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For large video files, first make sure the NAS, computer, and switch have negotiated the fastest link they all support. Then consider Large MTU on a consistently configured network or SMB3 Multichannel if both ends support it. Neither setting can overcome slow storage, a limited network path, or system bottlenecks—and SMB compression is unlikely to help with already-compressed video.
Check the network link before changing settings
Look at the negotiated Ethernet speed on both the NAS and the computer, and confirm that any switch or router between them supports the intended rate. A faster connection is useful only when every part of the path supports it. Synology recommends checking network status and, when practical, testing a direct NAS-to-computer connection; if that improves transfers, the intervening network equipment or its configuration may be the constraint. See Synology’s slow-transfer troubleshooting guidance.
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Moving from 1GbE to 2.5GbE or 10GbE is a hardware and topology change, not a universal NAS software switch. The NAS interface, client NIC, switch ports where used, and cabling all need to support the intended path. Check model compatibility before buying an adapter or switch.
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Set expectations for network speed versus copy speed
A faster link raises the network ceiling; it does not guarantee that the NAS can read or write a file at that rate. Microsoft gives approximate real-world SMB reference rates of 110 MB/s per 1Gbps of network bandwidth and 1.1 GB/s per 10Gbps. These are conditional estimates, not promised file-copy results: Microsoft says they assume no CPU, memory, storage, or network-error bottleneck. The NAS storage must sustain the workload too. See Microsoft’s SMB transfer troubleshooting guidance.
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Consider Large MTU only on a consistently configured path
Synology’s SMB settings documentation says Large MTU can improve speed and efficiency for large transfers by reducing the number of packets that need processing. It is a setting worth testing on a compatible network, not a guaranteed improvement: the vendor guidance does not establish a universal percentage gain.
MTU must be consistent across the devices on the relevant path. Check the NAS, computer, and intervening network equipment before changing it; adjusting only the NAS can leave the path mismatched. Consult Synology’s SMB settings page and its transfer troubleshooting guidance for the supported configuration.
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Choose between SMB3 Multichannel and link aggregation carefully
SMB3 Multichannel lets a compatible SMB client and server use multiple network connections. Microsoft describes bandwidth aggregation and fault tolerance as capabilities of SMB Multichannel; actual throughput depends on the available connections and the NAS and client configuration. See Microsoft’s SMB Multichannel documentation.
Do not treat SMB Multichannel and link aggregation as interchangeable names for the same feature. Synology describes them as different approaches and says Link Aggregation is not supported when SMB3 Multichannel is enabled in the documented DSM setting. Check your NAS and client documentation to see which configuration is supported. See Synology’s comparison of SMB3 Multichannel and Link Aggregation.
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Hardware examples are configuration-specific. QNAP describes a setup with a computer using two 2.5GbE ports and a NAS using two 10GbE ports that can reach a 5Gbps SMB Multichannel transfer rate. That is a vendor example, not a general speed guarantee for other devices or networks. See QNAP’s SMB Multichannel overview.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not expect SMB compression to speed up video
Video files such as MP4 and MKV are generally non-compressible for this purpose. Microsoft says such files will not see significant performance improvements from SMB compression. For moving video, prioritize the negotiated link, supported network configuration, and storage throughput instead.
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Diagnose a slow transfer after a network upgrade
- Verify the negotiated link. Check speed at the NAS and computer, then confirm that the switch or router and the rest of the path support it.
- Isolate network equipment. If practical, test a direct NAS-to-computer connection. An improvement suggests the intervening equipment or its configuration needs attention.
- Check MTU across the path. Confirm that the NAS, computer, and intervening devices use compatible, matching settings before evaluating Large MTU.
- Review SMB features. Confirm SMB3 Multichannel support at both ends and check whether your NAS permits it alongside the chosen link-aggregation configuration.
- Look beyond the network. Check whether storage performance, CPU or memory constraints, or network errors are limiting sustained transfers. A faster NIC will not make the storage system faster than it can operate.
Synology’s troubleshooting page recommends checking network status and using a direct connection to help identify whether network equipment is involved. Microsoft’s throughput estimates likewise assume that other system bottlenecks and network errors are absent.
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