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StarTech.com PR42GI-NETWORK-CARD 4-Port 2.5GBase-T PCIe Network Card - Intel I225-V Quad-Port Ethernet NIC with Low Profile Bracket
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This 2.5Gigabit Ethernet adapter implements the IEEE 802.3bz standard for NBASE-T compatibility, delivering 2.5Gbps throughput over standard twisted pair cabling. The PCI Express 2.0 x4 host interface provides sufficient bandwidth for simultaneous operation of all four ports at maximum speed, with independent Ethernet controllers ensuring consistent performance across multiple network connections.
Advanced networking features include support for 9K jumbo frames to reduce packet overhead, VLAN tagging for network segmentation, and full-duplex operation with auto-MDIX for simplified cable management. The adapter maintains signal integrity through integrated LAN transformers that minimize electromagnetic interference while supporting reliable communication across extended cable runs.
Relevant factors for this section include Chipset Manufacturer, Chipset Model, Host Interface, Total Number of Ports. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This network card combines high-density connectivity with enterprise management capabilities, making it suitable for data center, virtualization, and high-performance computing environments. The independent port controllers prevent performance degradation when multiple connections are active simultaneously, while the Intel vPro integration enables remote troubleshooting and management without physical access to the host system.
Cabling Flexibility
Operates on existing Cat5e or Cat6 infrastructure without requiring expensive fiber optic upgrades, supporting auto-negotiation across 10M/100M/1G/2.5G speeds for seamless integration into mixed-speed networks.
Deployment Efficiency
PXE boot capability accelerates operating system deployment and updates across multiple systems, while Wake-on-LAN support enables remote power management for energy-efficient operation in distributed environments.
Reliability Engineering
Built-in heatsinks dissipate thermal load from the Intel controllers during sustained operation, with LED indicators providing visual confirmation of link status and connection speed for each individual port.
Deployment / Use Cases
This quad-port 2.5GBase-T adapter is optimized for server environments requiring high-density Ethernet connectivity without the cost and complexity of 10GbE infrastructure. The card's compatibility with Windows, Windows Server, VMware, and Linux operating systems makes it suitable for virtualization hosts, network storage servers, and application servers that benefit from multiple network interfaces for traffic segregation or link aggregation.
In workstation deployments, the adapter provides additional network ports for developers, content creators, and engineers who require simultaneous connections to multiple networks or need to isolate testing environments from production networks. The low profile bracket accommodates compact server chassis and small form factor workstations, while the environmental compliance with WEEE directives ensures responsible end-of-life disposal.
Virtualization Hosts
Allocate dedicated physical ports to virtual machines or use multiple interfaces for management, storage, and VM traffic separation in hypervisor environments.
Network Storage
Connect NAS or SAN systems with multiple 2.5G links for improved throughput to client workstations or for creating redundant connections to network switches.
What's in the Box
The complete package includes all necessary components for immediate installation and operation.
Highlights
- Quad-port 2.5GBase-T Ethernet adapter with Intel I225-V chipset
- PCI Express 2.0 x4 host interface for full bandwidth to all four ports
- Backward compatible with 1G/100M/10M speeds using auto-negotiation
- Low profile bracket included for server and compact workstation compatibility
- Intel vPro support for remote management and troubleshooting
- PXE boot and Wake-on-LAN capabilities for efficient deployment
- 9K jumbo frames and VLAN tagging for network optimization
- Compatible with Windows, Windows Server, VMware, and Linux operating systems
- Built-in heatsinks and LED indicators for reliability monitoring
- 2-year limited warranty with WEEE environmental compliance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PR42GI-NETWORK-CARD |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 4-Port 2.5GBase-T Ethernet Network Adapter Card - PCIe 2.0 x4 |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | 2.5Gigabit Ethernet Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Chipset Manufacturer | Intel |
| Chipset Model | I225-V |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express 2.0 x4 |
| Total Number of Ports | 4 |
| Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports | 4 |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Twisted Pair |
| Network & Communication | |
| Network Technology | 2.5GBase-T |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Bracket Height | Low Profile |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 4-Port 2.5GBase-T Ethernet Network Adapter Card - PCIe 2.0 x4 1 x Low Profile Bracket 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Device Supported | Server |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What speeds does this network card support on each port?
Each of the four RJ-45 ports supports 2.5Gbps, 1Gbps, 100Mbps, and 10Mbps speeds with auto-negotiation. The adapter automatically detects and configures the optimal speed based on the connected switch or device capabilities, making it compatible with existing network infrastructure while providing upgrade potential to 2.5GBase-T performance.
Is this network card compatible with my existing Cat5e cabling?
Yes, the adapter fully supports operation over standard Cat5e or Cat6 twisted pair cabling. The 2.5GBASE-T implementation leverages the IEEE 802.3bz standard to deliver multi-gigabit speeds over existing copper infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive fiber optic upgrades while maintaining backward compatibility with slower network equipment.
What operating systems are supported by this Ethernet adapter?
The network card includes driver support for Windows desktop and server editions, VMware virtualization platforms, and various Linux distributions. This broad compatibility makes it suitable for heterogeneous IT environments where different operating systems may be deployed on servers, workstations, or virtualization hosts requiring high-performance network connectivity.
Does this card include remote management capabilities?
Yes, the Intel I225-V chipset provides Intel vPro technology integration for out-of-band management and troubleshooting. This enables IT administrators to remotely monitor, diagnose, and manage network connectivity without physical access to the server or workstation, particularly valuable in data center and distributed computing environments.
What is included in the package for installation?
The complete package contains the 4-port 2.5GBase-T Ethernet network adapter card itself, one low profile bracket for compatibility with various server and workstation chassis designs, and a quick-start guide with installation instructions. No additional brackets or accessories are required for standard deployment in most systems.
Can this network card be used for PXE boot operations?
Yes, the adapter fully supports Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) functionality for network-based operating system deployment and updates. This capability allows IT teams to efficiently provision multiple systems without manual media handling, particularly useful in data center environments where standardized server configurations are deployed at scale.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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