Using Link Aggregation with WD MyColud PR4100

[Lloyd]

Hi All,

 

I recently purchased a MyCloud PR4100, which I understand supports Link Aggregation to allow faster transfers across a network.

 

My first query is - seeing as the laptop still only sports a Gigabit network port, would data transfer speeds actually be improved if I'm transferring data from my laptop to the MyCloud? For reference, I have a Dell XPS 15-9550 which I connect to my network via a Dell DA200 adapter.

 

Second query - were I to actually see faster transfer speeds between my laptop and the PR4100 via Link Aggregation, what network switch should I get? I'm partial to Netgear as 99% of the network gear in the house is from Netgear. So far the information I have read is not particularly clear which Switches support Link Aggregation.

 

Thanks for you help!

[Lloyd]

Does anyone have any advice regarding this?

[Gaub]

You won't see any advantages from your laptop but link aggregation would allow you to saturate gigabit connections to two clients at the same time. Even if a client had two gigabit adapters, you would only see gigabit throughput from the NAS to a client. If you do want to do it you would need a managed (smart) switch that supports link aggregation. Netgear makes them.

[Lloyd]

Excellent, thanks for the advice @Gaub! I suppose I won't bother then, as I'm the only person who'll be using it.