Yes, you can use both Ethernet ports in Windows to boost speeds for your NAS.
Yes, you can use both Ethernet ports in Windows to boost speeds for your NAS.
Essentially, it depends on whether the NAS supports dual links; otherwise, it might only use one even if both are available. If this is possible, purchasing a separate PCIe NIC could be more cost-effective than upgrading to 2.5Gb. Of course, this assumes the NAS can handle higher speeds, which seems likely now.
This feature is known as link aggregation. It isn't supported on Windows Home or Pro versions; you'll need Windows Server or a third-party solution. It seems you'll require two Intel network cards, since the software is designed for Intel NICs.
This method involves linking multiple devices together. To use it, both your NAS and computer must be compatible, though it may not fully boost speed—there’s often some extra cost. Setting up a separate network for the devices can help avoid needing a more powerful switch.
I also checked online. It would work on my NAS, but the Windows PC would be tricky. I only needed it for moving large amounts of data from multiple drives to the new NAS—it’s currently quite slow. In a few days, it won’t even stand out because everything will be finished.