TP-Link TG-3468 Gigabit PCI Express Network Adapter

Description

The TP-Link TG-3468 Gigabit PCI Express Network Adapter is a highly integrated, cost-effective wired network adapter designed to upgrade desktop PCs with Gigabit Ethernet connectivity via a PCI Express x1 interface, compatible with x1, x2, x8, or x16 slots. It delivers speeds up to 1000Mbps (Full-Duplex: 2000Mbps) for bandwidth-intensive tasks like HD streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers, offering up to 10× faster performance than Fast Ethernet (100Mbps). The adapter is backward compatible with 10Mbps and 100Mbps, using Auto-Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX to eliminate manual configuration and crossover cable needs. IEEE 802.3x Flow Control supports reliable data transfer in Full-Duplex mode, with backpressure for Half-Duplex. Wake-on-LAN enables remote power management.

The plug-and-play setup ensures driver-free installation for Windows 11/10/8.1, while Windows 8/7/Vista/XP (32/64-bit) and Linux (Kernel 2.4.x/2.6.x) require drivers from TP-Link’s website (https://www.tp-link.com/support/download/tg-3468/). The Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller chipset (inferred, likely RTL8111 series) ensures stable performance. Measuring 78.5 × 120.8 × 21.5 mm and weighing ~30g, it includes low-profile and full-height brackets for standard and mini-tower cases. Reviews praise its affordability, easy installation, and reliability, though some users note occasional driver issues on older systems and recommend Cat5e or better cables for optimal speeds. The Resource CD and Quick Installation Guide simplify setup.

Compared to the TX201 (2.5Gbps), the TG-3468 is limited to 1Gbps but is more affordable. Unlike the Archer T4E (AC1200, Wi-Fi 5), it’s wired-only, offering lower latency. Compared to the TL-WN881ND (300Mbps, Wi-Fi N), it provides faster, more stable wired connectivity. Unlike the UH7020C (7-in-1 hub), it focuses solely on Ethernet connectivity. It’s ideal for budget-conscious users needing reliable Gigabit Ethernet for desktops.

Specifications

• Host Interface: PCI Express x1 (compatible with x1/x2/x8/x16 slots)

• Standards and Protocols: IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3x, 802.1q, 802.1p, CSMA/CD, TCP/IP

• Network Port: 1× RJ45 Gigabit Port

• Network Media:

  • 10BASE-T: UTP Cat 3, 4, 5 cable (max 100m), EIA/TIA-568 100Ω STP (max 100m)

  • 100BASE-TX: UTP Cat 5, 5e cable (max 100m), EIA/TIA-568 100Ω STP (max 100m)

  • 1000BASE-T: UTP Cat 5, 5e cable (max 100m)

• Data Rates: 10/100/1000Mbps (Half-Duplex); 20/200/2000Mbps (Full-Duplex)

• Chipset: Realtek (inferred, likely RTL8111 series)

• Flow Control: IEEE 802.3x (Full-Duplex), Backpressure (Half-Duplex)

• Features: Auto-Negotiation, Auto MDI/MDIX, Wake-on-LAN, VLAN Tagging (802.1q), Priority Encoding (802.1p)

• Status Indicators: 1000Mbps, 100Mbps, 10Mbps, Link/Activity

• Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP (32/64-bit), Linux (Kernel 2.4.x/2.6.x), Novell NetWare Server 5.x/6.x

• Plug-and-Play: Yes, driver-free for Windows 11/10/8.1; drivers required for Windows 8/7/Vista/XP, Linux

• Power Supply: PCI Express slot-powered (no external adapter)

• Dimensions: 78.5 × 120.8 × 21.5 mm (3.1 × 4.8 × 0.8 in)

• Weight: 1.06 oz (30g, estimated)

• Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS, BSMI, VCCI

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)

• Operating Humidity: 10%–90% (Non-Condensing)

• Storage Humidity: 5%–90% (Non-Condensing)

• Package Contents: TG-3468 Gigabit PCI Express Network Adapter, Low-Profile Bracket, Resource CD, Quick Installation Guide