How to Install Your Synology NAS

Setting up your Synology NAS is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Install the Hard Drives

  1. Access Drive Bays: Locate the drive bays at the front of your Synology NAS. Some models have a removable front panel.
  2. Insert Drives:
    • Remove Drive Tray: Pull out the drive tray.
    • Mount Drive: Place your hard drive into the tray and secure it. For 2.5-inch drives, use screws as indicated.
    • Reinsert Tray: Slide the loaded tray back into the NAS.
  3. Repeat: If using multiple drives, repeat the process for each.

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Step 2: Connect to the Network

  1. Power On: Turn on your NAS.
  2. Network Connection: Use an Ethernet cable to connect the NAS to your router for a stable connection.
  3. Access via Browser:
    • On a computer connected to the same network, open a web browser.
    • Navigate to find.synology.com.
    • Your NAS should appear; click ‘Connect’ to proceed.

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Step 3: Install DSM (DiskStation Manager)

  1. Start Installation: After connecting, click ‘Install’ to begin setting up the DSM software.
  2. Automatic Installation:
    • Select the automatic installation option.
    • Note: This process will erase all data on the installed drives.
    • Click ‘Next’ and then ‘Confirm’ to proceed.
  3. Wait: The installation will take approximately 10 minutes.

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Step 4: Configure System Settings

  1. Device Name: Assign a name to your NAS; this will be visible on your network.
  2. Administrator Account:
    • Create an admin username and a strong password.
    • Store these credentials securely.
  3. Update Preferences: Choose your preferred update settings:
    • Automatic Updates: Recommended for essential DSM and package updates.
    • Manual Updates: If you prefer to control the update process.
  4. Finalize: Complete the setup to access the DSM desktop.

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Step 5: Set Up Storage Pool and Volume

  1. Open Storage Manager: In the DSM, navigate to ‘Storage Manager’.
  2. Create Volume:
    • Click on the ‘Volume’ tab and select ‘Create’.
    • Setup Type: Choose ‘Better Performance’ for a single volume or ‘Higher Flexibility’ for multiple volumes.
    • RAID Configuration: For automatic setup, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) is recommended.
    • Select Drives: Choose the drives to include in the volume.
    • File System: Opt for Btrfs for advanced features.
  3. Initialize: Proceed with the setup. The NAS will perform a parity check but remains usable during this process.

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Step 6: Create Shared Folders

  1. Access Control Panel: Go to the ‘Control Panel’ in DSM.
  2. Shared Folder:
    • Click on ‘Shared Folder’ and then ‘Create’.
    • Name and Description: Enter a name and description for the folder.
    • Volume Selection: Choose the appropriate volume.
    • Permissions: Set user access rights as needed.
  3. Finalize: Complete the creation process.

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Step 7: Enable External Access

  1. QuickConnect Setup:
    • In the ‘Control Panel’, navigate to ‘External Access’ under ‘Connectivity’.
    • Go to the ‘QuickConnect’ tab and enable QuickConnect.
    • Synology Account: Sign in or create a Synology account if prompted.
    • QuickConnect ID: Create a unique ID for remote access.
  2. Access Your NAS Remotely:
    • On external devices, use the QuickConnect ID to access your NAS via Synology’s mobile apps or through a web browser.

By following these steps, your Synology NAS will be set up and ready to use. For more detailed instructions, refer to Synology’s official documentation.