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

https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2026/framework-10g-ethernet-module-usb-c-complexity/

51•Alupis•2h ago

Comments

kelnos•1h ago

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.

NewJazz•1h ago

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?

RiverCrochet•57m ago

they had very flat (on one side) Ethernet pigtails in the PCMCIA days.

getcrunk•1h ago

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

Gigachad•55m ago

In that case I'd rather just have one of those big usb hubs that has every port on it. Rather than an adapter designed that it only works on one laptop. Sure in theory you could plug them in to any but the design of it is such that you'd snap the connector if you plugged it in to a normal port.

While a regular usb-c ethernet adapter has a flexible cable between the laptop and the bulky rigid part.

geerlingguy•9m ago

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 (in addition to a 5K or 4K display or two!).

alex43578•1h ago

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

db48x•1h ago

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.

Jtsummers•37m ago

> you’d have a big hole in your laptop with a cable sticking out

No, you wouldn't. You'd have one of these instead: https://frame.work/products/usb-c-expansion-card?v=FRACCQ000... (or the one matching a color you prefer and your particular model)

db48x•27m ago

Now you’ve got two things plugged into your laptop, instead of one that sticks out by an inch. :)

RachelF•1h ago

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.

jfb•1h ago

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.

Gigachad•49m ago

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.

jfb•48m ago

Yeah, I use DAC for the desktop and fibre between floors. It's just the Mac's desktop that uses RJ45 copper.

timschmidt•36m ago

New chips from Realtek burn < 2W for the chip and < 3-4W for the board: https://www.servethehome.com/cheap-10gbe-realtek-rtl8127-nic...

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