TP-Link TX201 2.5 Gigabit PCIe Network Adapter

Description

The TP-Link TX201 2.5 Gigabit PCIe Network Adapter is a high-performance wired network adapter designed to upgrade desktop PCs with blazing-fast 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity via a PCI Express 2.1 x1 interface, compatible with x1, x2, x8, or x16 slots. It delivers speeds up to 2.5Gbps (2.5× faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet) for bandwidth-intensive tasks like large file transfers, 4K/8K streaming, online gaming, and cloud backups. The adapter is backward compatible with 10Mbps, 100Mbps, and 1Gbps, automatically negotiating between higher and lower speed connections for versatile compatibility with older network infrastructure. Quality of Service (QoS) technology prioritizes performance for gaming and streaming, reducing network congestion.

The adapter supports plug-and-play setup for Windows 11/10/8.1, with drivers required for Windows 8/7, Windows Servers 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2/2012/2008 R2, and Linux (Kernel up to 5.17), available at TP-Link’s website (https://www.tp-link.com/support/download/tx201/). Wake-on-LAN enables remote power management. The RJ45 port supports 2.5GBASE-T/1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX network media, and IEEE 802.3/802.3u/802.3ab/802.3bz/802.3x standards ensure reliable performance. Measuring 120.8 × 98.2 × 21.5 mm and weighing ~100g, it includes low-profile and full-height brackets for standard and mini-tower cases. Reviews praise its easy installation, high speeds, and low latency, though some users note the need to disable antivirus/firewall during driver installation and potential speed limitations due to cable quality (Cat5e or better recommended). The Resource CD and Quick Installation Guide simplify setup.

Compared to the TL-WN881ND (300Mbps, Wi-Fi N), the TX201 is a wired adapter with significantly faster speeds. Unlike the Archer T5E (AC1200, Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth), it’s wired-only and lacks wireless features. Compared to the Archer TX20U Plus (AX1800, Wi-Fi 6), it offers wired connectivity for lower latency and higher reliability. Unlike the UH7020C (7-in-1 hub), it focuses solely on Ethernet connectivity. It’s ideal for users needing high-speed, stable wired connections for desktops.

Specifications

• Host Interface: PCI Express 2.1 x1 (compatible with x1/x2/x8/x16 slots)

• Standards and Protocols: IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3bz, IEEE 802.3x

• Network Port: 1× RJ45 Gigabit/Megabit Port

• Network Media: 2.5GBASE-T/1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX

• Data Rates: 10Mbps, 100Mbps, 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps (Half-Duplex); 20Mbps, 200Mbps, 2Gbps, 5Gbps (Full-Duplex)

• Chipset: Realtek (inferred, likely RTL8125B or similar)

• Flow Control: IEEE 802.3x

• Features: Quality of Service (QoS), Wake-on-LAN

• Status Indicators: 2.5Gbps, 1Gbps, 100Mbps/10Mbps, Link/Activity

• Network Protocols: IPv4, IPv6, TCP, UDP

• Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 (32/64-bit), Windows Servers 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2/2012/2008 R2, Linux (Kernel up to 5.17)

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

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

• Dimensions: 120.8 × 98.2 × 21.5 mm (4.76 × 3.87 × 0.85 in)

• Weight: 3.53 oz (100g, estimated)

• Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS

• 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: TX201 2.5 Gigabit PCIe Network Adapter, Standard/Low-Profile Brackets, Resource CD, Quick Installation Guide