Product test
AVM mesh Wi-Fi speed test: Fritz!Box 4060 and Fritz!Repeater 6000
by Martin Jud
USB-to-RJ45 network cable test: Goobay’s «innovation»
3.5.2024
Translation: Elicia Payne
In its advertising brochure, Goobay promises me an innovative network technology: cables with USB and RJ45. So I put the alleged miracle product in all possible lengths to the test. Unfortunately, it proves to be neither innovative, nor evolutionarily meaningful, nor up to date.
Innovation in Europe – LAN performance via USB
«The technology upgrade» – with just one gigabit of data processing performance?
The technology upgrade to simplify your life. Our innovative adapter cable is the compact Ethernet solution for all USB-C devices without their own RJ45 port.
Really? And what if I want to use a network infrastructure with two and a half, five or ten gigabit data processing performance?
Originality with integrated smart chip from 2012
Goobay state that WLAN often reaches its limits in offices and that this is associated with instability, limited speed or security risks. And that the smart chip in the USB connector of their new cable is the solution. It should work according to the plug-and-play principle.
So the solution to poor WLAN is a cable? Goobay isn’t entirely wrong about this, but there are other ways to fix it, for example:
Goobay go on to say:
The nifty smart chip built into the USB plug replaces the previously required, complicated RJ45-to-USB-C™ adapter.
Wait. Is the installation of the chip in the cable a clever thing, or the chip itself?
To find out, simply plug in the cable and take a look at the Windows Device Manager. The cable is automatically recognised under Windows and should also work with Linux, macOS and other operating systems.
I can’t confirm Goobay’s claim that USB network adapters are complicated. They’re small, practical and, depending on the model, also offer much more data processing performance.
More incredibly innovative innovations
On brochure page 2, a quartet of pictures catch my eye:
The cable looks really nice. It has a textile sheath and, like all other cables, is protected against kinking. However, not even those who are responsible for this saying believe that the low data processing performance is made to last forever.
Cool, the device can also be connected to a modem or router. Just like a, well, network cable.
I also prefer to use LAN for a stable connection – it’s just a bit faster. A gigabit should be enough for the vast majority of users today. This gives you around 37 times the maximum speed of a Netflix UHD stream (25 megabits per second). If you have network storage (NAS), you may still want a faster connection.
At last I can see at least a hint of the speed that awaits me. Whether the LAN connection is secure depends on the network configuration. And what Goobay describes as lightning fast is only a fraction of what’s already possible today.
The test: stable connection and up to 941 megabits per second
I test a total of six cables: one USB-A and one USB-C to RJ45 network cable each in the sizes 1 metre, 7.5 metres and 15 metres. I therefore cover the shortest, medium and longest lengths. There are a total of eight lengths on offer at a recommended retail price of 24.99 to 59.99 euros.
The result of my test is identical with every cable. They manage a data processing performance of up to 941 megabits per second. Even Gigabit LAN cables with two RJ45 connections can process this much. It doesn’t reach the full gigabit because there’s also overhead data that regulates communication between the devices.
I worked with the 15-meter cable for three days and it never failed on me. Although the technology isn’t state of the art, it does exactly what the manufacturer says is possible.
In a nutshell
No real innovation
I give it three stars – and the marketing one star. On closer inspection, the new cables from Goobay are unfortunately rather outdated. The fact that the product looks nice can’t hide the fact that you only get Gigabit Ethernet, which is anything but state of the art. Still, the integrated Ethernet controller from 2012 works perfectly. The data processing performance goes up to 941 megabits per second, regardless of the length and whether via USB-A or USB-C.
I’d still recommend purchasing a USB network adapter with a higher speed instead of a Goobay cable. This way you’re equipped for the future. If you still want one of the tested cables, you can find all versions available in our store here.
Pro
- stable LAN connection with up to 941 megabits per second
Contra
- gigabit LAN only (Cat 6 cable, Ethernet controller chip from 2012)
Header image: Martin Jud
Martin Jud
Senior Editor
martin.jud@digitecgalaxus.chI find my muse in everything. When I don’t, I draw inspiration from daydreaming. After all, if you dream, you don’t sleep through life.
