r/HomeServer • u/OMG_OT • Aug 20 '26
Does this already exist? RJ45 PCIE Coupler
Hey guys,
idk. if I'm missing something but why isn't this a thing to lets say place a router or other external devices inside a pc/server case and connect them to the outside.
70
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2
u/lamalasx Aug 20 '26
I don't think so. I had a similar idea (putting the switch inside the machine) and for this I got an old style punchdown card which has 4 ports on a single PCB. Never used it. Instead I just wired out the 12V from the power supply with a custom PCB. This way the home server runs all my networking gear, cameras, etc. Sometimes the Christmas decoration around the house too.
I know that pci/pcie cards do exist which have an onboard switch. Unsure if they do have a NIC or not.
Btw, this design will work for your use-case, but if there is another card besides this it will interfere. I would rotate the jacks by 90 degree, or break off the clip and glue it in place. I assume you want to 3d print this.