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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

#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 on the go, I'm at a desk, and I'd still rather plug in a dongle than regularly swap an expansion card.

I'm not saying you'd never want the expansion card, but it feels pretty niche.

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

#3
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'd also add that at a fixed location/desk, having a dock with ethernet is also very normal.

Anyway it is probably just there to demonstrate the possibilities to consumers. What if a lower profile standard for networking gets popularized?

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

#4
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…

A lot of people use their laptop as a desktop replacement and kinda leave it in one spot or only move it between two spots (home desk/office desk) rather than as an actually portable take anywhere use anywhere situation

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

#5
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…

Isn’t that kind of most things Framework? Sure, a replaceable color bezel is fun, but pretty niche.

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

#6
Every PCIe 10G ethernet card I've seen has a heatsink on it, sometimes covering the entire card or even have little fans on the heatsink.

Expecting it to work full time in a laptop is a bit of a stretch of the heat dissipation budget.

Also, the laptop he is working has the AMD FP8 chipset - depending on how the ports are setup, he might only get 10G USB, if the ports are allocated to video instead.

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

#7
post #6

Every PCIe 10G ethernet card I've seen has a heatsink on it, sometimes covering the entire card or even have little fans on the heatsink. Expecting it to work full time in a laptop is a bit of a stretch of the heat dissipation budget. Also, the laptop he is working has the AMD FP8 chipset - depending on how the ports are setup, he might only get 10G USB, if the ports are allocated to video instead.

Yeah, 10Gb ethernet runs hot. I just rewired the house with 10Gb (we have 8Gb FTTP) and it's kind of upsetting how hot my Thunderbolt dock gets.

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

#8
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…

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

#9
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…

There’s nothing to “get”. The circuit doesn’t fit inside the slot for expansion cards. You could plug in a dongle instead, but then you’d have a big hole in your laptop with a cable sticking out. Or you could just get a wider laptop bag. They make them in multiple sizes, you know.

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

#10
post #7
post #6

Every PCIe 10G ethernet card I've seen has a heatsink on it, sometimes covering the entire card or even have little fans on the heatsink. Expecting it to work full time in a laptop is a bit of a stretch of the heat dissipation budget. Also, the laptop he is working has the AMD FP8 chipset - depending on how the ports are setup, he might only get 10G USB, if the ports are allocated to video instead.

Yeah, 10Gb ethernet runs hot . I just rewired the house with 10Gb (we have 8Gb FTTP) and it's kind of upsetting how hot my Thunderbolt dock gets.

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