Skip to main content
Version: TOS 7

Network Interfaces

A TNAS device may be equipped with one, two, or more network interfaces. You can configure each network interface individually.

Interface Management​

  • Edit: Modify the parameter configuration of the network interface.
  • Obtain network configuration automatically (DHCP): DHCP is a network protocol for managing automatic IP configuration.
  • Configure network manually: Manually set the IP address, subnet mask, DNS server, and default gateway for the network interface.
  • Service Priority: When the TNAS is equipped with two or more network interfaces, or with a USB Wi-Fi adapter, you can set the service priority order of these network interfaces.
Note
  1. If you select "Obtain network configuration automatically (DHCP)", the IP address of TNAS may change every time the device restarts. It is recommended that you use the TNAS PC Desktop App to retrieve the correct IP address after restarting the TNAS device.
  2. When using two or more network interfaces simultaneously, the network interface with service priority 1 must be able to connect to the internet; otherwise, TNAS will fail to access the internet.

PPPoE​

When your Internet Service Provider (ISP) uses PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet), you can enable PPPoE in Control Panel > Network > Network Interfaces and fill in the account information, allowing the device to connect directly to the network without needing a router.

Bond​

When the TNAS is configured with two or more network interfaces, you can create a "Bond" for the network interfaces. By creating a Bond, you can assign different roles to the network interfaces to maximize their working efficiency.

There are four modes of Bond:

  • Self-adapting Load Balance
  • IEEE 802.3ad Dynamic Link Aggregation
  • Balance XOR
  • Active/Standby

OVS
If OVS is enabled, you can choose one of the following modes:

  • Balance-SLB
  • Balance-TCP
  • Active/Backup mode

Bond Management:

  • Create: Create a Bond.
  • Delete: Delete an existing Bond.
  • Edit: Modify the parameter configuration of the Bond interface.
Note

When creating or deleting a Bond, the IP address may change. The system will automatically redirect you to the new IP address. If redirection fails, please use the TNAS PC desktop client to log in to TOS again.
After deleting a Bond, the network ports used for the Bond will be released and assigned IP addresses.

Network Bridge​

You can combine multiple network ports of your NAS into a single logical network, allowing a computer to access the internet through the NAS while maintaining high-speed transmission with the NAS.

Network bridging works by merging multiple physical network interfaces into one logical network, enabling external devices (such as a router) to connect to a computer through the NAS. For example, when a router has only one available Ethernet port, and both the NAS and the computer need internet access, you can connect the computer to the NAS via an Ethernet cable, and then connect another NAS network port to the router using a second cable. In this way, the computer can access the internet while still maintaining high-speed data transfer with the NAS, enabling more efficient use of network resources.

Common Network Bridge Scenarios​

  • Network integration: Use a TerraMaster NAS device with multiple network ports. Connect two network interfaces to the router and the computer respectively, and configure them in TOS to form a virtual bridge network, enabling seamless communication between devices.
  • Temporary network expansion: When temporarily extending the network to devices that are difficult to connect directly to a router, the NAS network bridge provides a practical solution.
  • High-performance requirements: In scenarios such as video editing and data backup that require high bandwidth and low latency, a standard bridge ensures fast data transmission.

Network Bridge Configuration Steps​

1. Enable Bridge​

  • Connect one physical network interface of the TerraMaster NAS to the router, and another interface to the computer.
  • Log in to the TOS management interface, go to 【Control Panel】 → 【Network】 → 【Interface】, and click “Create Bridge” to enter the setup wizard.

TOShlep_Controlpanel_Networkservices_Network_Interface_001en.png

  • In the wizard, check “Enable Network Bridge”, select the two network interfaces to be bridged (e.g., LAN1 and LAN2), and add them to the bridge interface.

TOShlep_Controlpanel_Networkservices_Network_Interface_002en.png

  • Click “Confirm” and wait for the system message “Operation successful”. After creation, the original network interfaces will disappear, and the system will automatically generate a virtual network card starting with BR.

TOShlep_Controlpanel_Networkservices_Network_Interface_003en.png

2. Configure IP Address for the Bridge Interface (Optional)​

  • By default, the system obtains an IP address via DHCP automatically. You can also configure it manually, including IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS settings.
  • After configuration, click “Confirm” to save the settings.

3. Configure Computer Network​

  • Set the computer’s network interface to obtain an IP address automatically via DHCP, or manually assign a static IP address within the same subnet as the NAS.
  • After connecting to the NAS network interface, ensure the computer’s network adapter is set to DHCP or correctly configured with a static IP.
  • Check whether the computer has successfully obtained an IP address and verify whether internet access through the NAS is working properly.

Delete Network Bridge Steps​

  1. Select bridge interface: In the 【Interface】 page, select the bridge interface you want to delete.
  2. Click “Delete” or “Remove Bridge”.

TOShlep_Controlpanel_Networkservices_Network_Interface_004en.png

  1. Confirm operation: Carefully read the warning message in the pop-up window, ensure you understand the impact of the operation, and click “Confirm”.
  2. Wait for completion: The removal process requires system loading. Wait until the system displays “Operation successful”, indicating the bridge has been removed.
Note
  1. Wait for the operation to take effect: After creating or removing a network bridge, the system may need some time to complete the operation. Please wait until the “Operation successful” message appears. Once completed, you will be able to view the updated status of network interfaces (e.g., the state of LAN1 and LAN2 after bridging, or their restored default state after removal). During this process, avoid making other network changes to ensure successful completion.
  2. Performance impact: Network bridging may increase latency and load, especially under heavy traffic conditions.
  3. Network conflicts: If you manually configure an IP address for the bridge interface, ensure it does not conflict with existing network configurations to avoid communication issues caused by IP conflicts.
  4. Loop risk: Do not connect both bridged network interfaces to the same switch or router, as this may cause network loops, broadcast storms, and network outages.

FAQ​