When a system has no room for a full-size network card, this M.2 Ethernet adapter delivers a cleaner path to multi-gig wired connectivity. The StarTech MR12GI-NETWORK-CARD uses an Intel I225-V controller to add 2.5 GbE networking through an M.2 2280 B or M key interface, giving compatible systems a direct upgrade from standard Gigabit Ethernet. Built for environments where network access must be predictable, it supports 2.5G, 1G, 100M, and 10M link rates, plus NBASE-T (802.3bz), PXE boot, VLANs, and 9K jumbo frames. That combination matters in deployment, imaging, and managed workstation scenarios where throughput and remote provisioning save time. The card includes a 2 ft Cat6 adapter for flexible routing and ships with both full-height and low-profile brackets, helping it fit a wider range of chassis designs. Windows, VMware, and Linux compatibility makes it suitable for mixed infrastructure, while Intel vPro support adds remote management value for IT teams standardizing on serviceable, long-life hardware. For systems that need more than basic Ethernet, this card provides the right mix of speed, control, and installation flexibility.