TECH & DESK · A PRACTICAL COMPARISON
Start with the port you need.
These three products solve different connection problems. Their headline gigabit figures describe different things, so they are not a like-for-like speed ranking.
For a wired Ethernet connection
Cable Matters Cat 6A Ethernet Cable · 10 ft, black
Choose this path when the devices already have compatible RJ45 Ethernet ports and you need a direct network cable between them.
This Cable Matters Cat 6A cable is listed for a 10 Gbps network link. That rating describes a supported link capability, not your measured internet speed.
Check first: Check port speed, router or switch capability, service plan, connector type, and the 10-foot length.
Read product details · Ethernet cables have speed ratings, too.
For a short USB-C data connection
CableCreation Short USB4 Cable · 0.5 ft, grey, 2-pack
Choose this path when two compatible USB4 or Thunderbolt devices sit close together and you need a compact USB-C connection.
The half-foot CableCreation cable is advertised for up to 40 Gbps data signaling. A maximum link-rate figure does not promise the same file-transfer throughput.
Check first: Check the features supported by both devices and whether the very short cable reaches without strain.
Read product details · A very short USB4 cable rated up to 40Gbps.
For adding USB-C ports and power pass-through
Belkin Connect USB-C to 4-Port USB-C Hub · 100W PD pass-through
Choose this path when one compatible host USB-C port needs to connect to several USB-C peripherals and a charger.
Belkin lists four USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports at up to 10 Gbps per port and one tethered USB-C connection to the host. That port rating does not promise four separate 10 Gbps host links; actual throughput depends on the host and attached devices. Belkin rates pass-through charging up to 100W input, with up to 85W to the host.
Check first: Check host compatibility, provide a suitable USB-C power adapter for pass-through charging, and account for the host’s power allocation.
Read product details · A four-port USB-C hub with Belkin's 100W pass-through rating.
Before you choose
Before buying, check the ports and features on both ends, the cable length you need, and the current manufacturer specifications for the exact model. The product pages include the source links currently available.