Gigabit ethernet pci adapter

Types of gigabit Ethernet PCI adapter

A Gigabit Ethernet PCI adapter, also known as a network interface card (NIC), is a computer expansion card that provides a Gigabit Ethernet port. This enables high-speed network connectivity for computers and serves to upgrade or add network capabilities to systems.

The terms PCI and PCIe refer to the types of slots used to install the adapters inside a computer:

• PCI means Peripheral Component Interconnect. It is an older standard that most modern computers no longer use for expansion cards.
• PCIe stands for PCI Express. It is the current standard for expansion cards and offers faster speeds than PCI. PCIe slots are found on virtually all modern computers.

The commonly used gigabit ethernet PCI adapters come on different interfaces, which include:

• PCI: This is an older standard slot for network interface cards. It provides a way to connect a card inside the computer for Ethernet access. The maximum bandwidth of PCI is 133 Mbps, which is suitable for 10/100 Ethernet cards. However, being an outdated interface, it is only found in older computers.
• PCIe x1: This is the basic version of PCIe slots, providing one lane for data transfer. It is ideal for devices like sound cards or network cards that don't need a lot of bandwidth. Most current gigabit Ethernet cards use PCIe x1, taking only one slot but utilizing the full bandwidth of a gigabit connection.
• PCIe x4, x8, x16: These slots offer four, eight, or sixteen lanes, respectively, for data transfer. They are suitable for high-bandwidth devices like graphic cards that require more than a gigabit speed. However, using a PCIe slot with four or more lanes on a gigabit Ethernet card is unnecessary since Gigabit speeds don't need that much bandwidth. Computers with PCIe x4, x8, or x16 slots are compatible, but they are mostly used for graphics cards.

The type of PCI or PCIe slot available on a computer determines which gigabit Ethernet adapter can be installed. Older computers use PCI adapters, while newer ones use PCIe adapters.

Functions & Features

When choosing a PCIe Ethernet adapter, it's important to consider the features that suit network needs. Below are the features and their functions.

• Form Factor: Gigabit Ethernet adapters come in full-height and low-profile sizes. Full-height adapters need a standard computer case size. In contrast, low-profile adapters are smaller and fit in cases with limited space.
• External antennas: Some network interface cards (NICs) have antennas for improved signal strength. They are useful for computers located far away from routers.
• Energy-efficient: Energy-efficient Ethernet adapters consume low power. They reduce electricity costs for users and are better for the environment.
• Bracket: Adapter brackets hold the card in place within the computer. They come in low-profile and full-height brackets. Low-profile brackets are smaller and suitable for compact cases. Full-height brackets are larger and fit in standard-sized cases.
• Jumbo frame support: Jumbo frames are larger than standard frames. They have a higher payload and improved transmission throughput over local area networks. PCI gigabit Ethernet adapters can support jumbo frames, making them ideal for data transfers that require speed and efficiency.
• MTU: The maximum transmission unit (MTU) size of Ethernet adapters determines data transfer efficiency. An optimized MTU size minimizes fragmentation, ensuring smooth data transfer. Files and media stream transfer faster and with less latency when the MTU is set to the ideal size. Adjusting the MTU size improves performance for specific network needs.
• Latency: PCIe Ethernet adapters reduce latency, which is the delay that occurs when data is transferred over the internet. Low-latency Ethernet adapters offer an instant response for activities that require quick reactions. These adapters are ideal for users who game or trade stocks online.
• Coaxial to PCIe adapters: The adapter connects coaxial devices to computers with a PCIe slot. Users can record, edit, and create digital video content using this device. It provides low latency and high-speed delivery, making it useful for video applications.

Usage scenarios of gigabit Ethernet PCI adapter

Gigabit Ethernet PCI adapters are versatile tools with multiple usage scenarios in different industries.

• Upgrading Network Speed

  The primary use of a Gigabit Ethernet PCI adapter is to upgrade a computer or server that is outdated to faster network speeds. The adapters provide a cost-effective way to achieve this without needing to replace the entire system. They enable users to enjoy benefits like faster downloads, streaming, and gaming.

• Streaming Media and Online Gaming

  Users who engage in streaming media or online gaming will need PCI adapters so they can avoid buffering and latency issues associated with slow network connections. The adapters enhance the user experience by providing the required bandwidth for smooth streaming and gaming. Such users will prefer low-latency connections, which can be provided by Ethernet cables and connections more reliably than Wi-Fi.

• IP Surveillance

  Wireless network surveillance cameras need gigabit connections to ensure that they transmit data without loss. Some may need PCI adapters because they are installed in older computers that are running surveillance software. The adapters will provide the cameras with the gigabit connections they require to function efficiently and render the surveillance software functional.

• Corporates and Businesses

  Businesses can improve their productivity by using gigabit adapters to upgrade their network connections. They achieve this by connecting networked devices like printers, PCs, servers, and storage devices. The adapters allow large files to be shared quickly and enhance applications for multimedia and video conferencing. They also improve latency and enhance the overall quality of service for voice-over-IP calls.

• Online Uploading and Downloading

  Users who engage in online uploading and downloading large files need gigabit speeds to get optimal performance. Content creators, photographers, graphic designers, and other users who work with large files need fast upload speeds for efficient file transfer.

• Building a Networked Home

  Users who engage in home networking can use gigabit adapters to enhance the experience in their homes. Activities like gaming and media streaming can be more enhanced with efficient bandwidth allocation and more robust connections.

• Data Centers and Server Applications

  Gigabit Ethernet PCIe adapters offer data centers flexibility, along with a variety of features like offloading capabilities and virtualized networking functions. They provide options for existing servers to be equipped with high-performance networking capabilities.

How to choose a gigabit Ethernet PCI adapter

Before purchasing a PCI gigabit Ethernet adapter, customers should consider some factors to ensure they get one that meets their needs. Here are some things to consider before purchasing the Ethernet card.

• Number of Ports: The number of ports to gigabit Ethernet adapters is something to consider. Adapters with two to four ports can be used to aggregate connections or connect devices like servers or switches. They also provide redundancy in case one port fails.
• Mounting options: Adapters can be mounted either in the PCI slot or externally. Internally mounted adapters offer the advantage of being protected from physical damage and tampering. They also make use of the computer's case for mounting, which creates less clutter in the organization. External adapters are easier to install and upgrade. They allow the user to just plug the adapter into the USB port, and it is ready to use.
• Form Factor: A factor gigabit Ethernet adapter is available in two sizes; full profile and low profile. A full-profile adapter is the standard size and is usually used in larger desktop computers that have enough space to accommodate it. A low-profile adapter is smaller and designed for systems with limited space, such as workstations and servers. It can also be used in standard-sized cases, but the adapter will take up more space in the case.
• Operating System Compatibility: Customers should consider whether the adapter is compatible with the operating system installed on the computer. Some adapters are designed for use on servers or specific operating systems, which are not commonly found on desktop computers, such as Windows Server or Linux.
• Features and functionality: When purchasing an Ethernet adapter, consider additional features and functionalities that may be beneficial. Those features include VLAN support, which allows the adapter to be used in virtual LANs; Wake-on-LAN support allows the PC to be powered on remotely, and link aggregation support, which enables the combination of multiple Ethernet links into one.
• Package includes and installation: The gigabit Ethernet PCI adapter package includes everything required for installation. Customers should ensure the package contains a driver CD and any accessories required for installation, such as a bracket for low-profile cards. Some adapters are easy to install and don't require any extra accessories, while others need a mounting bracket to be fixed in the PCI slot.

Q&A

Q1. Does a PCI Ethernet adapter work with any PC?

A1. A PCI Ethernet adapter can work with any PC, but compatibility depends on the PC's PCIe slot and the operating system. It's essential to check the PC specifications and requirements before purchasing to ensure it can be installed and recognized by the system. Researching and verifying compatibility with the PC's hardware and OS is crucial for successful installation and functionality of the PCI Ethernet adapter.

Q2. What's the distinction between PCI and PCI Express?

A2. PCI and PCI Express are both expansion slots used to add cards to a computer. The older PCI slot has a maximum speed of 533 MB and can only use one line to transmit data. It also has a notch at the card's end to fit in different speeds. PCI Express is a newer technology that replaces PCI. It has different speeds depending on the version, with PCIe 1.0 at 2.5 GT/s, PCIe 2.0 at 5 GT/s, and PCIe 3.0 at 8 GT/s. PCI Express multiplexer can use one, four, eight, sixteen, or thirty-two lines to transmit data, allowing cards to run at more precise maximum speeds. All PCIe cards can be put into any PCIe slot, but the PCI Express will only run at the maximum speed of the slot it is installed in. Cables for PCI Express can be up to about 100 feet long, but PCI can only be around 16 inches due to its older technology limitations.

Q3. Does PCI Express work with PCI?

A3. Yes, it can. A PCIe device is backward-compatible with a PCI motherboard, but it runs only at the basic PCI speed and functionality. Compatibility and connection can only be achieved if the motherboard and device use the same standard, either PCI or PCI Express. Otherwise, they cannot be mixed together.

Q4. How many PCI Ethernet ports can one computer have?

A4. The number of Ethernet ports a PC can have depends on the PC's available slots and the type of Ethernet adapter used. Some Ethernet PCI adapters gigabit come in dual or multi-port versions, so one card can provide several ports. To know the exact limit for a specific PC, check its documentation to see how many slots it has and make sure the motherboard supports the Ethernet cards.