Next-level networking: navigating future-proof expansion upgrades

Businesses are adopting cutting-edge trends without rash, premature upgrades. Many are opting for expansion cards to enhance existing setups, offering a seamless and cost-effective way to boost capabilities. For trends like IoT and digital twins, faster and more robust connectivity is essential for gaining a head start.

But how fast is enough? What networking expansion solutions should you choose?

Robust & high-speed Ethernet connection

How fast should your Ethernet card be?

The choice depends on specific needs and budgets. 1GbE Ethernet Solutions remains the most widely adopted and supported standard in the industry, balancing cost-effectiveness with performance for a variety of applications. Meanwhile, driven by the need for higher bandwidth and advanced network performance, businesses are transitioning from 1 to 10GbE or faster Ethernet connections. 10GbE Ethernet Solutions are ideal for industries handling large files or bandwidth-intensive applications, like film production and high-frequency trading. For those seeking a phased or more economical upgrade, 2.5GbE Expansion Cards are more affordable and sufficient for modern demands like 4K streaming or AOI. The backward compatibility of 2.5GbE Ethernet with existing Cat5e cabling can reduce upgrade costs, making them more cost-efficient.

Choosing the right configurations

Ethernet expansion cards come in PCI, PCI-X, and PCIe interfaces. PCIe, the latest and most popular, is widely supported by modern IPCs and embedded systems, making it the best long-term choice. Single-port LAN cards typically meet most needs and provides reliable and stable connectivity, while multi-isolated-port LAN cards offer enhanced security, redundancy, and multitasking capabilities.

Cervoz’s Ethernet Expansion Solutions include Mini PCIe, standard and low-profile PCIe, and M.2 2230/42/60/80 form factors. For space concerns, Cervoz’s compact low-profile LAN card is half the length of typical low-profile PCIe LAN cards, saving up to 55% space with four isolated 1GbE ports. For those low on slots, the 2.5GbE M.2 2230 (A+E key) PCIe LAN Card uses the slot for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, which is typically unused, to optimise space efficiency. 

Flexible & extensive Wi-Fi connectivity

Wi-Fi: essential enabler to IoT

In an era where machines communicate more than humans, network coverage and robustness are crucial. While Ethernet offers a reliable connection, wireless Wi-Fi provides the flexibility, mobility, and broader coverage needed to enhance Ethernet's capabilities.

Wi-Fi 6E: a new spectrum for industrial connectivity

While the latest Wi-Fi 7 is still under evaluation for industrial reliability, Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6, proven over time, remain the trusted and mainstream choices for operators and industrial settings. However, the continuous use of the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, from Wi-Fi 1 to 6, has led to congestion due to the thriving of IoT and AIoT. Wi-Fi 6E emerges as the optimal choice. Leveraging the reliable Wi-Fi 6 standards, Wi-Fi 6E extends to the 6GHz spectrum, delivering speeds up to six times faster than Wi-Fi 5 with reduced interference. Cervoz's latest Wi-Fi 6E Expansion Card supports Wi-Fi 6 connections and ensures seamless connectivity across the 2.4, 5, and 6GHz bands, offering a reliable, convenient, and efficient solution.

Cervoz's Wi-Fi Expansion Solutions encompass everything from Wi-Fi 1 up to Wi-Fi 6E in mainstream mini PCIe and M.2 2230 form factors, making them ideal for slim and compact embedded systems and industrial PCs.

Smart and reliable choices for tomorrow

Leveraging years of industry expertise, Cervoz offers a comprehensive suite of expansion solutions tailored for frontline operational demands. The range includes Ethernet, Wi-Fi, CAN Bus, Serial, Display, USB, and SATA solutions. These solutions come in popular form factors such as mini PCIe and M.2. The M.2 form factor boasts a unique 3-in-1 design, enabling the card to be easily snapped-off from M.2 2280 into M.2 2260 or 2242. The design’s flexibility allows customers to adapt the solution to their specific space constraints.

The exclusive MECFIX mounting mechanism simplifies installation and ensures compatibility with various systems, integrating seamlessly with both standard and low-profile PCI/PCIe brackets or internal mounts. Cervoz’s Expansion Solutions are engineered and tested for optimal performance in the toughest conditions - enduring extreme temperatures (-40 to 85˚), persistent vibrations, moisture and dust, and more.

Learn more today by visiting Cervoz’s Official Website or contact us at sales@cervoz.com .