Discussing Linux Bridge topics Question about network bridging in Linux environments
Discussing Linux Bridge topics Question about network bridging in Linux environments
They are all linked to the 2.5 GB LAN. However, the PC and NAS are also directly connected to each other using a 25 GB link. Is this not what you intended? If you wish for all three devices to share 25 GB together, you should simply accept that the optimal choice is purchasing a switch. But if you only need the NAS and Windows desktop to communicate over 25 GB while still being part of the main network at 2.5 GB, then the solution I provided is the most effective and cost-efficient option.
I thought the original poster wanted a clear link between TrueNAS and Windows Desktop at 25GB. We should get a more detailed explanation of their needs.
Consider purchasing a switch? I need a 25-40Gb switch priced at $150 or less. That would be perfect. Also, please ignore rack size and management details. Not all devices should connect at 25Gb; only NAS and PC should be linked at 25Gb. A 2.5Gb connection is needed between the NAS and router (Proxmox box with OPNsense). I want everything connected on the same LAN—use a bridge on the NAS, with two NICs: one for 2.5Gb and another for 25Gb.
why waste money on 25GB NIC then? Ubiquiti has $50 2.5GB switches and im sure there are other affordable options microtik and others have affordable 10GB switches. https://www.servethehome.com/the-ultimat...rotik-qct/ so why spend the money and struggle with the goal of 25GB? just wait, it gets cheaper and easier for home setups if you wait and don't use the bleeding edge (I know 25GB isn't the fastest speed, but it's not common in homes) Are you trying to make a problem or solve one?
I believe my explanation matches your expectations perfectly. The idea is that all devices would share a common 2.5 GB LAN network. Every device would link to the internet through this same 2.5 GB connection. Additionally, there would be a dedicated 25 GB link directly connecting the PC and NAS. Both the PC and NAS would reside within the 2.5 GB subnet, as well as the 25 GB subnet. When mounting storage in Windows, you'd use the IP address of the 25 GB network, directing data through that larger interface rather than the smaller 2.5 GB one. This configuration has been in use for years—I previously had a 1 GB LAN setup, with my desktop connected via the motherboard Ethernet and a Proxmox box running TrueNAS. I also used a 10 GB NIC on both my desktop and Proxmox (which only TrueNAS could access), plus my PC and TrueNAS were on their own smaller subnets. All devices communicated with TrueNAS over the 1 GB link, except my desktop which had the direct 10 GB connection. My desktop could reach every other device and even connect to the internet at 1 Gbps, while the NAS could handle 10 Gbps traffic directly. I’m confident this setup aligns exactly with what you described.
Avoid any complications. I previously kept my games on a NAS, using a compact NVMe drive as a cache. The Primocache software proved extremely helpful. Its capacity was around 2.5Gb. The logic is to store all games on an NVMe or opt for a more affordable hard drive depending on the NAS specs. The benefit of the NAS storage comes from deduplication paired with a low-end virtual machine that refreshes game files. This keeps the cache updated with the newest versions. There are inexpensive 10Gb dual NIC cards on the market. If I acquired some: one bridged version offers 10Gb speeds, connected to my PC via another 10Gb card. In a Dell OptiPlex Micro it has 2.5Gb installed. It runs Proxmox, using my router as a virtual machine, effectively making the router the host. Linking to the NAS would require 2.5Gb and 10Gb connections. My goal here is to assess whether this setup works with mismatched speed NICs. It appears it does. Also, adding more switches increases cabling and clutter.
Someone interested recently purchased a quad 10 gigabit RJ45 NIC to connect into Truenas. It will act like a switch in general. I might have a direct link to the NAS on its own LAN, plus a bridge supporting 2.5Gb speeds. Ethernet is cheaper and simpler. I already have the cables. In the future, I could add a 10Gb NIC into a small micro with Proxmox and run it as a VM using a router as a host. I’m sure it will work fine; it needs a PCIe 6 pin power source, which is available. I plan to secure the side with a fan. I’ll also research a 2 x 10Gb card for the PC and confirm compatibility with Windows 11.
Connect the NAS and PC directly without any extra steps. Both systems will run on separate subnets—fast and standard 2.5 GB. Avoid treating TrueNAS like a network switch; it isn’t designed for that purpose.
I’ll set up a direct connection and also configure the bridge as discussed. This gives me the quad port NIC. For ISCSI updates, I’m using 10Gb through the LAN and another 10Gb for ISCSI access. My needs are limited to a 10GB NAS. The main issue is that Windows in Truenas is unavailable—files can’t be accessed there. It stays on and works reliably. This setup might seem risky from a security standpoint, but at home it seems safe. I’m skeptical about Truenas being easily compromised, though. I’ve looked at switch prices; with the ports and features I need, I could save money using affordable NICs. It would be a waste of money otherwise. If the NAS fails, I still have my single 8-port 1Gb managed port connected to my Proximos router.