StarTech.com 1 Port 2.5Gbps PoE Network Card, PCIe Ethernet Card, 30W 802.3at PoE NIC for PC/Servers, RJ45/Network PoE LAN Adapter, NBaseT

Upgrade your network to multigigabit performance with the StarTech.com 1 Port 2.5Gbps PoE Network Card. This PCIe Ethernet card is designed for desktops and servers that demand fast data transfer along with reliable power delivery to PoE devices. With a single PoE-capable RJ45 port and support for IEEE 802.3at PoE+, you can run high-speed data alongside power over the same copper cable, simplifying installation and reducing cable clutter. Built to meet the demands of modern small-to-medium business networks, this NIC delivers flexibility, scalability, and dependable operation, making it an ideal solution for powering IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, and other PoE devices while expanding your network bandwidth at the same time.

• Multigigabit speeds up to 2.5 Gbps on copper with auto-negotiation to 1 Gbps and 100 Mbps, enabling smoother video conferencing, faster file transfers, and improved network responsiveness. This StarTech NIC supports NBase-T technology, which delivers higher data rates over standard Cat5e cabling, allowing your network to grow without immediate cabling upgrades.
• IEEE 802.3at PoE+ power delivery up to 25.5 W to the connected device, all over a single Cat5e (or better) Ethernet cable. This makes it simple to deploy power-hungry devices without a separate power source, reducing clutter and simplifying rack or desk installations while maintaining robust performance for cameras, access points, and IP phones.
• PCIe form factor for flexible installation in a wide range of PC and server platforms. The card is designed to slide into a standard PCIe slot (x1) and provide a reliable, high-bandwidth connection that complements existing network adapters, storage, and expansion cards. Its compact footprint helps conserve space in small form factor builds while still delivering full performance in larger systems.
• RJ45 PoE port with built-in status indicators for quick diagnostics. The single-port design focuses power and data on one link, while LED indicators provide at-a-glance visibility of link status and PoE power activity, helping you monitor device health and network activity without extra software.
• Plug-and-play deployment with robust, field-tested engineering. This NIC is engineered for dependable operation in mixed environments, providing a straightforward upgrade path to higher network speeds and PoE-enabled devices. It’s an excellent choice for IT professionals seeking to expand capacity and simplify power delivery across the network without sacrificing reliability.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 1 Port 2.5Gbps PoE Network Card

• Port: 1 x RJ-45 PoE port (2.5 Gbps data rate) with PoE functionality
• Interface: PCIe expansion card (standard PCIe form factor) for desktops and servers
• Data rates: 2.5 Gbps maximum, with auto-negotiation to 1 Gbps and 100 Mbps
• PoE Standard: IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) compatible
• Power output: Up to 25.5 W to the connected PoE device
• Cable requirement: Cat5e or better recommended for best results
• Networking technology: NBase-T capable for flexible multi-gigabit Ethernet over copper
• Module features: RJ45 port, data and power on a single cable, LED status indicators for link and PoE
• Ideal applications: Upgrading PCs or servers to multigigabit performance while powering PoE devices on the same link

how to install StarTech.com 1 Port 2.5Gbps PoE Network Card

• Power down your computer or server and unplug it from any power source. Open the chassis to access the expansion slots.
• Identify an available PCIe slot (preferably a PCIe x1 slot) and remove the slot cover at the rear of the chassis.
• Insert the StarTech PoE NIC firmly into the PCIe slot until it seats completely, then secure the bracket with a screw to the chassis.
• Connect your PoE-enabled device (such as a camera, access point, or IP phone) to the RJ45 PoE port using a Cat5e (or better) Ethernet cable. If your network uses a PoE switch or injector, ensure it is powered and configured to provide the appropriate PoE budget.
• Power on the system, install the latest StarTech drivers and software from the official StarTech site if required, and configure the network adapter in your operating system. Verify link status and PoE activity via the LED indicators on the card and perform a basic connectivity test to confirm data transmission at 2.5 Gbps or the negotiated rate.

Frequently asked questions

• What speeds can this card support? It supports multigigabit data rates up to 2.5 Gbps on the copper Ethernet link, with automatic negotiation down to 1 Gbps or 100 Mbps depending on the network and switch capabilities.
• How much PoE power can it deliver? The card can provide up to 25.5 W of PoE power to the connected device over a single Cat5e cable, using the IEEE 802.3at PoE+ standard.
• What cable type is required? Cat5e or better is recommended for best performance and reliability on the 2.5 Gbps link and PoE delivery.
• Do I need a PoE switch or injector? Yes. To power the connected PoE device, you’ll need a PoE-capable switch or PoE injector that matches your device’s power requirements and network topology.
• Is this card suitable for PC and server installations? Yes. The PCIe expansion card is designed for use in both desktop PCs and servers, providing a single-port, high-speed connection with PoE support.