Boosting Compact Workstations with High-Speed 10GbE Connectivity
For film studios, rendering farms, and AI research teams, massive files and datasets must move efficiently between local and remote systems. To support these demanding workflows, Neox Computers integrated the Innodisk EGPL-T102 10GbE M.2 LAN module into its workstation lineup, enabling seamless high-speed connectivity without occupying a PCIe slot.
We've deployed over 50 systems internationally with Innodisk’s module, and it's been rock-solid. The M.2 form factor is perfect for SFF builds where PCIe slots are at a premium, and the 10GbE speeds are essential for our clients' workflows.
- Haroon Younis, Director of Neox Computers
Industry | Entertainment |
End-Use Scenario | Workstation PCs for Film Studios / Creative Agencies / AI Company / Aerospace Contractors |
Innodisk Solution | EGPL-T102 |
CUSTOMER PROFILE
 | Neox Computers |
| A UK-based company specializing in high-performance small form factor (SFF) workstations. Serving clients across film production, rendering, aerospace, and AI industries, the company delivers tailor-made systems designed to meet the demanding needs of large-file workflows and real-time collaboration. | |
DEMANDING WORKFLOWS
Workstations, designed for high-performance in professional applications, deliver greater computing power, reliability, and expandability than standard desktop PCs. They’re built to handle intensive workloads such as 3D modeling, video editing, simulation, CAD, and AI computation.
However, building such systems presents several key challenges.
 Film Professionals |  |  Rendering Studios | |  AI Researchers |
All of these workflows depend on high-speed networking. But delivering 10GbE in an SFF workstation presented Neox with some technical challenges:
PCIe slot conflicts restrict scalability
Most SFF workstations include only one PCIe ×16 slot, typically occupied by a high-end GPU, leaving no space for additional network expansion.
Adapter performance limitations
USB and Thunderbolt network adapters, the most obvious workaround, are suitable for general-purpose connectivity, but their performance is constrained by protocol overhead, often falling short in professional workloads.
Thermal management in compact chassis
Managing heat in compact chassis is challenging, as limited airflow can lead to throttling and reduced performance under heavy network loads.
Long-term reliability concerns
Maintaining system reliability under continuous, high-load operation is a constant challenge. Critical components must undergo rigorous validation to ensure stability, while product longevity, technical support, and after-sales service are essential to sustain performance over time.
Innodisk Embedded Peripheral (EP) includes a range of expansion modules designed for machine-to-machine and machine-to-device communication, each serving a specific function. Among them, the LAN module provides high-speed networking capability for workstations.
LAN (Local Area Network) is a multi-node wired network that enables data exchange between devices—either within the same system or across different systems—and allows connection to external networks when needed.
| Key Specifications |
| EGPL-T102 ▪ Form Factor: M.2 2280 B+M Key ▪ Interface: PCIe Gen 3 ×2 ▪ Speed: 10GbE (single-port RJ45) ▪ Operating Temperature: -20°C ~ 60°C (Ta) ▪ ESD Protection: 15kV (air) / 8kV (contact) |
| What Makes It Different |
| ▪ EGPL-T102 is the first 10GbE solution in an M.2 2280 form factor. ▪ Innodisk’s first and the world’s smallest M.2 10GbE expansion solution. |
To address the limited PCIe expansion challenge in SFF workstations, the Innodisk EGPL-T102 delivers single-port RJ45 10GbE connectivity in an M.2 2280 form factor—making Innodisk the first manufacturer to introduce a 10GbE solution in this compact format (the leading high-speed standard in the industrial computing segment). By eliminating the need for a PCIe slot, it frees up valuable bandwidth for GPUs and other performance-critical components, maximizing scalability without compromise.
To overcome the performance limitations of conventional connectivity options, the EGPL-T102 delivers native PCIe Gen 3 ×2 performance through the M.2 interface, achieving superior throughput without the latency or protocol overhead often associated with general-purpose adapters.
The EGPL-T102 is also optimized for compact chassis environments, where thermal constraints are common. As Innodisk’s first and the world’s smallest M.2 10GbE expansion solution, it is 80–90 % smaller than traditional network cards. Its compact form factor eliminates complex cabling and reduces power consumption, resulting in enhanced thermal efficiency and stable throughput during sustained data transfers.
In addition, the module is engineered for long-term industrial reliability, offering ESD protection (Air 15kV / Contact 8kV) and an operating temperature range of –20°C to 60°C, ensuring stable performance even in harsh environments. Its modular design, consisting of a main card, high-frequency shielded cable, and compact RJ45 daughtercard, provides flexible integration for diverse system layouts. This structure not only simplifies installation but also makes maintenance and future upgrades easier in professional workstation environments.
Beyond addressing these challenges, the EGPL-T102 also supports PTP (Precision Time Protocol) 1588v2 and AVB (Audio Video Bridging), enabling multiple devices to operate in precise synchronization with sub-nanosecond accuracy. These protocols ensure low-latency audio and video transmission with guaranteed bandwidth over Ethernet, making the module ideally suited for demanding applications such as media production, digital twins, industrial vision, intelligent surveillance, and high-frequency trading.
Workstation: EGPL-T102 uses the M.2 slot, leaving PCIe ×16 slot for GPU
The integration of Innodisk’s EGPL-T102 significantly enhanced Neox’s workstation performance and flexibility. Across more than 50 systems deployed in the UK, US, and Europe, the EGPL-T102 has demonstrated exceptional stability, maintaining decent transfer speeds even in thermally constrained SFF chassis, with no performance issues reported by users. Its reliability, low latency, and industrial-grade design have made it a core component in Neox’s workstation builds, ensuring smooth performance for clients across film production, AI research, aerospace, and digital content creation.
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WHY INNODISK ?
At Innodisk, we believe that any challenge can be overcome through cooperation. By maintaining a strong line of communication all the way from inquiry to implementation, we ensure a tailor-made solution that fits your application. We remain committed to innovation with our continual focus on hardware, firmware, and software integration.
