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Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity

jeffgeerling.com

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Re: Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity

#61

Post by Patryk27 »

naturalmovement wrote: post #59
Patryk27 wrote: post #54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don’t follow - how are modules based on USB-C proprietary? My Framework ethernet dongle works perfectly fine with a Mac that I use for work, for instance.

I knew someone would ask this. It is mechanically disagreeable. The weight/shape of the module will break the USB-C port in short order because it is solely supported by the connector. For instance, by bumping the spatula hanging off your Mac. For that matter, USB-C are crap connectors, I don't care how many graphs and BS data you show me stating they're the most reliable connector ever. I do not believe it. They're…

So you’re saying the modules have a suboptimal design for non-Framework laptops.

Sure. But this does not make them proprietary, they work fine with non-Framework laptops as well.

Re: Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity

#62

Post by naturalmovement »

gobelet wrote: post #56
naturalmovement wrote: post #52

Only Framework could reincarnate godawful PCMCIA cards as proprietary USB-C dongles and be praised for it. Insanity. Maybe next they can bring back the XJACK. No one wants to address the elephant in the room: it's a crap design for proprietary modules. Sure the design is open, can you use them anywhere else? Nope. You're paying a premium for USB-C dongles that can't be used on any other brand of laptop. Apple is prob…

Of course you can use the modules on any other brand of laptop. It's not going to look pretty doing it, but I've routinely used the USB-C to USB-A, as well as the mini SSD, on a MacBook Pro. Colleagues borrow them all the time when they need a SD card or MicroSD card reader. Is it as pretty as a dedicated reader for those cards? No, but it does the job. Saying they're proprietary is misleading a bit. The form factor…

It is not mechanically fit for purpose.

You can likewise put 26" rims on a Ford Fiesta but it will look and function equally poorly.

Re: Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity

#63

Post by jeroenhd »

dmitrygr wrote: post #53

The article never does resolve WHY it was slow in linux :(

The video mentions that drivers were needed to get the full speed on Windows, and that the Realtek Linux drivers didn't compile on a modern kernel. So it's probably software.

Realtek makes some pretty affordable networking chips but their Linux drivers can be a real gamble. Either it works out of the box or you're in for years of messing around.

Re: Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity

#64

Post by naturalmovement »

Patryk27 wrote: post #61
naturalmovement wrote: post #59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I knew someone would ask this. It is mechanically disagreeable. The weight/shape of the module will break the USB-C port in short order because it is solely supported by the connector. For instance, by bumping the spatula hanging off your Mac. For that matter, USB-C are crap connectors, I don't care how many graphs and BS data you show me stating they're the most reliable connector ever. I do not believe it. They're…

So you’re saying the modules have a suboptimal design for non-Framework laptops. Sure. But this does not make them proprietary, they work fine with non-Framework laptops as well.

[flagged]

Re: Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity

#65

Post by kstrauser »

Gigachad wrote: post #43
drnick1 wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I looked in to it and it seemed like 10gbit was much better over fiber. Yes, except that most devices use Ethernet. So, at the end of the day, you still need Ethernet cables unless you want to deal with an additional switch or converter in every room.

Indeed, that's largely why I decided 10gbit at home isn't really worth it. The current 10gbit ethernet stuff is expensive and power hungry, the enterprise stuff is hard to use on consumer gear. And the only real use case is super fast access to a nas.

I got it solely because our ISP bumped our home fiber to 10Gb and it would’ve hurt my soul for the router to be slower than that. And hey, if you’ve already got a router with 10Gb ports available and ready to go…

Re: Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity

#66

Post by kstrauser »

californical wrote: post #41
geerlingguy wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thunderbolt hubs are rather amazing now; in the past they'd either get super hot and have reliability issues, or had severe bandwidth limitations (especially if using larger displays). The current crop has been great for my needs — a couple models have 10G Ethernet built in (CalDigit is the one I'm using now), and most now have more than one Thunderbolt port that allows a high speed storage device to be used as well…

My TB5 dock from OWC on a M4 Pro MacBook can run dual 4k 240hz displays, 2.5gb ethernet, and several peripherals no problem. It also provides 100W of power. All over a single cable. So good these days

I may have the same one and I love it so much. Plug one USB C-looking cable into my laptop, and two 32” monitors and a host of accessories light up as it starts charging. It’s the greatest docking station ever.

Re: Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity

#67

Post by alex43578 »

Gigachad wrote: post #55
SV_BubbleTime wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I fell out of love with frameworks after buying one for myself and a few employees. The economics/upgrade math just does not make sense.

Framework feels like a case of giving HN users what they asked for, but not what they actually needed.

Like the constant cries for an iPhone Mini, which subsequently sold terribly, because people like good battery life, a generous screen size, and feature-rich cameras. Apple didn’t learn because they went on to do the Air, but whatever.

Re: Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity

#68

Post by merpkz »

numpad0 wrote: post #28
timschmidt wrote: post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

New chips from Realtek burn https://www.servethehome.com/cheap-10gbe-realtek-rtl8127-nic...

4W is TDP for some of Pi-style mini computers. Lots of them have fans.

Raspberry Pi 4 doesn't need a fan. People just like to put them on because because micromanaging CPU temperature is part of the hobby for some. Yes it might throttle its CPU speed when going full tilt for some time, but lets be real how many workloads require poor Raspberry Pi to be loaded 100% for prolonged periods of time?

Re: Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity

#69

Post by sekh60 »

eqvinox wrote: post #49
drnick1 wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I looked in to it and it seemed like 10gbit was much better over fiber. Yes, except that most devices use Ethernet. So, at the end of the day, you still need Ethernet cables unless you want to deal with an additional switch or converter in every room.

Fiber/10Gbase-*R is Ethernet too. Please say copper/RJ45/base-T when you mean copper/RJ45/base-T.

Thank you.
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