Synology NAS Setup and Configuration

Jun 28, 2024

Synology NAS Setup and Configuration Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Objective: Walkthrough of setting up a new Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage) device.
  • Content: Full configuration from start to finish, including best practices and understanding the DSM (DiskStation Manager) operating system.
  • Resources: Written instructions and timestamps provided in the video's description for segmented learning.

Initial Setup

Hardware Preparation

  • Hard Drives: Insert hard drives into the NAS and lock them for protection.
  • Upgrades: Optional upgrades include additional memory (e.g., 8GB) and network interface cards (e.g., 10GbE NIC).
  • NVMe Drives: Used for caching or as storage pools.

Connecting the NAS

  • Connections: Plug in the power and network cable to the DS923+.
  • Finding NAS: Use find.sony.com or Synology Assistant, or an IP scanner to locate your NAS on the network.
  • Initial Setup: Agree to the terms, download the latest DSM version, and understand that all data on the current drives will be deleted.

DSM Operating System Configuration

User Account Setup

  • Create User: Set up a secure user account during the DSM installation process.
  • Privacy: Option to display device in the web assistant or keep it private.

Storage Pool and Volume Creation

  • Choose RAID Type:
    • RAID Options: SHR, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10.
    • Considerations: SHR for mixed-sized drives, RAID 5/6 for same-sized drives, redundancy capabilities.
  • Volume Creation:
    • Btrfs vs Ext4: Btrfs recommended for advanced features like snapshots.
    • Encryption: Optional encryption for volumes.

Storage Manager

  • Data Scrubbing: Schedule it quarterly or biannually.
  • HDD Health: Run SMART tests on new drives to ensure functionality.
  • NVMe Cache: Configure read-write or read-only cache for performance improvements.
  • Hot Spare: Optional hot spare configuration for RAID setups.

Users and Groups

  • Add Users: Create and assign users to groups.
  • Permissions: Manage access through user and group settings.
  • Home Folders: Enable user home service for individual storage spaces.

Shared Folders

  • Hierarchy: Use shared folders and subfolders to manage permissions and access effectively.
  • Settings:
    • Recycle Bin: Enable for accidental deletions.
    • Encryption: Optionally encrypt shared folders.
    • Data Checksum: Enable for data integrity and scrubbing.

File Access

  • File Station: Use to drag and drop files directly via the DSM interface.
  • SMB/CIFS: Enable for access via Windows Explorer or macOS Finder.

Network Configuration

  • Static IP: Recommend setting a static IP address for consistent network access.
  • Advanced Network Settings: Configure 10GbE connections and other network interfaces.

Security Settings

  • Account Security: Enable two-factor authentication for admin accounts.
  • Auto Block: Block IPs after multiple failed login attempts.
  • Firewall: Optionally configure for advanced security settings.
  • HTTP/HTTPS: Redirect HTTP to HTTPS for secure communication.

UPS Configuration

  • Importance: Protect NAS from power outages using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).
  • Setup: Connect via USB and configure shutdown settings based on battery levels.

Packages and Applications

Key Synology Packages

  • Synology Drive Server: Sync files between NAS and other devices.
  • Synology Photos: Backup photos and videos from mobile devices.
  • Virtual Machine Manager: Run virtual machines on NAS.
  • Container Manager: Manage Docker containers.

Data Protection Applications

  • Snapshot Replication:
    • Setup: Create snapshots for point-in-time restoration.
    • Retention: Configure retention policies to manage snapshot versions.
  • Hyper Backup:
    • Setup: Backup data to USB drives, NAS, or cloud storage.
    • Encryption: Optionally encrypt backups for security.

Remote Access

Methods

  • VPN: Preferred method for secure remote access (OpenVPN, WireGuard, TailScale).
  • QuickConnect: Easiest but less performant method using Synology's relay service.
  • DDNS: Configure Dynamic DNS for accessing NAS via external IP.

Final Tips and Best Practices

  • Recycle Bin Schedule: Automate emptying to manage storage space.
  • Notifications: Set up email notifications for system alerts and issues.

Additional Resources and Tutorials

  • Various tutorials and videos on advanced features and configurations available in the video's description.

Full transcript