Need to enhance the file-sharing network for quicker uploads and downloads.
Need to enhance the file-sharing network for quicker uploads and downloads.
Hi everyone, My Dad operates a modest business and requires improvements to his existing file-sharing setup. He has around 12 computers that need to connect to the network for efficient uploading and downloading at high speeds simultaneously. I’d appreciate anyone willing to clarify the necessary upgrades for faster data transfer. Key points: No internet access allowed on each device (essential), budget-friendly solution isn’t desired, no expectation of 10 gigabit connections, consistent performance is required, and we only need about 1TB of storage. Let’s focus on boosting transfer speeds. Thanks, Lucas Thomas
Need 10 Gigabit NAS, 10 Gigabit switch, and one 1 Gigabit NIC per computer (most have these since 2012). This setup could theoretically reach up to 833 Mbps per PC at once and 1 Gbps peak on each device, provided storage can handle it. If you opt for a cheaper 1 Gigabit NAS or switch, your simultaneous speed will drop to about 83 Mbps (10 MBps) across all devices.
I’m interested in knowing the expected data rate each machine should handle together. For instance, with 12 machines downloading/uploading simultaneously at around 10Mbit per second, your storage capacity would need a minimum of 1 gigabit connection. Your performance will be limited by the storage type—especially if multiple users are accessing different files on a single drive, causing I/O delays. More details would help refine this estimate. Generally, aiming for at least 10gigabit on your NAS makes sense, which would require a switch supporting a minimum of one 10Gb port.
I'm not aware of any suitable 10 Gigabit NAS options that fit a budget-friendly networking setup.
You can create your own setup with multiple SSDs connected in RAID, tailored to your storage needs. There are several NAS devices offering 10 Gigabit speeds available on platforms like Amazon or Google. I haven’t used any personally. You’ll also require a switch capable of 10 Gigabit connectivity, which tends to be more expensive depending on your budget.
The switch divides the 10Gb connection into multiple gigabit ports.
It will divide the 10 gigabit link among the active ports. Ports without traffic don’t affect the total bandwidth. For example, with 12 devices each using 1 gigabit at 12,000Mbps, the total would be 833Mbps per device if all are fully utilized. If no device exceeds its available capacity, one unit can achieve the full gigabit.