Tarjetas de red cableada para Mini PCI Express

What You Need to Know about Mini PCI Express Network Cards

Mini PCI Express network cards are often a good solution when you need to add an Ethernet or wireless card to a laptop or other small computer with a mini PCIe slot. Whether you're building a custom computer or repairing a laptop, these network cards can meet your needs.

What is a mini PCI express card?

Mini PCI express (PCIe) is a smaller version of the PCI express interface originally designed for the motherboards of laptops and other portable computers that lack the space for the full-size PCI express slots. They can also be found on smaller motherboards like the Mini-ITX that's used for industrial and embedded device applications that need to be smaller than a mini-tower PC. In laptops, the mini PCIe slots are usually expansion slots that accept small cards horizontally.

Is there a difference between mini and standard PCIe slots?

Yes. PCI Express slots are commonly found in various sizes on desktop PC motherboards. The PCI Express x1 slot is the smallest of the standard PCIe slots, but it is not the same as a mini PCIe slot. Cards made for these two slots are not interchangeable. You will also sometimes see a mini PCI slot, which is also different than a mini PCI Express slot. It's important to know which slot you have before buying a card for your PC or other computing device.

Are mini PCIe v2 slots backwards compatible with mini PCIe?

The slot's size and dimensions will be the same, so if your mini PCIe card uses the same interface that's provided by the mini PCIe v2 slot, it should work. Double check carefully what your motherboard documentation says about this. Mini PCIe v2 (also referred to as M.2 slots) are often intended for solid state drives.

What types of network mini PCI express cards are there?

There are few different types of networking cards that are available for the Mini PCI express slot. Here are a few examples.

  • Ethernet cards with separate RJ-45 LAN ports: If you're installing an Ethernet card into an industrial or embedded device, these cards are often convenient depending on the head room available above your motherboard. These mini PCIe cards come with a separate card with the Ethernet ports that connects to the network card with jumper cables.
  • Wireless networking cards: These are commonly used in laptops with a mini PCIe expansion port.
  • Wireless and/or Bluetooth expansion cards: There are also cards designed to plug into other slots that provide a mini PCIe slot and antenna array, making them handy if you lack the right slot for these cards.

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