Network cards and adapters in this category cover Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters, Gigabit, 2.5G and 10G network cards, USB network adapters, PoE injectors and splitters, plus expansion cards for USB, SATA and serial ports. It suits PC builders, IT administrators and anyone fixing a missing or slow connection. Delock, EXSYS, Intel and StarTech.com are among the leading brands in our range.
How to choose a network card or adapter
Connection type. Desktop PCs and servers usually take PCIe cards, which offer the most bandwidth and stability. USB adapters add a network port to a laptop or mini PC without opening anything. Check which free PCIe slot you have (x1, x4 or x8) and whether your case needs a low-profile bracket.
Speed. Gigabit is enough for most home and office networks. 2.5G suits newer routers and switches that support it and usually runs over ordinary Cat5e or better cabling. 10G and faster cards are mainly for servers, NAS storage and video editing workstations. Remember that the connection is only as quick as the switch and cable at the other end.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth version. For Wi-Fi adapters, check the standard (Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 and so on) and make sure your router supports it, otherwise the extra speed goes unused. External antennas generally help with range. Bluetooth adapters differ by version, which affects range, power use and support for newer headphones and controllers.
PoE standard and power. A PoE injector or splitter must match the device it feeds. Look for 802.3af, 802.3at or 802.3bt, and compare the wattage the camera or access point needs with what the injector can deliver. For splitters, also check the output voltage.
Driver and system support. Confirm that the card has drivers for your operating system, whether Windows, Linux or a hypervisor such as VMware ESXi. This matters most for 10G and server network cards, where chipset support varies.
Brands we carry
- Delock: a German brand known for a very large selection of interface cards, adapters and converters, including many USB, SATA and serial expansion cards.
- EXSYS: a German manufacturer specialising in expansion cards, particularly serial, USB and other interface cards for industrial and office PCs.
- Intel: maker of the Ethernet controllers found in many server and workstation network cards, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.
- StarTech.com: a Canadian brand focused on connectivity products for IT professionals, such as network cards, USB adapters and port expansion cards.
- TP-Link: a networking specialist whose range here includes Wi-Fi adapters, Bluetooth adapters and PoE injectors.
- Digitus: a brand of networking and cabling products for offices and server rooms.
- Lenovo: supplies network adapters designed for its own ThinkSystem and ThinkServer hardware.
Also in our range: InLine, LogiLink, Inter-Tech, TRENDnet and Roline.
Among the subcategories, USB, SATA and serial port cards and PoE injectors and splitters are the largest. Wi-Fi adapters, Bluetooth adapters, riser cards and 10G+ server network cards are also available.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a PoE injector and a PoE splitter?
A PoE injector adds power to an Ethernet cable at the switch end, so a camera or access point can run from one cable. A splitter sits at the device end and separates the power from the data for devices without built-in PoE support. You need an injector when your switch has no PoE, and a splitter when the device cannot accept PoE directly.
Should I choose a PCIe network card or a USB adapter?
A PCIe card is the better choice for a desktop PC or server, because it uses the motherboard slot directly and handles higher speeds reliably. A USB network adapter is easier for laptops, mini PCs and quick fixes, since it needs no tools. Both can deliver Gigabit or 2.5G, but 10G is far more common on PCIe cards.
Is a 2.5G network card worth it?
A 2.5G card is worth it when your router, switch or NAS also supports 2.5G, and you regularly move large files over the network. Without matching equipment, the card will simply run at Gigabit speed. Many recent motherboards already include 2.5G, so check yours first.
What do USB, SATA and serial port cards do?
These expansion cards add extra ports to a PC that has run out of them or lacks the type you need. A serial card suits older industrial equipment, a SATA card connects more drives, and a USB card adds more USB ports. They usually plug into a free PCIe slot.
