Any computer with M.2 M-key slot could serve as a hub between fiber and some SoC internals (abtract IP datagrams). CPE's that ISP's offer for free is bulky so I understand you question as I also looked into this. It is rather easy for PtP fiber, but many homes will get PON (XGS-PON) and then you need more then just lower OSI layers as you need to decrypt/encrypt only your data (TDM). Have you thought about that?Is it possible to configure it like below?
Is there a simpler way?
WAN -> Fiber SFP 2.5GbE -> SerDes to Ethernet converter IC (ex. TI DP83867) -> Ethernet to PCIe converter IC (ex. RTL8125) -> M.2 M key PCIe socket of CM5 IO board -> CM5
A problem with this chain is that various early XGS-PON devices are 10G base and have an idle powerconsumption of 2x the Pi5 itself, 7W or so AFAIR. That SerDes part might be awfully power inefficient, besides that it is a long chain of conversions.
I have seen a fiber-to-USB3 dongle, but costed 300 Euros or so. Is 5 years ago or so, so maybe there are cheaper options/devices now (for PtP). Also do not know how such a device presents itself, likely USB-ethernet and not sure about drivers (Linux/kernel?).
The power needed to transience optical/fiber is low, is easy to do that from USB3 Vbus. What shall the 4x Cortex-A76 do ?
Statistics: Posted by redvli — Fri May 30, 2025 6:51 am