Wired network adapters for laptops, desktops and servers: USB-A and USB-C to Ethernet adapters, Gigabit and multi-gig 2.5G, 5G and 10G PCIe cards, SFP+ and 25G server adapters, dual- and quad-port cards and Thunderbolt adapters. From StarTech.com, Delock, Digitus, LevelOne, Intel, TP-Link, TRENDnet and others.
USB-C to EthernetUSB-A to Ethernet2.5 GbE5 GbE10 GbE25 GbESFP+Dual portIntelThunderboltWi-Fi PCIe cardsWi-Fi USB
How to choose the right network card
- Laptops: USB adapters. USB 2.0 adapters reach only 100 Mbps. For Gigabit use a USB 3.0 or USB-C adapter; for 2.5 GbE, a USB 3.2 adapter. Some USB-C adapters also pass charging power through to the laptop.
- Desktops and servers: PCIe cards. Gigabit and 2.5 GbE cards fit a PCIe x1 slot. 10 GbE and faster cards usually need an x4 or x8 slot. Small form factor PCs need a low-profile bracket.
- Match the speed end to end. A 2.5G or 10G card brings its speed only with a switch port of the same speed and suitable cabling (Cat6 for 2.5G/5G, Cat6A for 10G over copper).
- RJ-45 or SFP+. RJ-45 cards use standard network cable. SFP+ and SFP28 cards take fibre transceivers or DAC cables, common in server rooms and for long distances.
- Chipset and drivers. Intel-based cards are the usual choice for servers and virtualisation (VMware, Proxmox, Hyper-V), as they are widely supported. Realtek-based adapters suit desktops and laptops.
- Server adapters. Dual- and quad-port cards add redundancy and link aggregation. OCP 3.0 adapters fit only HPE, Dell and Lenovo servers with an OCP slot, so check the server model.
Not sure which one fits? Send us the model of your laptop, PC or server and the switch you connect to, and we will check it for you. Call +357 25 878 758 or email [email protected].