Network & Virtual Switch Quick Start Guide

Network & Virtual Switch is a built-in management tool for QNAP operating systems, allowing users to configure and manage network interfaces, virtual switches, and network settings for QNAP NAS.

The application integrates physical and virtual network environments, providing flexibility in managing network traffic, creating isolated networks, and optimizing performance for various networked applications. Network & Virtual Switch is essential for managing both local and virtualized networks in your network.

Operating system:

• QTS
• QuTS hero

Before using Network & Virtual Switch, ensure the following:

• You are a NAS administrator.
• All network interface cards and associated hardware are compatible and correctly installed. For details, see see Compatibility List.
• You have determined your desired network topology and configuration including IP address ranges, subnet masks, gateways, DNS servers, and network topology (including virtual switches, VLANs, and port trunking).
• You have gathered all the required network information, such as IP addresses, subnet masks, gateways, DNS servers, and credentials for network devices and services.
• It is recommended that you back up the existing network configuration to facilitate restoration in case of configuration errors. For details, see Backing up system settings.

There are two modes available in Network & Virtual Switch: Basic mode and Advanced mode. You can choose between basic and advanced mode to tailor the network settings interface to your experience level and specific configuration requirements. The available options, displayed information, and user interface elements will adjust accordingly.

Tip

To access advanced or basic mode settings, open Network & Virtual Switch and click either Advanced or Basic at the bottom of the side panel.

Basic mode

Advanced mode

This mode is useful for users who require detailed control over their network settings. It is suitable for complex network environments where customization and optimization of network traffic are necessary to meet specific requirements. Advanced mode enables the use of static routes and virtual switches.

Configure IPv4 and IPv6 settings

Setting up and managing Internet Protocol (IP) settings is crucial for ensuring your device is connected to your network correctly.

• IPv4: The most common protocol used for assigning IP addresses, ensuring compatibility with most networks.
• IPv6: A newer protocol, offering a larger address space and improved security features.

1. Log in to the NAS.
2. Open Network & Virtual Switch and go to Network > Interfaces.
3. Identify an interface and go to > Configure.
4. Select IPv4 or IPv6.
5. Configure the IP settings.
   • To configure IPv4 settings, see Configuring IPv4 settings.
   • To configure IPv6 settings, see Configuring IPv6 settings.

Control traffic paths with static routes

A static route allows you to define a specific route that network traffic should take. This is particularly useful in complex networks where certain traffic needs to be directed through specific gateways or interfaces.

You can use static routes to:

• Segment your network for improved security and performance.
• Distribute network traffic across multiple devices for load balancing.
• Create redundant routes to ensure network reliability.

To configure static route settings, open Network & Virtual Switch, enable Advanced mode, and then go to Network > Route. To create a new static route, click the Add button. Existing routing entries can be viewed in the Route page.

To configure route settings, see Configuring static route settings.

Access external networks with a system default gateway

The system default gateway is a virtual network setting that directs all outbound traffic from the NAS to external networks, such as the internet or other remote networks. This virtual gateway acts as the default pathway for the NAS to communicate outside its local network.

When accessing external resources, such as cloud services, remote backup locations, or external servers, the system default gateway routes traffic between the NAS and the network location of the external resource.

1. Log in to the NAS.
2. Open Network & Virtual Switch and go to Network > Interfaces.
3. Click System Default Gateway.
4. Configure the default gateway by selecting either automatic or manual gateway assignment.
5. Optional: Enable NCSI service.
   Note

   To compare NCSI settings across various QNAP NAS OS versions, see What are the differences in NCSI settings after updating to QTS 5.2.0 or QuTS hero h5.2.0.
   

To configure the default gateway, see Configuring the system default gateway settings.

Virtual switches enhance network flexibility and security by allowing you to segment network traffic, optimize resource usage, and manage multiple network interfaces efficiently. You can use virtual switches to connect VMs and containers to your physical network so they can communicate with other devices, access external resources, and provide services as if they were on the same network.

• Create isolated network segments: Set up separate virtual networks to keep certain devices or services secure and isolated from others.
• Bridge physical and virtual networks: Link your virtual machines or containers with your physical network, allowing seamless communication between them.

1. Log in to the NAS.
2. Click Advanced on the side panel.
3. Go to Network > Virtual Switch.
4. Click Add.
   The Create a Virtual Switch window appears.
5. Select a virtual switch configuration mode.
6. Configure the virtual switch settings.

To create a virtual switch, see "Virtual switch configuration" in the the QTS User Guide or QuTS hero User Guide.

LAN switching directs data within a local network, ensuring efficient communication between devices. Key technologies like VLANs (virtual local area networks) and port trunking enhance LAN switching by allowing network segmentation and increasing bandwidth. VLANs create isolated segments within the network, improving security and traffic management, while port trunking combines multiple network links to boost performance and provide redundancy.

To configure port trunking and VLAN settings, see LAN switching configuration.

You can configure and manage your device's Wi-Fi connections in Network & Virtual Switch. Configuring Wi-Fi allows you to connect to networks without physical cables.

1. Log in to the NAS.
2. Open Network & Virtual Switch, go to Network > Interfaces > Wi-Fi.
3. Click Add Wi-Fi.
4. Configure the wireless network settings:
   • Enter the wireless network name (SSID).
   • Select the encryption type (The WPA2-Personal encryption is recommended).
   • Enter the network password.
5. Click Connect.

To configure wireless settings, see Wireless network configuration.

Configure IP addressing services for automated network configuration

IP addressing services establish the foundational infrastructure for network communication by assigning unique numerical identifiers to devices. Services such as DHCP can automate the process of allocating IP addresses to network devices, and DDNS can facilitate the resolution of domain names to dynamically assigned IP addresses.

Connect your computer to the NAS using USB QuickAccess

The USB QuickAccess feature allows you to connect a computer directly to the NAS using a USB cable, providing an alternative method of accessing the NAS’s data and services. This is particularly useful for quick, direct access to the NAS without relying on traditional network connections, making it an efficient tool for troubleshooting or data transfers.

Update network card firmware

Keeping your network expansion card firmware up-to-date is critical for maintaining network performance and security. Network & Virtual Switch allows you to update the firmware of installed network cards directly. Regular firmware updates ensure compatibility with the latest network protocols and improve the overall stability of your network connections.

For details, see IP addressing service configuration, USB QuickAccess Configuration, and Updating the firmware of a network expansion card in the QTS or QuTS hero User Guide.

Network addressing and identification

• DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System): Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) automatically updates a domain name's DNS records when an IP address changes, allowing for consistent access to a device with a dynamic IP.
• IP address (IPv4 and IPv6): An IP address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to each device on a network, facilitating the routing of data (IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, while IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses).

Network interfaces and connections

• Interface: An interface is a network connection point on a device, used for transmitting and receiving data between the device and the network.
• PCIe Wi-Fi: PCI Express (PCIe) Wi-Fi refers to a wireless network interface card that connects to a computer via a PCIe slot, enabling high-speed wireless connectivity.
• USB Wi-Fi: USB Wi-Fi refers to a wireless network adapter that connects to a computer via a USB port, enabling the computer to access Wi-Fi networks.
• USB QuickAccess: USB QuickAccess is a feature that allows direct access to a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device through a USB connection, bypassing the network for faster file transfer.

Network infrastructure

• LAN (Local Area Network): A network that connects devices within a limited geographic area, such as a home, office, or building, typically using Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
• WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that spans a large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs, often using leased telecommunications lines or satellite links.
• Wireless AP (Access Point): A device that enables wireless devices to connect to a wired network, providing a central hub for wireless communication within a LAN.
• Virtual switch: A software-based switch that facilitates communication between virtual machines or network interfaces within a virtualized environment, functioning similarly to a physical switch.
• System default gateway: The system default gateway is the router or network device that serves as the primary exit point for traffic leaving the local network, directing it to external networks such as the internet.

Network performance and optimization

• Trunking: Trunking is a method of combining multiple network interfaces or links into a single logical link, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy.
• Route: A defined path that network traffic takes from a source device to a destination device, based on the network's routing table.

Network connectivity

• Wi-Fi: A wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide high-speed internet and network connections over short distances.

• Network & Virtual Switch: Official QNAP landing page for Network & Virtual Switch
• Knowledge Base: Searchable database of FAQs, tutorials, and web helps
• QNAP College: Instruction video tutorials
• Download Center: Latest firmware files, hardware user guides, and other information available for download
• Compatibility List: Lists of network expansion cards that are compatible with QNAP devices
• QTS User Guide: Web help for the latest version of QTS, including a detailed chapter on Network & Virtual Switch
• QuTS hero User Guide: Web help for the latest version of QuTS hero, including a detailed chapter on Network & Virtual Switch