# Second eth on USB **URL:** \ **Category:** Hardware\ **Created:** [29 December 2020 15:30 UTC](https://community.ipfire.org/t/second-eth-on-usb/4219 "2020-12-29T15:30:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gian](https://community.ipfire.org/user_avatar/community.ipfire.org/gian/32/10180_2.png) [@gian](https://community.ipfire.org/u/gian)\ **Post date:** [29 December 2020 15:30 UTC](https://community.ipfire.org/t/second-eth-on-usb/4219/1 "2020-12-29T15:30:34Z")
Hello All, what do you think about adding a second eth with an USB3 gigabit adapter? I am talking about an Intel desktop mini pc, not a Raspberry. There is no place inside for an additional card. Thanks for your comments, -Gian ---
**Author:** ![hvacguy](https://community.ipfire.org/user_avatar/community.ipfire.org/hvacguy/32/8576_2.png) [@hvacguy](https://community.ipfire.org/u/hvacguy)\ **Post date:** [29 December 2020 23:43 UTC](https://community.ipfire.org/t/second-eth-on-usb/4219/2 "2020-12-29T23:43:30Z")
Yes. Check Linux compatibility, I have no recommendations. This was interesting on using 1 nic and vlans. > [@Budget hardware recommendations?](https://community.ipfire.org/t/budget-hardware-recommendations/3951/14): > > I think I an going to do two things… One I am strongly leaning to the appliance. It is a bit more than some of the generic NUC or mini PC options, but for the bulk of my need, it is supporting ipfire and will just work. This is need for the largest use case scope. The above said, I am also looking a white-box or Frankenstein unit. This will be what I can tinker with, and indulge in. This maybe a NanoPi or some other (generic) mini-PC or even thin client. Thanks for and to everyone that has… ---
**Author:** ![tompurl](https://community.ipfire.org/user_avatar/community.ipfire.org/tompurl/32/4467_2.png) [@tompurl](https://community.ipfire.org/u/tompurl)\ **Post date:** [30 December 2020 00:01 UTC](https://community.ipfire.org/t/second-eth-on-usb/4219/3 "2020-12-30T00:01:43Z")
This one works for me: - AX88179 Gigabit Ethernet ([ax88179\_178a](https://fireinfo.ipfire.org/drivers/ax88179_178a)) ---
**Author:** ![rodneyp](https://community.ipfire.org/user_avatar/community.ipfire.org/rodneyp/32/16575_2.png) [@rodneyp](https://community.ipfire.org/u/rodneyp)\ **Post date:** [30 December 2020 00:02 UTC](https://community.ipfire.org/t/second-eth-on-usb/4219/4 "2020-12-30T00:02:31Z")
Works well, with IPF, on any PC - I’ve used it on laptops, ARM SBC and now an AMD mini-PC. Virtually impossible to recommend a model of USB3 Gb adapter. The generic ones I have work, as do USB2-Gb and USB2-10/100, but vendors are often not aware of what chipset is inside the items. ---
**Author:** ![tompurl](https://community.ipfire.org/user_avatar/community.ipfire.org/tompurl/32/4467_2.png) [@tompurl](https://community.ipfire.org/u/tompurl)\ **Post date:** [30 December 2020 00:07 UTC](https://community.ipfire.org/t/second-eth-on-usb/4219/5 "2020-12-30T00:07:37Z")
Yes it really can be a crap shoot. Try to buy name-brand adapters from stores with good return policies. ---
**Author:** ![rjschilt](https://community.ipfire.org/user_avatar/community.ipfire.org/rjschilt/32/16737_2.png) [@rjschilt](https://community.ipfire.org/u/rjschilt)\ **Post date:** [30 December 2020 01:06 UTC](https://community.ipfire.org/t/second-eth-on-usb/4219/6 "2020-12-30T01:06:41Z")
I have used the 2 Port Protectlii appliance for two years in my home / office. Worked from day one and has never missed a beat. ---
**Author:** ![gian](https://community.ipfire.org/user_avatar/community.ipfire.org/gian/32/10180_2.png) [@gian](https://community.ipfire.org/u/gian)\ **Post date:** [30 December 2020 11:09 UTC](https://community.ipfire.org/t/second-eth-on-usb/4219/7 "2020-12-30T11:09:36Z")
Thank you All for your comments! Best wishes, -Gian