> vPro requires the NIC to be connected directly to the PCH (over PCIe/CNV). This is going over USB, which won't cut it.

i see, i did not know about this.

however, let me use your knowledge and ask you another question: vpro-enabled thinkpads without an ethernet port do have a dongle that should allow vpro-usage.

is that some kind of vpro-specific dongle? i mean, iirc that dongle also has to be connected to a very specific port