Discussion: Netgear models and USB-to-ethernet adapters

[ghost]

Let's brainstorm this. Particular Netgear models can be attached to a dedicate "cradle" via their USB port. Some of those cradles are very basic yet still provide an ethernet interface.

Example Hotspot:
Netgear AC790 or any other really

Example "cradle":
Netgear DC113A
or even more basic and older Netgear 78XS

It's all plug-n-play. You place the device on the "cradle" and it works. I am thinking the cradles are equipped with a basic usb-to-ethernet chip and its driver is included in hotspot's kernel. Maybe it is "usbnet", maybe another one.

Thesis: If we find out what chips are in the cradles, we can easily get an aftermarket USB-to-ethernet adapter for cheap, and expand hotspot's connectivity this way easily enough. Many are available

Questions:

1. Has anybody researched this?
2. Does anybody own a cradle like that and can provide insight?
3. Has anybody tried any usb-to-ethernet adapters with their Netgear (or another manufacturer) hotspots?

Many thanks for any advice.

[ghost]

DC113A has been confirmed to support:
Netgear AC770S (MDM9215)
Netgear AC771S
Netgear AC781S
Netgear AC782S
Netgear AC785S
Netgear AC785/S
Netgear AC790 (MDM9230)
TP-Link M7350 (MDM9225)