You have several choices for enhancing your home network setup.
You have several choices for enhancing your home network setup.
The issue is that 1Gb isn't sufficient for my needs. Files are growing larger and performance is lagging, especially when accessing the NAS directly or using it as a gateway. Adding a network card solves part of it, but I'm unsure whether to install a managed or unmanaged switch or swap out the current RT-AX92U router. My setup uses Xbox and NAS connected through the router, with other devices via Wi-Fi. If replacing the router is necessary, I require at least four ports, with two dedicated to 2.5Gb speeds. Any recommendations or product suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
You might consider purchasing two 10g Ethernet modules. An Intel X540 with two RJ45 connectors costs under $50 – https://www.ebay.com/itm/355325033713. The limitation is Windows 11 compatibility, while your NAS likely doesn’t support it. The Intel X710 remains functional in Windows 11 but works only via optical connections. Here are some options for around $50 plus shipping: https://www.ebay.com/itm/284744788286. Transceivers are priced at about $6 each on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/115766267077 and a few meters of fiber is similarly affordable, with LC duplex under $1 per meter – for instance 20 meters for $15 at fs.com: https://www.fs.com/products/41734.html?a...3&id=18794. You can establish a direct link between your device and the NAS using one of the two 10g ports on each network card. Switches are available on Amazon and eBay with 2.5g and SFP+ ports starting near $35: https://www.amazon.com/STEAMEMO-2-5G-10G...0CYGXM1B4/ https://www.amazon.com/Umanized-2-5GBASE...0CKNWQKT6/ https://www.amazon.com/ienRon-Ports-2-5G...0CFTDLDQL/ https://www.amazon.com/TEROW-2-5G-Unmana...0CJXVJMJ9/ https://www.amazon.com/Port-Umanized-SFP...0C64N2QN7/ https://www.amazon.com/ienRon-Port-Unman...0CJNNWPL8/ Also, you can find dual 2.5g and SFP+ ports for roughly $35–45 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-2-5GBASE-T...B07B4QZ6QY. For higher speeds, some cards reach up to 25 Gbps, with Windows drivers available – around $55: https://www.ebay.com/itm/355423127637. Transceivers are also available; older LC duplex models cost between $15–20 each for short distances: https://www.ebay.com/itm/203009336519. One in the list supports up to 100 meters with OM4 fiber, 70 meters with OM3 fiber, and offers a cheap LC duplex connector. A datasheet is available here: https://network.nvidia.com/pdf/prod_cabl...ceiver.pdf