The WisdPi WP-UT9 USB 10GbE Adapter brings 10Gbase-T networking to laptops and small form factor systems through a USB Type-C connection. Inside the compact aluminum housing sits the Realtek RTL8159 controller, the same chipset we saw in the Xikestor SKN-U310GT adapter earlier this year.
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WisdPi USB 10GbE Adapter Hardware Overview
The WisdPi arrives in different packaging than the Xikestor unit, but the functional design follows a similar formula. A small metal enclosure has an Ethernet port on one end and a USB Type-C port on the other. A straight-on top view shows the ridged aluminum housing. Its metal shell helps move heat away from the controller and 10Gbase-T PHY.
One end houses the 10Gbase-T RJ45 port. This port supports standard Ethernet speeds from 100Mbps up to 10Gbps, including intermediate rates like 2.5GbE and 5GbE when connecting to multi-gig switches.
Opposite sits the USB Type-C connector, which serves as both a data interface and a power input. The adapter draws all its power from the USB port, eliminating the need for an external power brick.
Uncharacteristically, one of the most interesting features is the USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable in the box. Cable quality is adequate for the intended use, though it is not particularly long. Users who need more reach may want to source their own longer USB-C cable. Still, it looks so cool compared to other USB adapters, which come with a boring, round black cable. Not here.
Clean aluminum construction covers the bottom of the enclosure. The label on the bottom, however, is not what one might call beautiful. Or better said, the cable and unit are really compact and smart. Then there is a giant black label on the bottom.
On Windows 11, the adapter is identified by the Realtek RTL8159 driver. Device Manager shows the controller is recognized properly once drivers are installed.
Driver support has improved since we reviewed the Xikestor adapter. RTL8159 driver integration is now queued for Linux 7.2, having been merged into the net-next tree for the r8152 driver. Earlier kernels will still require Realtek’s out-of-tree driver or a distribution backport.
Functionally, this remains a simple device with an Ethernet port on one side and a USB Type-C port on the other. Housing and cable differ from the Xikestor unit we reviewed, but the internal controller and expected performance characteristics match closely.
Next, let us plug this in and see how it performs.
