Network card Dell 2-port 1GbE PCIe 557M9 — dual RJ45 1 Gbit/s

Dell 2-port 1GbE PCIe 557M9 is a dual-port Gigabit Ethernet network card that adds two RJ45 1 Gbit/s wired ports to a compatible server or workstation through a PCI Express interface. The card provides standard copper Ethernet connectivity for network expansion, link redundancy or segregated network segments and is intended for environments that require reliable 1 Gbit/s wired connections for general networking, basic virtualization or storage access.

Advantages

The adapter delivers two independent 1 Gbit/s RJ45 ports via a PCIe form factor, enabling straightforward integration into systems with available PCI Express slots. It supports common Ethernet features for improved link stability and predictable throughput while maintaining low power consumption and minimal configuration complexity. The dual-port layout allows flexible network design, including separate management and data networks or active-failover setups without additional cabling devices.

Suitable for

• Adding two Gigabit Ethernet ports to servers or workstations
• Network expansion and segmentation for small to medium deployments
• Providing redundant wired links or separate management/data networks
• Basic virtualisation hosts or shared storage access at 1 Gbit/s
• Replacing or upgrading onboard network interfaces

Key specifications

• Interface: PCI Express (single-slot network adapter)
• Ports: 2 × RJ45 copper Ethernet
• Speed: 10/100/1000 Mbps auto-negotiation
• Full-duplex and half-duplex support
• Standard frame handling and link negotiation features
• Low-profile compatible bracket options (where applicable)

How to use

Power down the host and unplug it from the power source before installation. Insert the Dell dual-port 1GbE PCIe card into an available PCI Express slot, secure the bracket to the chassis, and connect standard Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables to the RJ45 ports. Power on the system and allow the operating system to detect the new network adapter; install vendor or operating-system-provided drivers if required. Configure network settings such as IP addresses, link aggregation, or VLANs via the host operating system or network management tools according to your network design.

Usage recommendations

Use shielded or unshielded twisted-pair cables rated for Gigabit Ethernet and verify link negotiation in the operating system. For rack-mounted or low-profile systems, confirm bracket compatibility before purchase. When deploying dual ports for redundancy or segmentation, configure appropriate network policies, switch settings and monitoring to ensure predictable failover and throughput behavior.