Yes, NAS typically uses the internet for updates, remote access, and cloud services.
Yes, NAS typically uses the internet for updates, remote access, and cloud services.
A NAS is generally reached via your home network, making your internet connection speed less important. The key factor is your local network performance.
Internet connection doesn’t necessarily mean NAS (network attached storage) involvement unless you intend to share data beyond your local network. This is definitely feasible and a common scenario, though it isn’t mandatory. If you’re not sure how you’re handling things and can’t adequately protect your setup (like using a VPN on your home network), it’s best not to expose a NAS publicly. The DNS settings shouldn’t affect your ability to stream or play online games simultaneously—they’re mainly for translating IP addresses, not controlling real-time performance. When you type a website like google.com, the DNS handles the translation to an IP address, but once that’s set up, it doesn’t interfere with streaming or gaming. Just a heads-up—maybe luck played a role here!
You're asking if upgrading your modem really makes a difference for internet speed. It's understandable—most people think it's all about the ISP side, not the client. A better modem could help manage traffic more efficiently among devices, but its actual impact on download or upload speeds is usually minimal unless you're dealing with heavy usage. Your experience with satellite internet being slow and having a poor cap also highlights how important a reliable connection can be. If you're still stuck with limited speeds, it might be worth exploring other solutions beyond just the modem. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
The modem handles connections to just one device from the ISP. Your router—possibly integrated with your modem if you have a combo unit—divides the network into all connected devices, assigning each a unique local address. The router communicates with the modem as a single entity, which then connects to the ISP. You’re on the right path, though your understanding was slightly off. To clarify: modems can assist, but if speeds are poor, modern 10-year-old models should still work. Check your cellular service there; consider switching to a standalone plan if you have 5G access. It could offer better performance and lower latency.
Cell service is poor even without internet; you can’t browse the web on your phone. Right now I’m getting about 1 bar, which is usually between 1 and 2 bars—unless it’s an iPhone 11 or newer. I’ve been lying before realizing I found another way to connect: a modem that links to cell towers, giving a 10–50MB connection. But with my current signal, it probably won’t help much. It costs around $250 to set up and about $150 a month to use. Thanks for the advice!