Network Port Trunking

[Enquiries]

Hello can you give me some advice on configuring and setting up Trunking on my Qnap NAS TS 464. I can use 2 ports on my switch and configure them for trunking eg:- ports 3,4. But is there settings on the NAS I need to setup to utilize both 1 Gb ethernet ports on the NAS to give me faster ethernet through put....Thanks

Switch is a TPLink TL-SG1016DE

[ed]

Thanks for your question! While setting up trunking on your QNAP TS-464 can enhance your network throughput, there's a simpler alternative you might want to consider: SMB Multichannel.

Why SMB Multichannel?
Simplicity: SMB Multichannel automatically utilizes multiple network connections without needing extensive configuration. It allows for higher throughput and redundancy by leveraging both Ethernet ports on your NAS seamlessly.
No Additional Setup: If both your switch (TP-Link TL-SG1016DE) and the connected PCs support SMB Multichannel, you can start using it right away without any complex setup.
If You Prefer Trunking:
If you decide to go ahead with trunking instead, please ensure that:

Switch Compatibility: Your TP-Link switch supports the trunking protocol you intend to use (like LACP).
PC Support: The PCs connecting to the NAS should also support trunking configurations.


Step 1: Configure the TP-Link Switch
Access the Switch Configuration: Log into the web interface of your TP-Link TL-SG1016DE switch.
Create a Trunk Group: Look for a section labeled “LAG” (Link Aggregation Group) or similar.
Select Ports: Choose ports 3 and 4 for trunking.
Set LAG Type: Typically, you would set this to “Static” LAG or “Dynamic” LAG (using LACP if supported).
Save Settings: Ensure you save your configuration.
Step 2: Configure Trunking on QNAP TS-464
Access the QNAP Interface: Log into your QNAP NAS.
Go to Network Settings:
Navigate to Control Panel > Network & File Services > Network & Virtual Switch.
Configure Port Trunking:
Click on Port Trunking on the left sidebar.
Select Create or Add to set up a new trunking configuration.
Select Ports: Choose the two Ethernet ports (1 and 2) you want to trunk together.
Set Mode: Choose the appropriate mode (e.g., LACP for dynamic or “Failover” for basic link aggregation).
Apply Settings: Save the configuration.
Step 3: Verify the Setup
Check Connection Status: After configuration, verify that both ports are active and correctly aggregated by checking the status in both the QNAP interface and the TP-Link switch.
Testing Throughput: You can use tools like iPerf to test the network throughput and confirm that you are getting the expected performance boost.
Additional Considerations
Switch Compatibility: Ensure that your TP-Link switch supports the trunking protocol you've chosen (like LACP).
Network Cables: Using good quality cables (preferably CAT6 or higher) can also help maximize your network performance.