Intel

Intel MBLA1656 Pro 56K/14.4K PCMCIA Modem

Name: Intel MBLA1656 Pro 56K/14.4K PCMCIA Modem
Brand: Intel
SKU: MBLA1656

Dual-function PCMCIA card combining a 56K modem and 10/100 Ethernet in a single laptop slot.

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Overview

The Intel Pro 56K/14.4K PCMCIA Lan card is a dual-purpose networking adapter designed for laptops equipped with PCMCIA Type II card slots. It integrates a 56K dial-up modem for phone-line internet access and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port for wired LAN connectivity, consolidating two functions into a single slot. This was a practical advantage in the era when laptops typically offered only two PCMCIA bays and every slot counted.

This particular unit is factory sealed in its original retail packaging, making it a genuine new-old-stock item. For anyone maintaining, repairing, or restoring legacy laptop systems — particularly in industrial, educational, or hobbyist contexts — a sealed Intel-branded PCMCIA card in unused condition is increasingly hard to source. It is important to note that this card requires compatible PCMCIA hardware and period-appropriate operating system drivers, so it is not a solution for modern computing needs.

Specifications

Brand

Intel

Model

MBLA1656

Type

PCMCIA Networking Card

Modem Speed

56K / 14.4K

Ethernet

10/100BT LAN

Condition

New, Factory Sealed

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Combines modem and Ethernet into a single card, freeing up the second PCMCIA slot
10/100 Ethernet provides wired LAN speeds up to 100 Mbps
Factory-sealed genuine retail packaging ensures unused, original-condition hardware
Useful for maintaining or restoring legacy laptop systems that rely on PCMCIA networking

👎 Cons

56K modem technology is obsolete and dial-up service is nearly unavailable
Only compatible with laptops that have PCMCIA Type II slots, which modern machines lack
Driver support for current operating systems is unlikely
10/100 Ethernet is slow by current standards, with no gigabit capability

Frequently Asked Questions

What two types of connectivity does this card provide?

It combines a 56K/14.4K dial-up modem and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN connection in one PCMCIA Type II card, giving a laptop both wired network and phone-line internet access.

What PCMCIA slot type does this card require?

It requires a standard PCMCIA Type II (PC Card) slot, which was common on laptops manufactured through the mid-2000s.

Will this card work with modern laptops?

No. Modern laptops do not include PCMCIA slots. This card is intended for older laptops with PCMCIA Type II slots and compatible operating systems.

What operating systems support this card?

The Intel Pro PCMCIA cards were designed for Windows-based systems of their era. Driver availability for modern operating systems is extremely limited.