How does data in a network flow? (Help me configure my network)

[Soogs]

Hi all

so currently I have the following set up at home.

I need to achieve 2 things:
-Mac Mini should only transfer internet data over the VPN router and only have local access to the LAN on switch 2
-best routes for data flow (Mac Mini is physically closer to switch1. does it matter where I connect it to? I only need to access the data on NAS2 so am I better off connecting it to switch2?)

Edgerouter x (192.168.1.1)
eth0 <--> Modem 1
eth1 <--> Modem 2
eth2 <--> VPN router <--> Mac Mini <--> Switch2
eth3 <--> WiFi AP
eth4 <--> Switch1 <--> Switch2

VPN router (192.168.4.1)
NAS1 (backup/timemachine)
Mac Mini

Switch1 (192.168.1.x)
PC
Link to Switch2

Switch2 (192.168.1.x)
Link from Switch1
xbox one
ps4 pro
android box
NAS2 (Media / File server)
Mac Mini

Hope this all makes sense.

Cheers in advance

Soogs

 

[Soogs]

Any chance you can do a diagram? They're so much easier to make sense of than a written explanation.

What switches do you have, are they managed?

switches are netgear 8p gb and a no name gb switch. both are unmanaged (as is there is no config and are just plug and play)

 

[Soogs]

Everything in the diagram is wired by ethernet. the pc can access the other NAS by wifi if necesary (or I can map the folders i need as drives on the mini and access the shares from there if there's a lot of data to move.)

how do i remove the default gateway from the mini to the switch?

many thanks

 

[Soogs]

I forgot to mention that the mac mini is running windows 10 but either way your advice has done the trick.

I can access both sides of the network and cant reach the internet via the switch (tested this by unplugging the vpn wire and the pc loses internet connectivity whist still accessing the lan on the switch!

thank you very much!