Organize your network setup step by step.
Organize your network setup step by step.
You only briefly explored vLan recently because of another discussion, and I'm still trying to understand it. Clearly, you think it's different from what I'm seeing. Still, it seems like it forms a fully isolated LAN between those two devices, cut off from the rest of the network.
Both devices would operate on distinct networks. One offers internet connectivity while the other establishes a direct one-to-one link between them. A dedicated switch is only necessary if you plan to connect more than two computers, though this approach demands two network cards for each machine. It could be more cost-effective than a switch in some cases. Modern motherboards sometimes include dual connections built-in. Unless your internet speed exceeds 1 Gbps, this shouldn't pose a problem
I have a comparable configuration with a 1Gbps router connected to a 2.5Gbps switch. The devices linked to the switch can exchange data at 2.5Gbps rates. This happens because the traffic bypasses the router entirely—only the switch handles the routing. It’s useful to understand that today’s routers manage multiple devices simultaneously. The Ethernet ports on the router function as part of the switch itself. The router component provides IP addresses and directs data packets accordingly. If I control traffic at an intersection, the limitation to 30kph doesn’t reflect the actual speed of the cars being guided. The actual speed is set by the switch’s capabilities, not the router’s output.
You can't establish a link between two machines using a USB cable. An alternative would be to purchase two USB Ethernet modules, insert them into the corresponding ports, and then connect the modules via a standard Ethernet cable. Even basic USB 3.0 ports offer speeds up to 5 Gbps, so suitable USB Ethernet cards should be available. However, this approach might be costly and may not be compatible with your NAS. Additionally, USB connections typically demand more processing power. The distance between the devices also matters—short ranges (3-5 meters) can work with DAC cables, while longer distances require fiber or multiple transceivers. For NAS systems running Linux, any 10G SFP network card works, such as Mellanox ConnectX-3, Intel X520, or Intel X710 models. On the computer side, you'll need to choose more carefully since older X520 cards aren't supported in Windows 10 or 11, though newer X710 cards remain viable.