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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

#71

Post by MostlyStable »

petterroea wrote: post #35

Frankly, considering this is a laptop, I wish they spent more effort on delivering a flush 1gbe module rather than a 10gbe module. It has become an elephant in the room every time someone asks about my framework laptop. It... sticks out like a sore thumb, per say.

As others have commented, this is not a Framework product. That's part of the beauty: they open source there designs, allowing for third parties to easily make things like this (and much more beside). I believe at some point someone in the community was trying to design one of those slim ethernet ports that expands open when you need it (the jack doesn't really fit). Apparently some of the mechanisms for doing so are still proprietary though.

-edit- here it is: https://community.frame.work/t/low-profile-ethernet-expansio...

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

#72

Post by RobotToaster »

kelnos wrote: post #2

In a way, I kinda don't get the idea of an expansion card for ethernet, rather than just a dongle. Specifically, as in this case, where it sticks out from the side of the chassis. If I'm on the go, I'll have to take it out of the chassis while it's in my bag so I don't damage it. In that case, it's easier to have a regular USB-C card in that port, and toss a dongle in my bag instead of the expansion card. If I'm not…

I don't get it either.

If it had a hinged or expanding[0] ethernet port so it could sit flush with the chassis when not in use it would make a lot more sense.

[0] It's easier to show what I mean https://www.reddit.com/r/TechnologyPorn/comments/hvlxep/orig...

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

#73

Post by Dylan16807 »

ChuckMcM wrote: post #57

I chuckled at 10G wired ethernet on a laptop. I mean in a docking station? Sure that seems reasonable. But fun none the less. I appreciate the USB-C nature of the Framework's expansion ports, it does make real the entire reason that USB was created in the first place, hot plug slots. Still, I (and others) pointed out to Intel early on that using Ethernet with a specific packet type would be cheaper and just as fast (…

> I chuckled at 10G wired ethernet on a laptop. I mean in a docking station? Sure that seems reasonable. But fun none the less.

What difference does a docking station make? Sometimes you want to spend a minute or two setting up your laptop in a more serious way, and that's just as reasonable with or without a docking station.

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

#76

Post by rjzzleep »

merpkz wrote: post #68
numpad0 wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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?

If it throttles CPU it means by definition means that a fan helps. Also constant heat increases failure rate.

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

#77

Post by msh »

merpkz wrote: post #68
numpad0 wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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?

Running plex/jellyfin :)

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

#78

Post by Dylan16807 »

drnick1 wrote: post #39
Gigachad wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I looked in to it and it seemed like 10gbit was much better over fiber. Ended up deciding that 2.5gbit is plenty. The 2.5 gear is significantly cheaper and runs cool.

> 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.

> every room

I disagree with that for two reasons. First, my central switch is probably capable of both copper and fiber. Second, how many wired devices do you have spread around your house? Let's say I have an above average number of devices: a router, a NAS, two access points, and three desktops. Router, NAS, and one access point can all be adjacent to the switch and avoid any conversion hassle. The desktops are using fiber so no conversion hassle there. That leaves one copper cable or converter needed for the other access point.

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

#79

Post by Dylan16807 »

alex43578 wrote: post #67
Gigachad wrote: post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

The minis, despite being sold at the same time as SEs and having to share demand, did fine. And if you want to improve that situation the obvious answer is to pick one or the other, not to cancel both. If you want even better stats, much more than needed, wait 2-3 years between releases.

My best guess for Apple's actions is that despite there being a very real demand for a smaller phone, they don't think the discomfort is bad enough for people to switch to Android, so they don't even try. A small phone makes a lot of profit, but ignoring the demand also makes a lot of profit.

The Air was a real flop.

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

#80

Post by atoav »

ChuckMcM wrote: post #57

I chuckled at 10G wired ethernet on a laptop. I mean in a docking station? Sure that seems reasonable. But fun none the less. I appreciate the USB-C nature of the Framework's expansion ports, it does make real the entire reason that USB was created in the first place, hot plug slots. Still, I (and others) pointed out to Intel early on that using Ethernet with a specific packet type would be cheaper and just as fast (…

If you work with media having a 10G connection on a laptop isn't all that absurd. In fact slow network speeds are the main reason why people have to use things like Thunderbolt instead of using a NAS (e.g. offloading data on a film set).
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