Setting up a new Synology NAS
Overview
Setting up a new Synology Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a straightforward process that involves a series of steps to facilitate proper installation and configuration. The following guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to get your new Synology NAS up and running efficiently.
Step 1: Unboxing and connecting the hardware
1. Begin by unboxing your Synology NAS and organizing the contents.
2. Connect the power adapter to an electrical outlet and the NAS unit.
3. Attach one end of the Ethernet cable to the NAS and the other end to your router or network switch.
4. Power on the NAS by pressing the power button and wait for it to boot up.
Step 2: Accessing the Synology Assistant
1. Download and install the Synology Assistant software from the official Synology website.
2. Launch the Synology Assistant application.
3. The software will search for your NAS on the network. Click on the NAS device found and then click on the "Connect" button.
4. The Synology Assistant will map the NAS to a network drive for easy access.
Step 3: Initial setup using the DiskStation Manager (DSM)
1. Open a web browser and enter the NAS's IP address, or simply type "http://find.synology.com" to automatically redirect to the NAS setup page.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version of DiskStation Manager (DSM), Synology's operating system.
3. Create an administrator account by providing the necessary information (username, password, and email address).
4. Set up the name and description for your NAS.
5. Configure your network settings, including IP address, DNS server, and gateway settings.
6. If necessary, perform a disk check to ensure proper device functionality.
Step 4: Configuring storage and data protection
1. Use DSM's Storage Manager to create volumes on your Synology NAS.
2. Select the RAID type that suits your needs. Common options include SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID), RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the configuration.
3. If desired, set up disk encryption for enhanced data security.
Step 5: Install and configure applications
1. Browse the Package Center in DSM to find and install various applications to enhance the functionality of your NAS.
2. Install essential applications like File Station, Download Station, and Backup & Replication for file management, downloading files, and data backup.
3. Customize application settings based on your preferences and specific requirements.
Step 6: Create user accounts and shared folders
1. Create user accounts to manage access rights and permissions for different users or groups.
2. Set up shared folders to organize and share files across your network.
3. Configure folder-level access rights to specify who can read/write files or folders.
Step 7: Setup remote access and backup
1. Enable QuickConnect to access your Synology NAS remotely.
2. Set up Synology Drive to synchronize files across multiple devices.
3. Configure backup mechanisms to create regular backups of important data stored on the NAS.
By following these steps, you can successfully set up your new Synology NAS and start leveraging its robust features and capabilities. Remember to refer to the official Synology documentation or support resources for additional guidance or advanced configurations as needed.
