StarTech.com 2-Port Gigabit SFP Fiber Optic Network Card Intel I350 P021GI-NETWORK-CARD
The StarTech.com P021GI-NETWORK-CARD is a 2-port Gigabit SFP fiber optic network card, engineered with an Intel I350 chipset to deliver reliable 1000 Mbit/s connectivity for optimizing server or workstation network performance.
- Intel I350 Chipset: Ensures enterprise-grade reliability and high-performance network processing, minimizing CPU overhead for critical applications.
- Dual Gigabit SFP Ports: Provides flexible fiber optic connectivity at 1000 Mbit/s, enabling long-distance, EMI-resistant links to network infrastructure.
- PCIe 2.0 x1 Interface: Offers broad compatibility with modern server and workstation motherboards, simplifying integration into existing IT systems.
- Jumbo Frame Support (9000 bytes): Optimizes data transfer efficiency for large packets, reducing CPU utilization and improving throughput for storage and virtualization.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com P021GI-NETWORK-CARD is a purpose-built 2-port Gigabit SFP fiber optic network card, featuring the robust Intel I350 chipset and a PCI Express 2.0 x1 host interface. This internal card provides two SFP fiber optic connectors, enabling flexible 1000 Mbit/s connectivity for demanding server and workstation environments.
Engineered for operational stability, this network card supports advanced features like Jumbo Frames up to 9000 bytes and full-duplex operation, optimizing data flow and reducing CPU load. It is compatible with a wide range of Windows and Linux operating systems, ensuring seamless integration into diverse business IT infrastructures.
- Intel I350 Performance: Delivers consistent, low-latency network performance, ensuring critical business applications run smoothly with minimal processing overhead.
- Dual SFP Flexibility: Supports various SFP transceivers, allowing IT teams to adapt to different fiber types or distances, optimizing infrastructure costs and deployment options.
- Gigabit Fiber Connectivity: Provides 1000 Mbit/s fiber optic speeds, enabling secure, long-distance data transmission immune to electromagnetic interference in challenging environments.
- Jumbo Frame Optimization: Enhances network efficiency for large data transfers, reducing the number of packets processed and improving throughput for storage and virtualization workloads.
- Broad OS Compatibility: Supports Windows 10/11 and Windows Server 2012-2022, along with Linux, simplifying deployment and ensuring compatibility with existing enterprise operating systems.
This network card is an essential upgrade for businesses seeking to enhance their server and workstation connectivity with reliable, high-speed fiber optic capabilities.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Network7
Ports & interfaces6
Power1
Weight & dimensions3
Design4
Packaging content2
System requirements1
Operational conditions1
Packaging data1
Logistics data1
What This Solves
Server Fiber Uplink
In data centers or server rooms, reliable high-speed connectivity is paramount for application performance and data integrity. This card provides two dedicated Gigabit fiber uplinks for servers, ensuring stable and interference-free data transfer to core network switches.
Data center operations, enterprise server farms, co-location facilities, virtualized environments
High-Performance Workstation Connectivity
For professionals handling large datasets, video editing, or CAD applications, network bottlenecks can severely impact productivity. Integrating this fiber NIC into a workstation delivers dedicated Gigabit throughput, accelerating access to network storage and shared resources.
Creative agencies, engineering firms, scientific research labs, financial trading desks
Extended Distance Network Segments
When connecting network segments over longer distances within a campus or between buildings, fiber optic cabling is essential for signal integrity and security. This card enables direct fiber connections for critical systems, bypassing the distance limitations and EMI susceptibility of copper.
Campus networks, industrial facilities, multi-building offices, secure government installations
Key Features
Intel I350 Chipset
Ensures enterprise-grade reliability and efficient network processing, minimizing CPU overhead for critical business applications.
2 Gigabit SFP Ports
Provides flexible fiber optic connectivity at 1000 Mbit/s, enabling long-distance, EMI-resistant links to network infrastructure.
PCI Express 2.0 x1 Host Interface
Offers broad compatibility with modern server and workstation motherboards, simplifying integration into existing IT systems.
Jumbo Frames Support (9000 bytes)
Optimizes data transfer efficiency for large packets, reducing CPU utilization and improving throughput for storage and virtualization workloads.
Full Duplex Operation
Enables simultaneous sending and receiving of data, maximizing network throughput and ensuring consistent performance for demanding applications.
Compatible With
Server & Workstation Systems
Dell PowerEdge, HPE ProLiant, Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, high-performance workstations
Fiber Optic Network Switches
Cisco Catalyst, Juniper EX, HPE Aruba, Ubiquiti UniFi, Netgear ProSAFE switches with SFP slots
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Synology, QNAP, Western Digital My Cloud NAS devices with PCIe expansion slots
Virtualization Platforms
VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, KVM, Citrix XenServer environments requiring dedicated network I/O
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of SFP modules are compatible with this network card?
This network card is compatible with standard 1GbE SFP transceivers, allowing flexibility to use various fiber types (e.g., multimode or single-mode) or even copper SFP modules, depending on your network requirements.
Does this network card require special drivers for Windows Server operating systems?
Yes, while many operating systems have built-in support, it is recommended to install the latest drivers from StarTech.com or Intel for optimal performance and full feature utilization on Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022.
Can this card be used for link aggregation (LAG) to increase bandwidth or provide redundancy?
Yes, the Intel I350 chipset supports IEEE 802.1AX (Link Aggregation), allowing you to combine both Gigabit SFP ports for increased bandwidth or network redundancy when connected to a compatible managed switch.
What is the benefit of using fiber optic connectivity over traditional copper Ethernet?
Fiber optic connectivity offers immunity to electromagnetic interference, supports much longer cable runs than copper, and provides enhanced security against data tapping, making it ideal for critical infrastructure and noisy environments.
Warranty & Returns
Manufacturer Warranty
2 Years
Warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer and covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Return Policy
Returns subject to manufacturer approval
Hardware returns are governed by the manufacturer's return policy. Some products are non-returnable or subject to restocking fees. Defective items are handled under the manufacturer warranty. Contact Zent Networks before initiating any return.