfect USB 3.1 port, it still provides the proper timings.

As far as I can tell that TB4 hub took off .04Gbps of speed for the extra overhead. Might be worth it to get more stability. We shall see.
 
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spuwho

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Jan 10, 2024
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Quick test of the Wavlink on a TB4 hub, connected to a TB3 port on a Dell laptop.

4.52Gbps on iperf3.

A loss of about .19Gbps.

But no drops, no hangs thus far. :)
 
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Tinkerer

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I have been in contact with Wavlink Support. As mentioned before I ordered 6 Wavlink WL-NWU340G Rev.a for HP Prodesk PC's with 10G USB-C port. The PC's run Linux.

After mailing back and forth with support, they send me a new version, still same model and revision, to test. It seemed stable but I could only test it against 1Gbps NIC's since the other 6 would crash immediately. They asked me send the 6 back, and sent me 5 of the new ones.

I tested and they seem better, but still with some the drivers crash. One of them crashes within seconds when pinging it. For the ones that work, it won't go over 2.5 to 3 Gbps.

They have not answered my questions about what is different on the new devices. They are reporting exactly the same as the old ones.

One good thing, support is helpful and responsive. I received full refund of return shipping too.

I have now asked for a refund for the whole batch and will send them back once agreed.
 
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Tinkerer

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pimposh said:
How one can tell thats new if both model and revision remains unchanged ?
Click to expand...
Good question! We can't. That's why I asked them what is different but they never anwsered that.

The problems are less but not gone. So I think something is different. Maybe just a different batch, who knows?
 
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