StarTech.com Dual Port PCI Express (PCIe x4) Gigabit Ethernet Server Adapter Network Card - Intel i350 NIC

The StarTech.com Dual Port PCI Express (PCIe x4) Gigabit Ethernet Server Adapter Network Card - Intel i350 NIC is a high-performance solution for enhancing your network connectivity. Ideal for both small and large businesses, this dual-port Gigabit Ethernet card allows you to seamlessly integrate two additional Ethernet ports into your desktop computer using just one PCIe slot. Powered by the advanced Intel® I350 chipset, this network card provides fast, reliable performance while supporting a range of advanced networking features.

• Dual Port Configuration: This network adapter features two 10/100/1000Mbps compatible RJ-45 Ethernet ports, enabling you to connect multiple devices for increased network efficiency.
• Robust Compatibility: Fully compliant with IEEE 802.3/u/ab standards, the card automatically negotiates speeds up to 1000 Mbps, ensuring you get optimal performance across various network setups.
• Advanced Driver Options: Benefit from features like IEEE 802.3ad link aggregation and teaming support, which allows you to combine multiple network connections for greater bandwidth and redundancy.
• Jumbo Frame Support: This network card supports Jumbo Frames of up to 9k bytes, enhancing performance in data-intensive applications by reducing CPU load and improving data transfer rates.
• Flexible Installation: The network adapter comes with a standard profile bracket and includes a low-profile/half-height bracket for installation in compact or small form-factor computers.

Technical Details of the Product

• Support for Checksum Offload (IP, TCP, UDP) and Transmit Segmentation Offload (TCP, UDP) to improve CPU efficiency.
• Wake-on-LAN and Remote Wake-up support for convenient management and control of your system.
• Compatibility with PCI Express Base Specification 2.1, and backward compatibility with 1.0a/1.1 standards.
• Supports Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-c, VMDq, SR-IOV) for enhanced performance in virtualized environments.
• Designed for four-lane (x4) PCI Express slots, while also compatible with x4, x8, and x16 slots.

How to Install

Installing the StarTech.com Dual Port PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Server Adapter is a straightforward process:

1. Power down your computer and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
2. Open the computer case by removing the side panel, ensuring you follow safety protocols (e.g., grounding yourself).
3. Locate an available PCIe x4 or larger slot on your motherboard.
4. Align the network card with the PCIe slot and gently but firmly push it into place until it is securely seated.
5. If using the low-profile bracket, replace the standard bracket with the included low-profile bracket before installation.
6. Replace the side panel of your computer case and reconnect all power and peripherals.
7. Power on the computer, and install the necessary drivers provided on the accompanying CD or from the StarTech.com website.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this network card compatible with my operating system?

Yes, the StarTech.com i350 NIC is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows and Linux. Ensure that you download the correct drivers for your specific OS from the StarTech.com support page.

2. Can I use both Ethernet ports simultaneously?

Absolutely! You can use both ports at the same time, allowing you to connect multiple devices or configure link aggregation for increased bandwidth.

3. What is link aggregation, and how does it work?

Link aggregation is a method that combines multiple network connections into a single logical channel, effectively increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy in case one link fails.

4. Does this card support virtualization?

Yes, this network card supports Intel® Virtualization Technology, making it an excellent choice for virtualized environments requiring reliable network performance.

5. What is Jumbo Frame support, and why is it important?

Jumbo Frame support allows for larger packets of data (up to 9k bytes) to be transmitted over the network. This can significantly reduce overhead, improve throughput, and enhance performance in data-intensive environments.