Installing Intel LAN & USB Expansion Module (Additional 2x USB Type A and 2.5Gb NIC) in an Intel NUC
I was recently given an Intel NUC 11 Pro Tiger Canyon Tall H Series Mini PC. This will allow me to run my labs and leave the machines on 24 hours a day. The NUC is running ESXi v8.
One of the servers I wanted to run was a Sophos NDR sensor appliance. Ideally this would have two NICs. This led me to buying the Intel LAN & USB Expansion Module (Additional 2x USB Type A and 2.5Gb NIC). iCubes were excellent. It was delivered in just a couple of days
It came with no instructions. Hopefully this will help anyone who is trying to install this module. It is not hard, but some pointers might help
This is how the parts come when you unbox them
The components as they come out of the box
It is important the ribbon cable is connected the correct way up. This is how it should look. Notice the ethernet connector is facing up. When it is fitted to the NUC, the ethernet connector will face down
Components connected together
Components connected together
Unscrew the four screws in the base of the NUC. Note I have an SSD drive in the lid of the NUC
View of the NUC when the base is unscrewed
Remove the two screws of the blanking plate
The blanking plate needs to be removed
The Intel LAN & USB Expansion Module (Additional 2x USB Type A and 2.5Gb NIC) is installed from the inside. Note that the ethernet connector will be ‘upside down’. The ribbon cable will not line up with the connector if you install it the wrong way up
The module fitted and screwed in
The ribbon cable and board will look like this from the inside of the NUC
The board will line up to the screw and the connector
The board will be screwed in to this connector
Take out the silver screw shown above (right). Push the board into the SATA connector. Replace the screw
The board fitted in its final location
This is the rear view once the NUC has been put back together
Rear view of the NUC once completed
Rear view of the NUC once completed
