Network cards and adapters

Network cards and adapters add or upgrade the network connection in desktops, servers, workstations and laptops. Our range runs from basic adapters for home and office PCs to server-grade cards, with brands such as Intel, Lenovo, Cisco, TP-Link and DIGITUS.

Connectivity specialists such as ROLINE, INLINE and METZ CONNECT sit alongside them for the cabling and accessories around the card.

How to choose a network card or adapter

Interface and size. Desktops and servers usually take PCIe cards, while laptops and small form factor machines rely on USB or M.2 adapters. Check which free slot you have and whether the card needs a low-profile bracket for a slim case.

Speed. Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) is enough for most offices and home networks. 2.5 Gbps suits faster internet lines and newer switches, and 10 Gbps or more is aimed at servers, storage and video editing workstations. The card only runs as fast as the switch, the cable and the slot allow, so check all three.

Port type and port count. Copper RJ45 ports work with ordinary network cable over typical office distances. SFP and SFP+ ports take fibre or direct attach modules, which suit longer runs and data centre racks. Dual and quad port cards add redundancy or let one server serve several networks.

Wired or wireless. A wired card gives steadier latency and is the normal choice for servers and workstations. Wi-Fi adapters make sense where a cable cannot reach, and the Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6) determines the top speed, provided your router supports it too.

Driver and system support. Confirm that the adapter has drivers for your operating system, whether Windows, Linux or a virtualisation platform such as VMware. Server cards are often validated against specific server models, so match the part to your hardware.

Network card and adapter brands we carry

• Intel: a long-standing maker of Ethernet controllers, and its cards are widely supported by Windows, Linux and hypervisors.
• Lenovo: supplies network adapters for its own ThinkSystem and ThinkServer machines, which makes them a straightforward match for those servers.
• Cisco: known for enterprise networking, so its modules and adapters fit best where the rest of the network is Cisco as well.
• TP-Link: offers home and small business networking, including USB and PCIe Wi-Fi adapters and gigabit Ethernet cards.
• DIGITUS: focuses on network cabling and accessories, including adapters for connecting everyday devices.
• ROLINE and METZ CONNECT: known for cables and structured cabling components, useful when you are building out the wiring behind the adapters.

Also in our range: INLINE, EFB ELEKTRONIK, MICRO CONNECT, LEVELONE and VALUE.

Network cards and adapters: frequently asked questions

Do I need a network card if my PC already has an Ethernet port?

Not usually. A built-in port is enough for everyday use. A separate card makes sense when you need faster speeds such as 10 Gbps, extra ports, fibre connections or a replacement for a failed port.

What is the difference between a PCIe network card and a USB adapter?

A PCIe card sits inside the computer and normally offers the highest speeds and the most ports. A USB adapter plugs in from outside, so it works on laptops and compact PCs with no free slot, but its speed is limited by the USB port it uses.

Will a faster network card speed up my internet?

Only if the card was the bottleneck. Internet speed is limited by your line, router and cable, so a gigabit card is enough for most connections. A faster card helps mainly with transfers inside your own network, such as to a NAS or server.

How do I know if a network card is compatible with my computer?

Check the interface first: the card must match a free slot or port, such as PCIe or USB. Then confirm that drivers exist for your operating system, and for servers, look at the manufacturer's compatibility list for your model.