PCI Express 10 Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Network Card w/ Open SFP+ - PCIe x4 10Gb NIC SFP+ Adapter

Questions & Answers

How do I install my network card in Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11? (.inf method)
If the standard Setup.exe installation method is unavailable or does not work, you can manually install the network card driver through Device Manager by selecting the driver's .INF file. Explanation: Before installing the network card, ensure that Windows is fully updated with the latest security updates and feature updates available for your operating system. To manually install the driver: Download the latest driver package from the StarTech.com Drivers & Downloads page. Extract the contents of the downloaded ZIP file. Open Device Manager by pressing Windows Key + R, typing devmgmt.msc , and pressing Enter . Locate the Ethernet Controller or the device with a yellow exclamation mark (!) or question mark (?). Right-click the device and select Update Driver . Select Browse my computer for drivers . Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer . If prompted, select Show All Devices and click Next . Click Have Disk. Browse to the extracted Windows driver folder. Select the appropriate TN40xxmp_.inf driver file. Click OK , then Next to install the driver. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Notes: The Show All Devices screen may not appear on all versions of Windows. If it does not appear, continue to the next step. Be sure to select the correct driver for your operating system and system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit), if applicable. After installation, the network adapter should appear normally in Device Manager and be ready for use.

Why did the software not install properly in macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later?
Starting in High Sierra 10.13, macOS enforces stricter security policies than previous revisions. As a result of these changes, software packages, like those used in this installation, will need to be allowed within the macOS Security and Privacy settings, immediately after the software has been installed, in order for the device to operate. To allow the software, follow these steps after you've completed installation on your Mac: Open System Preferences . Open Security & Privacy . Click the Allow button near the bottom of the General tab. Note: The option to allow the software will be available within the Security & Privacy settings for 30 minutes. If the software is not allowed within that time frame, the software must be reinstalled in order for macOS to grant the opportunity to allow it again.

I am having issues with my new network interface card (NIC) and my on-board NIC is still enabled. What do I do in Windows?
Sometimes an on-board network interface card (NIC) conflicts with a new NIC. In these cases it is best to disable the on-board NIC. The best way to disable your on-board NIC is to go into your BIOS and disable it there if possible. To do this, consult your motherboard manual. You can also disable any NIC in Windows. Here is how you do this: First click Start , or, in Windows 10 and 8, hold down the Windows key and press X . Then click Control Panel . Windows 10 Click Network and Internet . Click Network and Sharing Center . On the left, click Change adapter settings . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable . Windows 8 Click Network and Sharing Center . On the left, click Change adapter settings . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable . Windows 7 Click Network and Internet . Click Network and Sharing Center . On the left, click Change adapter settings . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable . Windows Vista Click Network and Sharing Center . On the left, click Manage network connections . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable . Windows XP Click Network Connections . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable .

Why do I have speed or connectivity issues?
If you are experiencing speed or connectivity issues, it is best to set a specific speed at half or full duplex in your settings. You can set your network adapter to perform at a certain speed, but the device that the adapter is connected to (whether it is a router, switch, or computer) must also be able to perform at the same speed. Note : You must log in as the local administrator before you continue. To open Device Manager: Press Windows key + R . Type devmgmt.msc . Click OK . Open the Networking adapters section. Right-click the network adapter that you want to change and select Properties . Click the Advanced tab. Scroll down to Speed & Duplex . By default, it is set to Auto-Negotiate . Select any of the speeds that you see in the list. Click OK and restart your computer.

Can I use my network card for a Preboot Execution Environment (PXE)?
StarTech.com does not support a Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) as this requires third-party software. However, our devices can be used as long as the following conditions are met: The BIOS must support PXE. The BIOS must see the card. The environment must have drivers for the chipset used in the card. If using a USB networking card, the environment must have support for USB devices as well.

How to Set a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) Tag With a Network Card in Windows
Virtual local area network (VLAN) tagging requires that the network interface card (NIC) and the router or switch that you use support protocol IEEE 802.1q. Depending on the NIC, you can set your VLAN ID in Device Manager. Not all NICs that support VLAN tagging have this option. Setting your VLAN ID in Device Manager Note: Log in as the local administrator before continuing. To open Device Manager: Press Windows key + R Type devmgmt.msc Click OK . In Device Manager, open Network adapters . Right-click on the NIC and choose Properties . Click the Advanced tab. Scroll down to VLAN ID . Set the ID that you would like the NIC to have and click OK . Setting up your VLAN Tagging and Setting a VLAN ID How you perform this task depends on your router or switch. Consult the manual or manufacturer of your router or switch for more details. In your router or switch, you can VLAN tag a device by the VLAN ID if you set one previously, or by the MAC address of the computer. Your router or switch will list all IP devices by MAC address. For products related to this article, click here .

How do I confirm that Windows detects my expansion card?
To confirm that Windows detects your expansion card, complete the following: Press the Windows key+ R , type devmgmt.msc , and press Enter . In Device Manager , under the appropriate heading, confirm that your expansion card is listed and that there isn't an exclamation mark next to it. For example, a USB controller card would be under Universal Serial Bus controllers . Your expansion card is listed according to the name of the chipset. To determine the name of the chipset of your expansion card, navigate to www.StarTech.com and look on the Technical Specifications tab for your product.

How do I choose a compatible fiber cable for this device?
The fiber cable must match the device’s mode, wavelength, connector type, and performance requirements. Explanation: Fiber cable compatibility depends on matching the specifications required by the connected fiber devices: Mode compatibility: The cable must match the supported fiber mode (single-mode or multi-mode). Wavelength compatibility: The cable must support the same operating wavelength (for example, 850 nm, 1310 nm, or 1550 nm). Wavelength cannot be changed by the cable. Connector compatibility: The cable connectors (such as LC, SC, ST, or MT) must match the device ports. Simplex vs. duplex: Simplex cables use separate transmit (TX) and receive (RX) connectors, while duplex cables combine them. The cable type must match the device port configuration. Cable classification and performance: For multi-mode fiber, OM classification (OM1–OM5) affects supported distance and bandwidth. The cable must meet the performance requirements of the application, not just the mode. When connecting fiber devices, both ends of the link must use compatible fiber standards, including matching mode, wavelength, and performance characteristics, to ensure reliable communication.