Do I need a switch or stand alone router

[Enquiries]

Hi.

I have a ds920+ and I am about to try set it up.
My home internet is thru a Telstra smart modem/router.
Is it ok to plug cable from NAS to this or do I need some thing in-between like a network switch or router for safety Privacy reasons.

Thanks very much for you help mate.

Cheers

[ed]

You can absolutely connect your DS920+ directly to the Telstra Smart Modem/Router via Ethernet for initial setup and use. The router will provide basic network connectivity, and the NAS will be accessible as long as both devices are on the same local network.

However, if you're concerned about privacy or network performance, a network switch could offer a few benefits, especially if you have multiple devices that need to connect to the NAS at once. A switch simply expands your network and allows multiple devices to communicate with each other at full speed without any slowdown. If you're not running out of ports on your router and don’t need additional devices connected directly to the NAS, the router should work fine on its own.

Here are a few things to consider:

Privacy/Security: If you're concerned about security, it’s best to ensure your router’s firewall is configured properly, and make sure your NAS has its own strong password and is on a secure local network. You can also use VPN or IP-based restrictions to limit who can access your NAS externally.

Performance: If you plan on transferring a lot of data or streaming content from the NAS, a dedicated switch (especially a 2.5GbE or 10GbE one, depending on your setup) can help ensure faster, more stable transfers between devices. A switch would be useful if you have multiple high-bandwidth devices connected.

In summary:

For basic setup and privacy: Plug the NAS directly into the router.
For performance and future growth (e.g., more devices or faster data transfers): Consider adding a switch to your setup.

[IsabellaBrown]

Hi.
infinite craft
I have a ds920+ and I am about to try set it up.
My home internet is thru a Telstra smart modem/router.
Is it ok to plug cable from NAS to this or do I need some thing in-between like a network switch or router for safety Privacy reasons.
Thanks very much for you help mate.
Cheers

You're good to go plugging your Synology DS920+ directly into your Telstra Smart Modem/router—no additional network switch or router is required. However, for better security and privacy, here are a few things to consider:

1. Basic Setup (Safe but Not the Most Secure)
Simply connect the DS920+ via Ethernet to your Telstra Smart Modem.
Log into the NAS (via Synology DSM) and configure network settings.
Ensure firewall settings are enabled within DSM.
Keep DSM and apps updated for security patches.
2. Enhanced Security Tips
If you’re concerned about privacy, consider the following:

Disable QuickConnect if you don’t need remote access.
Use a static IP for your NAS to avoid IP changes.
Change default ports (instead of 5000/5001, use something custom).
Enable firewall rules in DSM to restrict access.
Set up VPN access if you plan to connect remotely.
3. When to Use a Switch
If you have multiple wired devices, a switch can help expand ports.
A managed switch can add VLANs for better network segmentation (separating your NAS from other devices).
Otherwise, for basic home use, the router alone is fine.
Let me know if you need help with the setup or security settings!