Synology’s specialization in Network Attached Devices has stormed the storage world. It came into people’s attention with the optimized data storage feature and added functionality layers in the drives. There are basically two types of products of Synology, one is the DiskStation and the other is RackStation. The former is for domestic and the latter is for business purposes.
Now let us have look at the Synology setup in detail. With the help of the setup procedure that we will discuss below, you will be able to construct your own home or workplace server. All you need to do is to follow every step carefully and attentively.
How to Setup Synology NAS?
Here is all the necessary information that will be helpful for you to set up the Synology NAS. As it has the superior ability to transcode files, you will be able to stream videos as well as applications. Before starting the procedure, make sure your system is correctly compatible with the device.
Initiating the Physical Setup Process
Check whether all the necessary components like the device itself, power cable, Ethernet cable, drive mounting screws and the others are in the correct order. In addition to that, you will also be having the hot-swipe drive bay trays. When everything is ordered, opt for the next procedure that is given below.
Select the Hard Disk Drives
In order to experience the optimum NAS performance, we strongly suggest you to get a couple of budget-friendly brand new hard drives. Make sure that you buy them carefully depending upon the NAS design. Moreover, you can also use desktop hard drives to set up the device at a minimum budget.
As there are various sections in the device, we suggest you use the official drag and drop RAID calculator. It will generally help you to observe different types of disk drive combination patterns that use different types of space. Moreover, with the RAID technology, you will be able to expand your storage in the future.
Addition of the Hard Drives
In order to insert the hard drives, remove the top cover of the device and they drive bays will eventually pop up. Open the faceplate and you will see that the plate is held by thick rubber. It should open up effortlessly.
Observing carefully, you will be able to see there are tabs present at each drive bay. Just give a gentle push to the tab to open the tray. Now insert the disk drives close the faceplate. If you use laptop hard drives, then you have to use the screws of hot-swipe trays that will resist them from sliding around.
Placing your NAS
Select a good and safe place where you will place the device. Sneak peek at the back and check whether you have attached all the cables correctly or not. If all is well, then place it to its desired area. Before selecting an area, make sure that you can connect the power and two Ethernet cable comfortably.
Configuring the Device
After wiring up the NAS device, as no other types of equipment available and you have to power it on for the first time by pressing the power button. Wait for some time as the NAS device boots up. Now connect the device to the computer and open the default browser. Go to the official website to find the device.
After the Web Assistant of Synology opens, click on “Connect” to the start of the configuration procedure. Select a name for your server and choose the “Blackbox” or “Diskstation” depending upon the type of NAS you are using. We advise you to use select a short name of the server. After that, create a strong password to ensure the safety of your server.
Now “Create your administrator account” page will show up. Fill up the blank spaces and make sure that your password strength bar shows green color. Tick the checkbox about sharing your device and hit “Next”.
After that, in the “Set up QuickConnect” page, enter the correct credentials and select the first radio button. You need to install all the recommended Synology packages that are given in the package window. Click on “Install” and wait for some time for the task to complete.
Exploring the Server
After the previous step is successfully complete, you will now be able to explore the server. There are a few important areas like “Desktop” where you will get to access all the applications that are pre-installed. You can also have access to all the applications from the shortcut or the notification that is present at the upper right corner. If you want to check the health of the system as well as the server hard drives, then access the resource monitor that is present at the below right corner.
On the left side of the desktop window, you will be having the main menu as well as the short cuts. The start button is at the top left of the screen. If you want to use the frequently used applications, then you will eventually see it on the Explorer window. The package center will help you to install the latest updates. The file station will allow you to access the files on the hard drives. And the Control Panel will allow you to manage the system as well.
FAQs
How long does the Synology NAS last?
Ans: The NAS device will give you service depending upon your usage. On an average basis, it lasts up to 3 years. If you are willing your function your hard disk drives all day long, then you might have to change them soon.
Can you run NAS and access the HDD without an internet connection?
Ans: Of course, you can access run the NAS and access its hard drives without the help of an internet connection. As you already know that the NAS device is a server that eventually stores data, so internet connection is not mandatory. If you are willing to upload something directly from any website, then you will need an internet connection.
