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    Ethernet controller: Intel i211 vs Realtek RTL8111E

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    • P
      PowerCube
      last edited by

      Hi all,

      I need to choose one of these two Ethernet controllers. Intel is more expensive but seems more robust, Realtek is cheaper but I have heard a lot of mysteries on that.
      Is there anyone who has some experience on these chips? There will be no specific use-case for the usage.
      Can you help me to choose one of these two?

      Thanks a lot.

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      • M
        mortem
        last edited by

        Hi,

        If I don't make any mistake, the Intel NIC can manage VLAN while RLT can't.
        In all setup I did (8 so far), I used Intel or Broadcom only. I think Marvell are ok too but can't confirm.

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        • P
          PowerCube
          last edited by

          That's definitely something to look for. Thanks a lot for your comment. I'd appreciate if anybody else can contribute.

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          • stephenw10S
            stephenw10 Netgate Administrator
            last edited by

            Both can run VLANs but the Intel almost certainly offer better hardware tagging.
            The newer Realtek NICs aren't that bad but I'd always choose Intel unless the price difference was huge.

            Steve

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