82531

82531 is a numeric designation used for several hardware devices, most notably in the context of Intel’s Ethernet controller line. The best-known reference is to the Intel 82531EI/82531ER family, which consists of PCI-based Ethernet controllers designed to provide network connectivity in desktop, workstation, and embedded systems. Variants within the 82531 family differ in form factor, packaging, and hardware revisions, but they are generally described as including MAC and PHY functionality with a DMA engine and a set of memory-mapped registers accessible over PCI.

Specifications for the 82531 family vary by revision and documentation, but typical descriptions emphasize support for standard Ethernet operations through a PCI interface, along with the integration of essential network controller features. These devices were commonly deployed during the late 1990s and early 2000s, alongside other Intel 825xx offerings, in systems that required a dedicated network interface controller.

Over time, the 82531 lineage has largely been superseded by newer Intel Ethernet controllers that use newer interfaces and offer higher performance. As with many hardware designations, exact capabilities, supported speeds, and driver availability depend on the specific revision and the operating environment. Users encountering the 82531 label should verify the precise part number and consult vendor documentation for accurate specifications and compatibility.

In addition to Intel, other vendors may reuse or reference the 82531 designation for different products, so the meaning can vary by context. When researching 82531, it is important to identify the exact manufacturer and part number to determine the correct specifications and use case.