Introduction
The first component of a custom router project has arrived. I will be pairing it with a Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Micro PC that’s running pfSense. Can’t wait to start tinkering and learning more about networking with this homemade router.
This is an Intel network interface card (NIC), specifically an Intel I350-T4 Gigabit Ethernet adapter. Here are some key points about this hardware:
- PCIe network adapter card – designed for server and workstation use.
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports – for network connectivity.
- Manufactured by Intel – as evidenced by the Intel logo on the circuit board.
- Intel I350 Ethernet controller chip
- Large black heatsink – to dissipate heat from the main chip.
- Full-height PCIe bracket – for installation in standard PC cases
Chips
Apart from the i350 chip itself under the heatsink we have:
- LFE9219C-R – It appears to be the main controller chip for the network adapter. Likely an Intel I350 Ethernet controller, based on the card model.
- A0-86-9F MAC – This is the smaller chip above the LFE9219C-R. It has a QR code on it. This chip likely contains the MAC (Media Access Control) addresses for the Ethernet ports
Together, they enable the card to process network traffic, manage multiple connections, and integrate with the host system’s PCIe interface. The presence of these specialized chips highlights the advanced capabilities of this Intel network adapter, designed for high-performance networking in professional and enterprise environments.