Lekuo 1-Port PCIe to 2.5G Network Card, Intel I226 Chip
Ultra-fast 2.5Gbps speed with Intel I226 chipset for reliable data transfer
Driver Download
Supported Systems:
Windows 10S/10RS5+, Windows 10 (version 1809+), Ubuntu 19.04+, Linux Kernel 4.20/5.x+, QTS 4.4.2+
Speed
2.5 Gbps
Ports
1 x RJ45
Interface
PCIe 2.0 x1
Weight
34.7g
Key Features & Benefits
- ✓ Ultra-fast 2.5Gbps speed with Intel I226 chipset for reliable data transfer
- ✓ Compact design with low-profile bracket for flexible installation
- ✓ Wide compatibility with Windows, Linux, and QNAP NAS systems
- ✓ TSN Support – IEEE 1588, 802.1Qav, 802.1Qbv for precision timing and time-sensitive networking
- ✓ Advanced Features – VLAN, interrupt moderation, TCP/IP checksum & segmentation offload
- ✓ Jumbo Frame Support – Up to 9KB for enhanced network efficiency
- ✓ Wake-on-LAN – Remote power management support
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | PI26R11 |
| Chipset | Intel I226 |
| Interface | PCI Express 2.0 x1 |
| Transfer Rate | 2.5 Gbps |
| Number of Ports | 1 x RJ45 |
| Supported Standards | IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3az, IEEE 802.3bz |
| Flow Control | Full Duplex Flow Control (IEEE 802.3x) |
| Jumbo Frames | Up to 9KB |
| Wake-on-LAN | Supported (only first port) |
| Special Features | TSN (IEEE 1588, 802.1Qav, 802.1Qbv), VLAN, Interrupt Moderation, TCP/IP checksum & segmentation offload |
| Dimensions | 65mm x 50mm (2.56" x 1.97") |
| Weight | N.W: 34.7g, G.W: 76.2g |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows 10S/10RS5+, Windows 10 (version 1809+), Ubuntu 19.04+, Linux Kernel 4.20/5.x+, QTS 4.4.2+ |
Application Scenarios
🖥️ Servers & Workstations
Upgrade your server or high-performance workstation with 2.5G networking for faster file transfers, database access, and network storage connectivity. Perfect for content creators, developers, and IT professionals.
☁️ Virtualization Platforms
Dedicated network interface for VMware ESXi, Proxmox, Hyper-V, and other virtualization environments. Ensure stable VM networking with hardware passthrough support and low CPU overhead.
🌐 NAS & Storage Systems
Perfect for QNAP, Synology, and other NAS systems. Enhance your network storage performance with 2.5G speeds for faster backups, media streaming, and multi-user access.
📦 Package Included
- 1 x PCIe x1 2.5G Ethernet Card
- 1 x Low Profile Bracket
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is this network card compatible with my operating system?
Yes, the Lekuo Intel I226 network card supports Windows 10S/10RS5+, Windows 10 (version 1809+), Ubuntu 19.04+, Linux Kernel 4.20/5.x+, and QTS 4.4.2+. It works seamlessly with Windows, Linux, and QNAP NAS systems.
Q2: Do I need to install drivers for this network card?
Yes, you need to install the driver for optimal performance. Please download the driver from the Driver Download section at the top of this page. The driver package supports all compatible operating systems including Windows, Linux, and QTS.
Q3: Can I use this card in a virtualization environment like VMware or Proxmox?
Absolutely. The Intel I226 chipset is fully compatible with VMware ESXi, Proxmox VE, Hyper-V, and other virtualization platforms. It supports hardware passthrough (VT-d/IOMMU) for direct VM access and provides stable, low-latency networking for virtual machines.
Q4: What is the actual performance difference between 1G and 2.5G?
2.5G Ethernet provides 2.5 times the bandwidth of standard Gigabit Ethernet (2500 Mbps vs 1000 Mbps). In real-world scenarios, you'll experience faster file transfers, reduced backup times, smoother 4K video streaming, and improved performance for network-attached storage (NAS) and server applications.
Q5: Will this card work in a PCIe x4, x8, or x16 slot?
Yes, PCIe is backward and forward compatible. This PCIe 2.0 x1 card will work in any available PCIe slot (x1, x4, x8, or x16). It will operate at x1 speeds regardless of the slot size, which is sufficient for 2.5G networking.
Q6: What is TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) and do I need it?
TSN is a set of IEEE standards (1588, 802.1Qav, 802.1Qbv) that provide deterministic, low-latency communication for time-critical applications. It's particularly useful for industrial automation, professional audio/video production, and real-time control systems. For general use, you'll still benefit from the card's excellent performance even without using TSN features.
Q7: Does this card support Wake-on-LAN?
Yes, this network card supports Wake-on-LAN (WoL) functionality on the first port, allowing you to remotely power on your computer over the network. This is useful for remote management and energy-saving scenarios.
Q8: What cable do I need to achieve 2.5G speeds?
You'll need at least Cat5e Ethernet cables for 2.5G speeds, though Cat6 or Cat6a cables are recommended for optimal performance and future-proofing. Your switch or router must also support 2.5G or higher speeds (2.5G/5G/10G multi-gigabit ports).
✓ Genuine Intel I226 Chipset | ✓ 1-Year Warranty | ✓ Free Technical Support | ✓ Fast Shipping