02-06-2025, 02:14 PM
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.
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.