In the recent months, several network based companies have been trying to streamline ethernet (RJ45) into mainstream usage. Mainly due to the heavy increase in the use of broadband connections. If you were to upgrade, the installation of a network card or purchase of a PCMIA network card was neccessary. Many users are not too keen on cracking open their case to put in a card, especially if they are a casual user. People on the go don't want to be laying down the extra green for a network interface card for their laptop. This has led to the development of USB solutions.