UGREEN CM199 USB-C 3.1 Gen1 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter is now in stock at Mascom International for KSh 2,200, located at Old Mutual Building, First Floor Room 4, Kimathi Street, Nairobi CBD. The UGREEN CM199 delivers wired internet speeds up to 1000Mbps through an RJ45 port on the end of a 10cm USB Type-C lead. Internal hardware uses a Realtek RTL8153 controller with full driverless support on Windows 11, macOS, ChromeOS, iPadOS, and most Linux distributions. The aluminium housing keeps the adapter cool under sustained file transfers and resists dents from being tossed into a laptop bag every day.
The UGREEN CM199 suits Kenyan remote workers, software developers, video editors, accountants, and university students who run Zoom calls, push code through GitHub, or upload large RAW files to client folders. Many MacBook Air, Dell XPS, HP EliteBook, and Lenovo ThinkPad models ship without an Ethernet port, forcing users to rely on Safaricom Home Wi-Fi or office wireless networks that drop packets during peak hours. The CM199 solves that pain by turning any spare USB-C port into a wired connection that ignores wireless interference from neighbouring routers in Nairobi apartment blocks and crowded co-working spaces.
The UGREEN CM199 reaches Mascom International through verified UGREEN distribution channels with sealed retail packaging. Users consistently report stable 940Mbps real-world throughput on fibre lines and full compatibility with the Nintendo Switch dock-free play mode for online gaming. Unlike other electronics retailers in Kenya who stock unbranded ethernet dongles that overheat or drop links after fifteen minutes, Mascom International stocks the UGREEN CM199 with verified UGREEN regional warranty backing. Walk into the store to test the CM199 on your own laptop before paying, or order with countrywide pay-on-arrival delivery.
Common Questions About the UGREEN CM199
What is the UGREEN CM199 and what does it actually do?
The UGREEN CM199 is a USB-C to RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet adapter that plugs into any USB Type-C port and outputs a standard wired network connection. It supports speeds up to 1000Mbps which matches the Gigabit ceiling of most home fibre packages from Safaricom, Zuku, and Faiba. The CM199 works without any driver download on current operating systems, behaving like a built-in Ethernet port the moment you plug it in. Inside, the RTL8153 chipset handles the protocol conversion between USB 3.1 Gen1 and Gigabit Ethernet without dropping packets during sustained transfers.
Which laptops, tablets, and devices is the CM199 compatible with?
The UGREEN CM199 works with any device that has a USB-C port supporting data transfer, which includes most laptops, tablets, and phones released after 2017. Verified compatible devices include the MacBook Air M1/M2/M3, MacBook Pro 14 and 16 inch, Dell XPS 13 and 15, HP EliteBook 840 and 1040 series, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and T-series, Microsoft Surface Pro 7 and later, iPad Pro M1 onwards, Samsung Galaxy Tab S series, and the Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED dock-free mode. Android phones with USB-C OTG support also work for tethered network testing.
Does the UGREEN CM199 actually deliver 1000Mbps in real world use?
Yes, the UGREEN CM199 reliably hits real-world throughput between 900 and 940Mbps on Safaricom Home Fibre Gold, Zuku Triple Play 250Mbps and 500Mbps plans, and Faiba 500Mbps lines. Real Gigabit ceiling is around 940Mbps due to TCP/IP protocol overhead, which is the same limit that built-in Ethernet ports hit. The RTL8153 chipset handles sustained transfers without throttling, so large file uploads to OneDrive, Google Drive, or AWS S3 maintain peak speed across hours of continuous use without thermal slowdown.
Do I need to install drivers to use the UGREEN CM199?
No driver installation is required on Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS 11 Big Sur or later, ChromeOS, iPadOS 14 or later, and most modern Linux distributions including Ubuntu 22.04 and Fedora. The CM199 uses the Realtek RTL8153 controller which is supported natively in these systems. Plug the adapter into your USB-C port, connect an Ethernet cable, and the network connection activates within five seconds. Older systems like Windows 7, Windows XP, and some Linux server distributions require a manual driver install from the UGREEN support page.
How does Ethernet through the CM199 compare to Wi-Fi for daily work?
Wired Ethernet through the UGREEN CM199 typically delivers two to three times more stable throughput than 5GHz Wi-Fi in a typical Nairobi apartment with neighbouring router interference. Latency drops from 8-15ms on Wi-Fi to 1-3ms on Ethernet, which matters for Zoom calls, online gaming, remote desktop sessions, and stock trading platforms. Wi-Fi signal also degrades through concrete walls common in Kilimani and Westlands buildings, while the CM199 maintains full bandwidth as long as the Ethernet cable reaches the router. Wired connections also avoid the dropouts that happen when a neighbour fires up a microwave or Bluetooth speaker.
Can the UGREEN CM199 charge my laptop while connected to Ethernet?
No, the UGREEN CM199 is a network-only adapter and does not carry power delivery through its USB-C connector. If you need both wired internet and laptop charging from a single port, you need a USB-C hub with both Ethernet and PD passthrough, which Mascom International stocks separately from the UGREEN range. For users with multiple USB-C ports on their laptop, simply plug the CM199 into one port and your charger into another, leaving any remaining ports free for displays or storage drives.
Will the CM199 work with my Nintendo Switch for online gaming?
Yes, the UGREEN CM199 works with the Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED for stable wired multiplayer gaming on titles like Splatoon 3, the Super Smash Bros series, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Pokemon Scarlet/Violet. Wired connection reduces ping by 10-30ms versus the Switch's built-in Wi-Fi, which makes a measurable difference in ranked matches. Connect the CM199 to a USB-C OTG adapter or directly to the Switch dock USB ports, plug in an Ethernet cable, then enable wired connection in the Switch System Settings under Internet options.
Is there a warranty on the UGREEN CM199 from Mascom International?
The UGREEN CM199 carries a 6-month Mascom International warranty covering manufacturing defects under normal use, alongside UGREEN's regional warranty support for extended hardware coverage. Our Nairobi CBD service desk handles warranty claims directly without requiring shipment to a distant centre. Common warranty cases include port failure, chip failure that prevents the adapter from being recognised, and physical defects in the aluminium shell. Cable damage from forceful pulling is not covered, since the 10cm pigtail is fixed.
Why buy the UGREEN CM199 from Mascom International rather than online marketplaces?
Mascom International stocks verified UGREEN CM199 units sourced through official distribution channels, not the grey-market clones that flood Jumia and Kilimall listings under generic brand names. You can test the adapter on your own laptop in our Nairobi CBD store before paying, which avoids the lottery of buying ethernet dongles online and discovering they only negotiate 100Mbps instead of the full Gigabit speed. Pay-on-arrival delivery to all 47 counties means you only pay when the CM199 reaches you in working condition.
Technical Specifications
Core Function and Network Performance
- USB-C 3.1 Gen1 interface negotiates 5Gbps host link speed for sustained Gigabit Ethernet without bottlenecks
- Realtek RTL8153 controller handles full-duplex 1000Mbps operation with hardware checksum offload for efficient CPU use
- Real-world throughput typically reaches 940Mbps on Gigabit fibre lines from Safaricom Home, Zuku, and Faiba
- Backward compatibility supports 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet, working with older office switches and Telkom DSL routers
- Auto-MDIX function detects straight-through or crossover Ethernet cables without manual configuration steps
- Wake-on-LAN support allows remote workstation power-on through configured network management tools
- VLAN tagging support handles enterprise network segmentation for corporate IT deployments in Kenyan offices
Compatibility and Operating System Support
- Driver-free operation on Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS 11 and later, ChromeOS, iPadOS 14, and modern Linux distributions
- Manual driver download available from UGREEN support for Windows 7, Windows XP, Vista, and legacy Linux servers
- Compatible with USB-C 3.0 and USB 2.0 host ports through backward negotiation at reduced data speed
- Works with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 ports through USB-C compatibility on MacBook Pro and Dell XPS
- Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED supported through dock USB ports for wired online gaming
- Android phones with USB-C OTG and Ethernet support recognise the adapter for tethered network testing
- Apple iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini with USB-C ports gain wired network access for video editing workflows
Physical Build and Cable Design
- Aluminium alloy shell dissipates heat during sustained transfers and resists scratches from daily bag travel
- 10cm pigtail cable allows the RJ45 port to sit comfortably on a desk without straining the host USB-C port
- Total weight of 25 grams adds negligible load to laptop bags for daily commute between home and office
- Status LEDs on the RJ45 housing show link establishment and data transfer activity for quick troubleshooting
- Reinforced strain relief at both ends of the cable prevents wire breakage from repeated plug-and-unplug cycles
- Space grey colour finish matches MacBook, ThinkPad, and HP EliteBook aluminium chassis for a clean look
- Compact dimensions of 12 x 3 x 1.8 cm slot easily into laptop sleeve pockets and accessory pouches
Connectivity and Port Layout
- USB Type-C male connector on one end fits any modern laptop, tablet, or phone with a USB-C data port
- RJ45 female port on the other end accepts standard Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Ethernet cables
- Single integrated unit with no detachable cables removes the risk of losing the connection lead
- Hot-plug support allows the adapter to be inserted or removed while the host system is powered on
- Plug-and-play recognition happens within five seconds on supported operating systems with no setup prompts
- Compatible with PoE network switches as a data-only device, with power filtered safely at the chipset
- Works behind USB-C hubs and docking stations when the host port supports daisy-chained accessory power
Package Contents
- UGREEN CM199 USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet adapter in space grey aluminium finish
- Sealed UGREEN retail packaging with product documentation
- Quick start guide with driver download instructions for legacy operating systems
- Mascom International receipt and 6-month warranty card
Note:The UGREEN CM199 carries a 6-month Mascom International warranty covering manufacturing defects under normal use, alongside UGREEN's regional warranty support. Our Nairobi CBD service desk handles warranty claims directly without requiring shipment back to the manufacturer.
Where to Buy the UGREEN CM199 in Kenya
UGREEN CM199 USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter is in stock now at Mascom International, located at Old Mutual Building, First Floor Room 4, Kimathi Street, Nairobi CBD. Walk into the store Monday through Saturday between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM to test the CM199 on your own MacBook, ThinkPad, or HP EliteBook before committing. Available colour: Space Grey.
Three ways to order:
- Call +254 708 852 521
- Email info@mascomintl.com
- Order through www.mascomintl.com
Mascom International ships the UGREEN CM199 across all 47 Kenyan counties with pay-on-arrival delivery. Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret receive the adapter within 1 business day. Remote counties including Turkana, Marsabit, Garissa, and Tana River receive delivery within 2 to 3 business days. You inspect the sealed retail box, verify the LED link light activates on your network, and pay only when the package arrives at your address.
Mascom International serves customers nationwide for accurate accessory specifications, current Kenyan market pricing, and direct after-sales support from our Kimathi Street store. The UGREEN CM199 ships in verified UGREEN factory packaging with the 10cm integrated cable and complete documentation, ready for buyers who want a wired networking dongle that performs to its rated Gigabit speed.
