A Beginner’s Guide to Synology NAS

Introduction: Why Choose a Synology NAS?

When it comes to Network Attached Storage (NAS), Synology is one of the most popular and user-friendly brands on the market. Known for its robust software ecosystem, ease of use, and impressive features, Synology is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced users alike. This guide will help you understand how to choose the right Synology NAS, set it up, and make the most of its powerful DiskStation Manager (DSM) software.

Choosing the Right Synology NAS for You

Selecting the perfect Synology NAS can be a daunting task, especially with so many models available. Here’s how to choose the one that’s right for you:

• Determine Your Needs: Start by defining what you want to achieve with your NAS. Are you planning to use it primarily for media streaming? Backing up multiple devices? Running virtual machines or Docker containers? Your intended use will influence your choice of model.
• Number of Drive Bays: Synology NAS models range from 1-bay to 12-bay (or more). If you’re a home user who needs basic data redundancy, a 2-bay model like DS220+ might suffice. For businesses or users needing more storage or RAID configurations, a 4-bay or 6-bay model like DS920+ or DS1621+ could be ideal.
• Performance Requirements: The power of the CPU and the amount of RAM will dictate the performance of your NAS. For tasks like 4K transcoding, virtualization, or handling a large number of concurrent users, look for a model with a quad-core CPU and at least 4GB of upgradable RAM. Plus series and XS series models generally offer higher performance.
• Budget: Your budget will also influence your choice. Synology offers entry-level models like the DS120j for basic needs, as well as more powerful solutions like the DS1821+ for advanced users.

Setting Up Your Synology NAS

Once you’ve chosen your Synology NAS, it’s time to set it up. Synology has made this process straightforward, even for beginners.

1. Physical Setup

• Install Hard Drives: Open the front panel or drive bays, insert your hard drives, and secure them. Make sure you are using NAS-certified drives like WD Red or Seagate IronWolf for optimal performance and longevity.
• Power and Network: Connect your NAS to a power source and connect it to your router using an Ethernet cable.

2. Initial Configuration

• Accessing DSM: Open a web browser and go to http://find.synology.com or use the Synology Assistant app to detect your NAS on the network. Follow the on-screen instructions to initialize your NAS and install DSM 7.2.2.
• Create Volumes and Storage Pools: Use the Storage Manager in DSM to create a storage pool and set up a RAID configuration, if desired. Consider using Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) for flexibility, especially when using drives of varying capacities.
• User Accounts and Permissions: Set up user accounts for everyone who will be using the NAS. DSM makes it easy to assign different permission levels to keep sensitive data secure.

The Robustness of Synology DSM 7.2.2

DiskStation Manager (DSM) 7.2.2 is the heart of every Synology NAS, and it’s what sets Synology apart from the competition. DSM is a web-based operating system that offers a polished, user-friendly interface loaded with powerful features.

1. User-Friendly Interface

DSM’s interface feels much like a traditional desktop environment, which makes it easy for users to navigate. You can quickly access settings, install applications, and manage files through the intuitive dashboard.

2. Storage and Backup Solutions

• Hyper Backup: This feature allows you to create multi-version backups of your data to an external device, another Synology NAS, or even to a cloud service.
• Snapshot Replication: Snapshot Replication enables you to take snapshots of shared folders and iSCSI LUNs, providing a way to quickly recover data after accidental deletions or ransomware attacks.
• Synology Drive: Synology Drive turns your NAS into a private cloud, allowing you to synchronize and share files across multiple devices. It’s similar to Google Drive or Dropbox, but you have complete control over your data.

3. RAID Options for Synology NAS

Synology offers a variety of RAID options that cater to different needs, from redundancy to maximizing storage efficiency:

• RAID 1: This mirrors data between two drives, providing redundancy. It’s ideal for users who want their data to be safe from single drive failure.
• RAID 5: Requires at least three drives and stripes data across them, offering both redundancy and storage efficiency. RAID 5 is popular for balancing cost and redundancy.
• RAID 6: Similar to RAID 5 but with an additional parity block, allowing for two drives to fail. This is ideal for setups requiring higher levels of data safety.
• RAID 0: Stripes data across multiple drives for maximum speed and storage capacity but offers no redundancy. Not recommended for important data.
• Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR): SHR is Synology’s proprietary RAID configuration that makes managing drives and maximizing space easy, even if the drives are of different sizes. SHR allows you to combine drives of different capacities while ensuring redundancy, making it more flexible than traditional RAID setups. SHR is perfect for beginners because it automates the complex RAID calculations and ensures efficient use of disk space without compromising on data protection. For example, if you use drives of 2TB, 4TB, and 6TB, SHR will utilize the most of the available space while still maintaining redundancy.

Multimedia Management

• Synology Photos: Replacing the earlier Moments and Photo Station applications, Synology Photos offers a unified platform for managing and sharing photos. It features AI-powered organization, facial recognition, and seamless sharing capabilities, making it an excellent tool for both personal and professional use.
• Audio Station and Video Station: Synology also offers its own suite of media apps. Audio Station is great for managing and streaming your music collection, while Video Station lets you organize and stream videos across devices.

4. App Ecosystem and Expandability

DSM includes a Package Center that offers a wide range of apps for different uses:

• Docker: Allows you to run containerized applications.
• Virtual Machine Manager: For running Windows, Linux, or even another instance of DSM in a virtual environment.
• Surveillance Station: If you have IP cameras, you can use Surveillance Station to turn your NAS into a full-fledged home security solution.
• Active Backup for Business: This application allows centralized backup for PCs, servers, virtual machines, and SaaS applications, providing comprehensive data protection for home and small businesses.

Security Features in DSM

Security is a major concern for many users, and DSM does a great job providing robust security features:

• Two-Factor Authentication: Enable this for an extra layer of security when accessing your NAS.
• Firewall and IP Block: Configure DSM’s built-in firewall and enable auto-block to secure your NAS from unauthorized access.
• QuickConnect and VPN Server: QuickConnect allows you to access your NAS from anywhere without setting up complicated network configurations, while the VPN server can turn your NAS into a private VPN service.
• Secure SignIn: This new feature adds more control by using hardware keys or FIDO2 for even greater protection.

Maximizing Your Synology NAS

Here are some additional tips to get the most out of your Synology NAS:

• Remote Access: Use QuickConnect or set up DDNS (Dynamic DNS) for easy access to your files from anywhere.
• Mobile Apps: Synology offers various mobile apps like DS File, DS Audio, DS Video, and Synology Photos to help you manage and access your files on the go.
• Upgrade Hardware: Some models, like the DS920+, allow you to add more RAM or even an SSD cache to boost performance.
• Backup Your NAS: Always remember to have an off-NAS backup, like to a USB drive or cloud storage, to protect against hardware failure.

Conclusion

A Synology NAS can transform how you manage and access your data, providing a powerful yet user-friendly platform for storage, media streaming, backups, and more. DSM 7.2.2, with its rich features and stability, is what truly makes Synology NAS stand out. Whether you are a beginner looking for a reliable way to store and share family photos or a tech enthusiast wanting to run Docker containers, Synology has a solution that fits your needs.

Ready to take control of your data? Synology makes it easier than ever to create a private cloud that works for you.

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Got questions or want to share your own Synology NAS setup tips? Leave a comment below! Let’s discuss the best ways to use Synology NAS to its fullest potential.